Buprenorphine and the transdermal system: the ideal match in pain management.

A system for the transdermal administration of the opioid drug buprenorphine has recently been introduced. Buprenorphine has physico-chemical properties, including a low molecular weight and high analgesic potency, that make it an excellent compound for transdermal drug delivery. The new technology (buprenorphine TDS, Transtec) is an advanced system that contains the active drug incorporated into a polymer matrix, which is at the same time the adhesive layer. The patch precisely controls the rate of drug delivery and produces stable plasma concentrations. It is available in three doses (release rates of 35, 52.5 and 70 microg/h), and the suggested duration of use per patch is three days. Buprenorphine TDS was developed for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain and severe pain which does not respond to non-opioid analgesics. Not only does this transdermal system provide excellent analgesia and a low incidence of adverse events, but its ease of use results in greater compliance. The patch provides excellent adhesion and has a low susceptibility to damage that might lead to toxicity or opioid abuse.