Don't Jump to Belbuca Before Non-Opioids for Chronic Pain

February 2016

The new Belbuca (bel-BYOO-kuh) buccal film will raise questions about using buprenorphine for chronic pain.

Belbuca will join Butrans as an approved option for chronic pain.

Buprenorphine is C-III...may have lower abuse potential than other opioids...and cause fewer withdrawal symptoms when it's stopped.

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Table of Contents

Cardiology Prevent Med-Related Problems to Reduce Heart Failure Readmissions
New Generics Alert Your Patients to Their Meds That Will Go Generic in 2016
Neurology & Pain Don't Jump to Belbuca Before Non-Opioids for Chronic Pain
Diabetes Caution about ketoacidosis, UTIs, and other serious ADRs with the SGLT2s
Diabetes Caution "Third-Party" Test Strips Don't Work With Most Glucose Meters
COPD Explain How Seebri and Utibron Stack Up Against Other Inhalers for COP
Vaccines Give injections in the right spot to avoid shoulder injuries
Fall Risk Caution About Falls with SELECTIVE Alpha-blockers
Cough & Cold Avoid ORAL Phenylephrine...but Suggest INTRANASAL for Some
Anticoagulants Don't Delay Restarting Anticoagulation in Atrial Fib Patients After GI Bleeding
Women's Health Don't Always Shun SSRIs During Pregnancy
Hepatitis C Be Aware of Possible Liver Failure with Viekira Pak or Technivie
Hyperkalemia Suggest Low-Cost Treatments for High Potassium