Achieving value and sustainability in prescribing medication: consultation
Buprenorphine patches
Recommendations
- prescribe only if for an exception or indication named in this guidance
- consider deprescribing in individuals currently prescribed this item where appropriate
- prescribe only if no other item or intervention is clinically appropriate
- prescribe only if no other item or intervention is available
Exceptions:
- 7-day transdermal patches (5 to 20 micrograms) when prescribed in line with SMC restriction: For use in elderly individuals (over 65 years) for the treatment of non-malignant pain of moderate intensity when an opioid is necessary for obtaining adequate analgesia.
- Individuals undergoing palliative care, where the recommendation to use buprenorphine 7-day transdermal patches in line with the Scottish Palliative Care guideline, has been made by a multidisciplinary team and/or other palliative care specialist.