buprenorphine

[byoo-pruh-nawr-feen]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a narcotic analgesic, C 29 H 41 NO 4 , sometimes administered in the form of its hydrochloride and used for pain relief and as a treatment for opioid addiction.

buprenorphine

/ bjuːˈprɛnɔːfiːn /

noun

1. an opiate used medicinally as a powerful analgesic

Word History and Origins

Origin of buprenorphine¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The FDA has approved three medications to treat opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone.

From Salon

Medication-assisted treatment with medicines like methadone or buprenorphine is the standard of care for pregnant people with substance use disorders who are withdrawing because it can drastically reduce these health risks.

From Salon

Yet medicines like buprenorphine and methadone are not always available to pregnant people who are incarcerated.

From Salon

“Sometimes people who work in jails just don’t believe this is an appropriate treatment and they don’t want any opioids in their jail — even if it is methadone or buprenorphine treatment.”

From Salon

In the 20 years that Kim has been using buprenorphine, there have been several times where changes in her life, like her move, or changes in policy have abruptly cut her off from her medication.

From Salon