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It has been found to be effective in reducing the need to continue using heroin (buprenorphine maintenance) and also in helping people to withdraw from heroin and methadone. Buprenorphine is also prescribed to treat severe pain.

How effective is buprenorphine?

The effectiveness of any treatment, including for heroin or other opioid dependency (addiction), is more likely to be successful if it is part of a comprehensive treatment program.

Often, a range of factors contribute to an individual’s use of drugs. Thus, it is strongly recommended that those wanting to remain free of heroin engage in a treatment program that addresses the physical (the body), psychological (the mind) and environmental issues relating to the person’s drug use. This may involve combining several treatment approaches, such as buprenorphine maintenance, counselling, alternative or holistic therapies such as massage and naturopathic treatment; and developing a positive support network including peers, family and friends and support groups.

As with any type of treatment or approach to heroin dependency, buprenorphine maintenance may be effective for some people but will not suit everyone. A doctor or drug counsellor who spends time assessing the person’s specific situation and explaining different options will recommend an approach that is appropriate for that individual.

Advantages of buprenorphine maintenance treatment

There are many benefits of being on buprenorphine maintenance, when compared with continuing the use of heroin:

• Maintenance treatment holds the person stable while they readjust their lives. The person may decide later to work towards reducing their dose of buprenorphine until they no longer require medical 

• Maintenance treatment holds the person stable while they readjust their lives. The person may decide later to work towards reducing their dose of buprenorphine until they no longer require medical treatment.
• Using buprenorphine on its own is unlikely to result in an overdose.
• Health problems are reduced or avoided, especially those related to injecting, such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, skin infections and vein problems.
• Doses are required only once a day, sometimes even less often, because buprenorphine’s effects are long lasting.
• Buprenorphine is much cheaper than heroin.
• Staying off heroin can provide the opportunity to experience more ‘life opportunities’, such as. greater personal happiness, more close and stable relationships with others, employment and more money to buy goods for personal enjoyment.

What are the side effects?

Buprenorphine is generally well tolerated; however, some side effects have been reported. Most of these symptoms occur very early in treatment—in the first week or so. Side effects may be due to the combined experience of withdrawal from opioids and taking buprenorphine. It is important to report any side effects to a health professional.

The most common side effects are similar to those listed under the section ‘Buprenorphine withdrawal’.

Related issues

Before a person commences any drug treatment program, it is important that all the relevant information has been explained to them by a qualified health professional and, where appropriate, to carers such as family, friends etc. This includes the length of the program, how much it costs, what other supports are included or recommended, all the risks and side effects, and any other health issues to consider. When deciding on the suitability of buprenorphine maintenance, the following issues should also be discussed with a health professional:

• existing liver conditions, such as acute hepatitis
• respiratory illnesses
• if a woman is pregnant, wanting to become pregnant or breastfeeding (it has not been established that using buprenorphine during pregnancy is safe)
• buprenorphine may impair the ability to drive and operate machinery safely, so it may not be appropriate for people in certain occupations.

How is buprenorphine taken?