What Is The Generic Name For Butrans?

Butrans is a brand-name patch used to treat chronic pain and opioid withdrawal. Its generic equivalent, simply called buprenorphine, works the same way and comes in the same doses. The FDA approved the generic version in 2020, and since then it has become a more affordable alternative for people who need this type of treatment.

Both versions deliver medication through the skin at a steady rate over seven days, and both are equally effective. The main differences come down to price, availability, and insurance coverage rather than how well they work.

Learn more about the benefits of using Butrans patches for opioid withdrawal

When Was The Generic For Butrans Approved?

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved the generic form of Butrans patches in 2020 and was manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals.

The FDA-approved the following doses of the generic form of Butrans:

• 5 micrograms (mcg)/ hour (hr)
• 7.5 mcg/hr
• 10 mcg/hr
• 15 mcg/hr
• 20 mcg/hr

The generic patches are approved for long-term opioid treatment and severe, around-the-clock pain.

Generic-Name Butrans Vs Name-Brand Butrans

Both generic and brand-name buprenorphine patches are available in 5, 7.5, 10, 15, and 20 mcg/hr doses. While the brand-name and generic forms of Butrans are effective medications, there are a few differences to note between the two.

Pricing

One of the benefits of choosing generic Butrans is the difference in pricing between generic and brand-name patches. While brand-name Butrans can cost upwards of $300 (closer to $900 for the highest dosage), the generic form of Butrans is much more cost-effective.

Generic buprenorphine patches cost as low as $60 for a four-pack of 5 mcg/hr of patches. The 20 mcg/hr patches are around $200 and are still significantly cheaper than brand-name Butrans.

Availability Of Generic Buprenorphine Patches

Since the generic form of Butrans was only developed in 2020, the generic form of Butrans patches has not reached every pharmacy and region across the U.S. yet. For many locations, only the brand name of Butrans patches is available. However, generic buprenorphine patches are continuing to commercialize and spread to more locations.

Insurance Coverage For Generic Buprenorphine Patches

Not all insurance companies extend coverage to generic-form buprenorphine patches. Part of the reasoning for this is because the generic form is not available everywhere. Depending on the state you live in and the specific health insurance plan you have, the insurance provider may only cover Butrans patches.

Is One Medication More Effective Than The Other?

There are differences between the generic and brand-name versions of Butrans in terms of availability, pricing, coverage by insurance, and other factors. However, both of these medications serve the same purpose and have the same level of effectiveness. Butrans is a patch containing buprenorphine, and the generic version is also a patch containing buprenorphine.

Get Butrans Treatment Today

For anyone with chronic pain, or the uncomfortable symptoms of opioid withdrawal, buprenorphine patches may be the right option. These patches are best administered under the guidance and care of an addiction treatment center. To learn more about treatment options for opioid addiction, browse our directory or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).