Last Updated on July 26, 2025 by Analgesia team
Butec patches are a long-acting pain relief option containing buprenorphine, a partial opioid used for moderate to severe chronic pain. While not as potent as fentanyl, buprenorphine has unique properties that make it especially useful in older adults or patients who can’t tolerate stronger opioids.
Each Butec patch delivers a controlled dose of buprenorphine through the skin over a seven-day period. This slow, steady delivery helps reduce fluctuations in pain relief and avoids the need for multiple daily pills.
In the UK, Butec is commonly prescribed for non-cancer pain—for example, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, or nerve damage—especially when over-the-counter painkillers and milder opioids like codeine or tramadol are no longer effective.
Buprenorphine also differs pharmacologically from other opioids. It acts as a partial agonist, which means it activates the brain’s opioid receptors but to a lesser degree. This can reduce the risk of respiratory depression compared to full opioids, but it still carries serious risks—including withdrawal symptoms, side effects, and interactions with alcohol.
Butec patches are not for short-term use. They’re part of a long-term strategy for managing stable, chronic pain—not sudden or breakthrough pain.
What are Butec patches?
Butec patches are a branded, transdermal form of buprenorphine, designed to deliver pain relief continuously over seven days. They’re thin adhesive patches applied to the skin, slowly releasing the medication into the bloodstream to manage persistent, long-term pain.
The active ingredient, buprenorphine, is a partial opioid agonist—meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but doesn’t fully activate them like morphine or fentanyl. This gives Butec a unique balance of potency and safety. It’s strong enough to control serious pain but carries a slightly lower risk of dangerous side effects such as breathing suppression, especially at lower doses.
What are Butec patches used for?
Butec patches are licensed in the UK for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain that is not adequately controlled by non-opioid analgesics. Common conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic back or musculoskeletal pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Fibromyalgia (off-label in some cases)
They are not typically prescribed for cancer pain or acute pain, because of their slow onset and long duration.
How do Butec patches work?
Once applied to the skin, each Butec patch begins releasing buprenorphine steadily for seven days. It may take 12–24 hours to reach full effect, so doctors often recommend overlapping with short-acting painkillers during the first day.
Because the drug bypasses the digestive system, Butec patches are ideal for patients who:
- Have difficulty swallowing pills
- Experience stomach issues with oral opioids
- Need consistent, round-the-clock pain control
In summary, Butec patches offer a low-maintenance and reliable way to manage chronic pain—especially in opioid-tolerant patients who need continuous support without frequent dosing.
Butec patch strengths explained
Butec patches are available in multiple strengths, designed to release buprenorphine at a consistent rate over 7 days. Each strength is measured in micrograms per hour (mcg/hour)—not milligrams—though the box may show the total weekly content in mg as well.
Here are the available Butec patch strengths:
- 5 mcg/hour (≈ 5mg total per week)
- 10 mcg/hour
- 15 mcg/hour
- 20 mcg/hour
Each patch is replaced once every 7 days.
Choosing the right dose
Doctors usually start patients on the lowest effective dose, especially if they are opioid-naïve or elderly. The 5 mcg/hour patch is often the starting point. After assessing the patient’s pain control and tolerance, the dose can be adjusted in small increments, but not more frequently than every 3 days.
Dose selection depends on:
- Current or previous opioid use
- Body weight and metabolism
- Liver function
- Age and frailty
- Other medications (especially sedatives)
Some patients may use more than one patch at a time to reach the desired total dose, but this must be strictly managed by a healthcare provider.
Can Butec patches be cut?
No—Butec patches must not be cut, split, or tampered with. Doing so damages the time-release mechanism, potentially releasing the drug too quickly and leading to overdose or serious side effects.
If a lower dose is needed, switch to a smaller patch—not a smaller piece of the same patch.
Important reminder
Butec patches are not fast-acting. If immediate pain relief is needed, your doctor may prescribe short-acting opioids or other painkillers alongside the patch during dose titration.
