Achieving value and sustainability in prescribing medication: consultation

Closes 8 Sep 2024

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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.
21a. Do you agree or disagree with the recommendation that buprenorphine patches should only be prescribed for an exception or indication named in this guidance?
21b. Do you agree or disagree with the recommendation to deprescribe buprenorphine patches in individuals where appropriate?
21c. Do you agree or disagree with the recommendation to only prescribe buprenorphine patches if no other item or intervention is clinically appropriate or available?
21d. Please provide any further comments on the recommendations for buprenorphine patches.