Purdue Pharma launches new dosage of Butrans

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Pharma on Thursday announced the launch of a new dosage strength of 7.5 mcg/hour for its Butrans (buprenorphine) transdermal system CIII, bringing the total number of strengths offered by the company to five.

 

Butrans — a schedule III extended-release opioid — is the first transdermal system that delivers seven days of buprenorphine, according to the company. It may be called into the pharmacy, and refills may be given up to five times over the a six-month period, though refill guidelines may vary by state.

 

"We are proud to reach this milestone with the Butrans Transdermal System," said Todd Baumgartner, M.D., MPH, VP of research and development and chief medical officer at Purdue Pharma L.P. "The new 7.5 mcg/hour dosage strength can be an important tool for physicians managing the treatment of appropriate patients with chronic pain; the 7.5 mcg/hour dosage strength provides added flexibility when titrating from Butrans 5 mcg/hour." 

 

Butrans is used to manage pain that's severe enough to require daily, long-term opioid treatment. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010.