Butec patch side effects
While Butec patches can offer effective pain relief, they can also cause a range of side effects—from mild discomfort to serious medical concerns. As with any opioid-based medication, close monitoring is essential, especially during the first few weeks of use or after a dose increase.
Common side effects
These are usually mild and may lessen as your body adjusts to the medication:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Dry mouth
- Skin irritation where the patch is applied (itching, redness, rash)
Serious side effects
Call a doctor or seek emergency help if any of these occur:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Severe confusion, fainting, or hallucinations
- Extreme drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Signs of liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine
- Allergic reaction: swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing
Skin reactions
If a rash or irritation occurs at the patch site, try applying the next patch to a different, hairless area. If the irritation persists or becomes severe, inform your doctor—it may be necessary to switch medications.
Long-term use risks
Like all opioids, prolonged use of Butec can lead to:
- Tolerance (needing higher doses for the same effect)
- Physical dependence
- Hormonal changes, including reduced libido or menstrual irregularities
- Mood changes or cognitive dulling
However, due to buprenorphine’s partial agonist profile, the risk of respiratory depression and overdose is somewhat lower than with full opioids like morphine or fentanyl—but it’s not zero.
Butec patch withdrawal symptoms
Butec patches, like all opioids, can cause physical dependence over time. This doesn’t necessarily mean addiction—but it does mean that if you stop using the patches suddenly or miss a dose, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Common withdrawal symptoms
When a Butec patch is removed or not replaced in time, users may develop:
- Sweating or chills
- Restlessness or agitation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety or irritability
- Dilated pupils and watery eyes
These symptoms usually begin 24–48 hours after the patch is removed and can last up to a week, depending on how long you were using Butec and at what dose.
Why withdrawal happens
Buprenorphine stays in the body for a long time, but once the steady supply from the patch is interrupted, your nervous system—now used to the drug’s presence—reacts with discomfort and overactivity. This is opioid withdrawal.
How to avoid withdrawal
To reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms:
- Do not stop Butec suddenly. Always taper under medical supervision.
- Never run out of patches—set reminders or use a medication calendar.
- Talk to your doctor if you want to reduce your dose—a gradual taper helps your body adjust.
- Avoid alcohol or sedatives, which can worsen symptoms and delay recovery.
If you accidentally remove a patch early or forget to apply a new one, contact your GP or pharmacist promptly for advice.
Butec patches and alcohol: a dangerous mix?
Mixing Butec patches with alcohol can be very dangerous. Both substances depress the central nervous system—slowing down breathing, heart rate, and brain function. When taken together, the effects can multiply unpredictably, leading to serious and even fatal outcomes.
What happens if you drink alcohol while using Butec?
Even small amounts of alcohol can:
- Increase drowsiness and sedation
- Slow your breathing—potentially to dangerous levels
- Impair coordination and judgment
- Heighten the risk of falls or accidents
- Raise the chance of overdose, especially in older adults or those on high-dose patches
NHS advice
According to NHS guidance, you should avoid drinking alcohol while using buprenorphine patches. If you choose to drink, it should be in very small amounts and only under your doctor’s advice. Some patients, especially those using higher-dose patches like Butec 20mg, are strongly advised to avoid alcohol completely.
Hidden risks
Many everyday products contain hidden alcohol—such as cold and flu syrups, mouthwash, or sleep aids. Using these while on Butec can unintentionally lead to dangerous interactions. Always read product labels or check with a pharmacist.
Who should not use Butec patches?
Butec patches are not suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions, drug interactions, or lifestyle factors can make buprenorphine dangerous or ineffective. Always speak to a doctor before starting Butec—even if you’ve used opioids before.
People who should not use Butec:
- Children and adolescents under 18 – Butec is not licensed for use in this age group.
- People with severe breathing problems – such as advanced COPD, sleep apnoea, or asthma.
- Anyone allergic to buprenorphine or patch ingredients.
- Patients with paralytic ileus (a serious gut condition that slows intestinal movement).
- Those with serious liver problems – since buprenorphine is processed in the liver.
Use with caution in:
- Older adults (65+) – more sensitive to side effects like confusion, falls, and sedation.
