How to use Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch

Use this medicine in dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label before use. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Remove the protective liner of the patch. Do not touch the sticky side. With sticky side down, place the patch evenly onto the skin.

How Medicine Works

Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch is a opioid partial agonist. It prevents withdrawal symptoms in patients who stop taking opioid drugs by producing similar effects to these drugs. It also provides pain relief by acting on specific receptors in the brain that change how your body feels and responds to pain.

Expert Advice

• Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch should be used as advised by the doctor.
• You should change the patch every 7 days and apply a new patch to a new site.
• Do not expose the patches to a heat source.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness.
• It has a high potential for abuse, misuse, or addiction even at normal doses.
• Discontinue the medicine and inform your doctor if you experience difficulty breathing.
• Do not stop taking Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch without talking to your doctor first as it may cause a worsening of symptoms.
• Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
• To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
• Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness.
• Discontinue the medicine and inform your doctor if you experience difficulty breathing.
• Do not stop taking Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch without talking to your doctor first as it may cause a worsening of symptoms.
• Your doctor may get regular blood tests to check for liver function while taking this medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch used for?

  Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch is used to relieve severe pain when other pain medicines did not work well enough or cannot be tolerated. This medicine is not used for minor pain or pain that only sometimes occurs. It should not be used to treat pain that you only have once in a while or "as needed". It is also used to treat opioid use disorder.

• How to use Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch?

  Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch should be applied to a clean, dry, rash-free, hairless, or nearly hairless area of skin on the upper chest, back, or arm, or side of the chest. Only use water to clean the area of skin prior to application because other substances (such as soaps, oils, or gels) may alter the absorption of the drug. Discard used patches carefully and out of reach of children or pets. Keep in mind that the skin is not the same everywhere on your body. Be sure to place the patch according to instructions from your doctor.

• What precautions are to be taken while using Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch?

  Do not use the skin patch if it has been cut or damaged. Never wear more than 1 patch at a time unless your doctor has told you to. Do not apply the patch to parts of the body that is irritated, broken, cut, or damaged. Do not wear the skin patch on a part of your body where your child could reach or remove the patch from your skin. Avoid allowing children to watch you put on a skin patch. Never tell a child that this skin patch is a "bandage."

• What should I avoid while using Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch?

  Avoid sources of heat while wearing the patch. Do not use a heating pad or electric blanket, tanning bed, or sauna. Avoid sunlight, hot bath water, and vigorous activity. Heat can increase the amount of the medicine you absorb through your skin and may cause an overdose or death.

• Can I use one patch over another for better effect?

  If you’re using more than one patch at a time, never place one patch on top of another. The entire sticky side needs to be in direct contact with your skin. It is advisable to always consult your doctor in case you have any doubts regarding the usage of this medicine.

• I am not able to stick Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch onto my skin, can I use tape to stick?

  If in case you are unable to stick the patch onto your skin do not use any dressing or tape. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Can I take bath or shower while using Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch?

  Yes, you can have showers and even go swimming while using Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch but not for a long period of time. Check the patch is still on properly afterward and dry the area around the patch carefully. If your patch is missing, put another patch on a different part of your body and put the old patch back in the packet it came in. Use it as per your doctor's advice.

• I feel dizzy when I get up from a sitting position or when I walk down the stairs. Is it due to Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch?

  This medicine may cause a severe lowering of blood pressure, or a sudden drop in blood pressure when going from sitting to standing, especially if you are taking medications for high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor who might change your dosage.

• When to consult the doctor?

  Seek immediate medical help if you have shallow breathing, chest pain, fast heart rate, seizure, a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out), blisters, swelling, or severe irritation where the patch was worn, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or liver problems like upper stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

• Can I use Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch during pregnancy?

  If you use Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the medicine. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks.

• Can I use Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch while breastfeeding?

  Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch can pass into breast milk and may cause breathing problems or at times or life-threatening problems in a breastfeeding baby. Ask your doctor in detail about all the risks.

• How to safely store Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch?

  As with most medications, Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.

• Is Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch an opiate/ opiate blocker/ controlled substance/ pain killer/ addictive?

  Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch belongs to a class of medications called opioid partial agonist-antagonists, which is used to relieve pain. It is a controlled substance and an addictive drug. Consult your doctor for alternate drug if you experience addiction

• Does Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch block opiates?

  Yes. Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch block opiates

• Can Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch cause depression?

  Zuprinor 5 Transdermal Patch is not known to cause depression. If you experience such side effects, please consult your doctor.