How Long Does A Butrans Patch Take To Work?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on December 28, 2021

Butrans takes about three days to begin working. For some, it may take less time to kick in. If Butrans patches do not relieve pain, the prescribing doctor may adjust the dosage after 72 hours.

How Long Does Butrans Take To Work?

A Butrans patch will begin to work within three days. This is a slow-release medication, which means the effects are not instant.

The time it takes for the buprenorphine in Butrans patches to take effect can fall between a range of one to three days, depending on different physical factors.

The body needs to absorb enough of the medication to work, whether a person is just starting to use Butrans or there’s been a dose increase.

Learn more about using Butrans to overcome opioid addiction

When Will Butrans Start To Wear Off?

Butrans begins to wear off at the seven-day mark. This is why Butrans patches should be replaced with new patches after seven days.

If a new patch is not administered, the effects of Butrans will begin to wear off after one to three days.

This medication has a half-life of approximately 26 hours. After the patch is removed, buprenorphine concentrations decrease about 50% within 10 to 24 hours.

As long as Butrans patches are replaced once a week, the effects should not wear off or cause any symptoms of withdrawal.

How Long Does Butrans Stay In Your System?

After the last patch is removed, Butrans will remain in the system for about two to six days.

It can appear in drug tests for up to 90 days. Butrans can be detected in the urine and blood for six days, and in the hair for up to 90 days.

The length of time Butrans remains in your system depends on the following factors:

  • age
  • metabolism
  • kidney function
  • dose of Butrans
  • how long the patch was worn

What If The Butrans Patch Isn’t Working?

If it’s been less than three days, keep waiting for Butrans to kick in. Doctors administering Butrans patches must wait a minimum of 72 hours to adjust the dosage.

Here is what to do if you’ve been taking Butrans and it’s not relieving any symptoms of pain.

Talk To Your Doctor

If it’s been longer than three days and you still don’t feel the effects of Butrans, you may need a dose adjustment.

Butrans should not take longer than three days to provide pain relief. If the medication is not relieving any of your pain, contact your doctor and talk about changing the prescription.

Your doctor may also decide to start you on another pain medication while using Butrans.

Never Adjust Your Dose

Do not change your dose or apply two Butrans patches without the approval of your doctor.

Taking too much buprenorphine can result in extreme drowsiness, low blood pressure, and slowed or stopped breathing.

Get Butrans Treatment For Opioid Addiction

There is a range of addiction treatment available to those struggling with an opioid use disorder, including pain relief from Butrans patches.

Many of these programs utilize medication-assisted detox and behavioral therapies to take a holistic approach.

Reach out to our helpline to learn more about Butrans treatment.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on December 28, 2021
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