- People with recent head injuries – opioids can mask symptoms or increase pressure in the brain.
- Patients with a history of drug or alcohol addiction – higher risk of misuse or relapse.
- People with low blood pressure or slow heart rate.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women – Butec is not recommended unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It may cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor if you’re taking:
- Other opioids
- Sedatives or sleeping pills (e.g. diazepam, zolpidem)
- Antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine)
- Antihistamines
- Muscle relaxants
- Alcohol
These can increase side effects, especially breathing difficulty and drowsiness.
How and where to apply Butec patches
Butec patches are designed to deliver a steady dose of buprenorphine through your skin over seven days. To get the best results—and avoid side effects or patch failure—you need to apply them correctly.
Where can Butec patches be applied?
Apply the patch to a flat, non-hairy area of skin, such as:
- Upper outer arm
- Upper chest
- Upper back
- Side of the chest
- Below the collarbone
Rotate the site with each new patch. Avoid applying to the same spot within 3–4 weeks to prevent skin irritation.
Do not apply the patch to:
- Broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin
- Areas exposed to excessive heat (like hot water bottles or sunlamps)
- Areas that rub against clothing too much
How to apply a Butec patch (step-by-step)
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Clean and dry the chosen patch site (no oils, creams, or powder).
- Peel off the protective backing—avoid touching the sticky side.
- Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of your hand for at least 30 seconds.
- Wash your hands again.
- Wear the patch for 7 days, then replace it at roughly the same time each week.
Can Butec patches be cut?
No. Never cut a Butec patch. This can damage the controlled-release system and release too much buprenorphine at once, leading to overdose or toxicity. If you feel the dose is too high or low, speak to your doctor about adjusting it safely.
Butec patch strengths and dosing
Butec patches come in four different strengths. Each is designed to deliver a steady dose of buprenorphine per hour, continuously over seven days. Your doctor will start you on the lowest effective dose and may increase it based on your response.
Available Butec patch strengths:
- Butec 5 micrograms/hour
- Butec 10 micrograms/hour
- Butec 15 micrograms/hour
- Butec 20 micrograms/hour
These strengths are not equivalent to morphine in a simple 1:1 ratio. Buprenorphine is a potent opioid, and even the 5mcg/hour patch can be powerful for opioid-naive patients.
How the dosing works:
- The patch releases a constant microgram-per-hour dose over 7 days.
- For example, Butec 20mcg/hour delivers around 0.48mg per day, or 3.36mg over the week.
- Patches must be changed weekly on the same day.
Dosing tips and safety:
- Never apply more than one patch at a time unless instructed by your doctor.
- Do not split or cut the patch to reduce the dose.
- If pain is not controlled, your doctor may:
- Add short-acting opioids for breakthrough pain.
- Increase to a higher Butec strength.
- Consider switching to a different opioid.
Your GP will monitor you closely when starting or chang
Butec patches cost in the UK and key takeaways
How much do Butec patches cost?
In the UK, Butec patches are typically prescribed on the NHS, meaning the cost to patients is either covered or subject to the standard prescription charge (currently £9.65 per item in England). Private purchase prices vary but generally range between £20 and £40 per patch depending on strength and supplier.
If you’re prescribed Butec patches privately or buy them online, always ensure you use a reputable pharmacy to avoid counterfeit or unsafe products.
Summary: key points about Butec patches
- Butec patches deliver buprenorphine steadily over 7 days, providing long-lasting pain relief.
- They are used for moderate to severe chronic pain, especially when other opioids aren’t suitable.
- Side effects include nausea, dizziness, and skin irritation, with serious risks like breathing problems needing urgent care.
- Withdrawal symptoms can occur if stopped suddenly; taper under medical supervision.
- Avoid alcohol completely while using Butec patches due to dangerous interactions.
- Patches should be applied to clean, non-hairy skin areas and never cut or split.
- Available in doses from 5mcg to 20mcg/hour; dose adjustments should be managed by your doctor.
- Cost is usually covered by the NHS but private prices can vary.