Sevodyne® is now NHSGGC preferred brand of buprenorphine 7 day transdermal patches
Key messages
- Reminder of place in therapy - Buprenorphine 7 day patches are currently included in the NHSGGC Adult (total) formulary restricted for use in treatment of chronic non-malignant pain of moderate intensity when an opioid is necessary for obtaining adequate analgesia. The formulary further restricts use to elderly patients (over 65 years) where standard analgesic options are ineffective or not tolerated.
- There are several brands of buprenorphine transdermal patches. They are not all interchangeable and can vary in relation to the frequency of application. To avoid confusion and the potential for dosing errors, buprenorphine transdermal patches should be prescribed by brand name.
- The preferred brand of buprenorphine 7 day patches in NHSGGC has changed and is now Sevodyne®.
- Patients currently on Butec® should be switched to Sevodyne® when they next request a medication supply in community or are admitted to hospital.
Further Information
Sevodyne® patches have identical pharmacokinetics, and are therefore bioequivalent to the previous preferred brand of buprenorphine 7 day patches (Butec®), and have a lower acquisition cost. They are available in the same range of strengths.
For more information on the management of chronic pain refer to the following guidelines:
Chronic Pain Management in Primary Care
Chronic Non Malignant Pain Opioid Guideline
Buprenorphine patches which are replaced after 3 or 4 days are available for other indications but remain non formulary in NHSGGC.
Published 04/10/2021. Links updated 16/03/2022.
Medicines Update blogs are correct at the time of publication.