Active ingredient
- buprenorphine
Legal Category
POM: Prescription only medicine
POM: Prescription only medicine
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet are: PL 04539/0015, PL 04539/0014, PL 04539/0016.
Transtec 35, 52.5 and 70 micrograms transdermal patch
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
TRANSTEC® 35 micrograms/h / 52.5 micrograms/h / 70 micrograms/h transdermal patch
Buprenorphine
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
What is in this leaflet
1. What Transtec is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Transtec
3. How to use Transtec
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Transtec
6. Further information
1. What TRANSTEC is and what it is used for
Transtec is an analgesic (a pain-relieving medicine) intended to relieve moderate to severe cancer pain and severe pain that has not responded to other types of painkillers. Transtec acts through the skin. When the transdermal patch is applied to the skin, the active substance buprenorphine passes through the skin into the blood. Buprenorphine is an opioid (strong pain reliever), which reduces pain by acting on the central nervous system (specific nerve cells in the spinal cord and in the brain). The effect of the transdermal patch lasts for up to four days. Transtec is not suitable for the treatment of acute (short-lasting) pain.
2. What you need to know before you use TRANSTEC
Do not use Transtec,
Transtec must not be used to treat withdrawal symptoms in drug-dependent persons.
Take special care with Transtec,
Also, please be aware of the following precautions:
Athletes should be aware that this medicine may cause a positive reaction to sports doping control tests.
Sleep-related breathing disorders
Transtec contains an active substance that belongs to the group of opioids. Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders, for example central sleep apnea (shallow/pause of breathing during sleep) and sleep-related hypoxemia (low level of oxygen in the blood).
The risk of experiencing central sleep apnea is dependent on the dose of opioids. Your doctor may consider decreasing your total opioid dosage if you experience central sleep apnea.
Children and adolescents
Transtec should not be used in persons below the age of 18 years, because no experience has so far been gained in this age group.
Other medicines and Transtec
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Using Transtec with food, drink and alcohol
You should not drink alcohol while using Transtec. Alcohol may intensify certain side effects of the transdermal patch and you may feel unwell. Drinking grapefruit juice may intensify the effects of Transtec.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
There is not sufficient experience regarding the use of Transtec in pregnant women. Therefore do not use Transtec if you are pregnant.
Buprenorphine, the active substance contained in the transdermal patch, inhibits milk formation and passes into the breast milk. Therefore, do not use Transtec if you are breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
Transtec may make you feel dizzy or drowsy or experience blurred or double vision and affect your reactions to such an extent that you may not react adequately or quickly enough in the event of unexpected or sudden occurrences. This applies particularly
If you are affected, you should not drive or operate machinery whilst using Transtec. This applies also at the end of treatment with Transtec. Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after the patch has been removed.
Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about anything.
The medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy.
Details regarding a new driving offence concerning driving after drugs have been taken in the UK may be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine.
3. How to use TRANSTEC
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Transtec is available in three strengths: Transtec 35 micrograms/h transdermal patch, Transtec 52.5 micrograms/h transdermal patch and Transtec 70 micrograms/h transdermal patch.
The choice of which strength of Transtec will suit you best will be made by your doctor. During treatment your doctor may change which transdermal patch you use to a smaller or larger one if necessary.
Always use Transtec exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The recommended dose is:
Adults
Unless your doctor has told you differently, attach one Transtec transdermal patch (as described in detail below) and change it after 4 days at the latest. For convenience of use, you can change the transdermal patch twice a week at the same days, e.g. always on Monday mornings and Thursday evenings. To help you remember when to change your transdermal patch, you should make a note on the calendar on the outer packaging. If your doctor has advised you to take other pain relievers in addition to the transdermal patch, strictly follow the doctor's instructions, otherwise you will not fully benefit from treatment with Transtec.
If you apply/change your patch in morning of Monday, apply change your patch in evening of Thursday.
If you apply/change your patch in morning of Tuesday, apply change your patch in evening of Friday.
If you apply/change your patch in morning of Wednesday, apply change your patch in evening of Saturday.
If you apply/change your patch in morning of Thursday, apply change your patch in evening of Sunday.
If you apply/change your patch in morning of Friday, apply change your patch in evening of Monday.
If you apply/change your patch in morning of Saturday, apply change your patch in evening of Tuesday.
If you apply/change your patch in morning of Sunday, apply change your patch in evening of Wednesday.
Use in children and adolescents
Transtec should not be used in persons below the age of 18 years, because no experience has so far been gained in this age group.
Elderly patients
No dosage adjustment is needed for elderly patients.
Patients with kidney disease / dialysis patients
In patients with kidney disease and in dialysis patients, no dosage adjustment is necessary.
Patients with liver disease
In patients with liver disease, the intensity and duration of action of Transtec may be affected. If this applies to you, your doctor will check on you more closely.
Method of administration
Before applying the transdermal patch
Applying the transdermal patch:
Step 1:
Each transdermal patch is sealed in a sachet. Cut the child-re resistant sachet along the dotted line with scissors. Be careful not to damage the transdermal patches.
Take out the transdermal patch.
Step 2:
The sticky side of the transdermal patch is covered with a silvery protective foil. Carefully peel off half the foil. Try not to touch the sticky part of the transdermal patch.
Step 3:
Stick the transdermal patch onto the area of skin you have chosen and remove the remaining foil.
Step 4:
Press the transdermal patch against your skin with the palm of your hand for about 30 seconds. Make sure that the whole transdermal patch is in contact with your skin, especially at the edges.
Wearing the transdermal patch
You may wear the transdermal patch for up to 4 days. Provided that you have applied the transdermal patch correctly, there is little risk of it coming off. You may shower, bathe or swim while wearing it. However, do not expose the transdermal patch to extreme heat (e.g. sauna baths, infra-red lamps, electric blankets, hot water bottles).
In the unlikely event that your transdermal patch falls off before it needs changing, do not use the same transdermal patch again. Stick a new one on straight away (see "Changing the transdermal patch" below).
Changing the transdermal patch
How long will you use the patch for
Your doctor will tell you how long you may use Transtec. Do not stop using Transtec on your own account, because pain may return and you may feel unwell (see also "If you stop using Transtec" below).
If you have the impression that the effect of the Transtec transdermal patch is too weak or too strong, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If you use more Transtec than you should
If this happens there may be signs of an overdose of the substance buprenorphine. An overdose may intensify the side effects of buprenorphine such as drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. You may get pin-point pupils and breathing may become slow and weak. You may also get cardiovascular collapse.
As soon as you discover that you have used more transdermal patches than you should, remove the excess transdermal patches and talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to use Transtec
If you forget an application, stick a new transdermal patch on as soon as you remember. You will then need to change your routine, e.g. if you usually apply your transdermal patches on Mondays and Thursdays, but you forget and don’t stick on a new transdermal patch until Wednesday, you will need to change your transdermal patches on Wednesdays and Saturdays from then on. Make a note of the new pair of days on the calendar on the outer packaging. If you are very late changing your transdermal patch, pain may return. In this case please contact your doctor.
Never apply twice the number of transdermal patches to make up for the forgotten application!
If you stop using Transtec
If you interrupt or finish using Transtec too soon, pain may return. If you wish to stop use on account of unpleasant side effects, please consult your doctor. He/she will tell you what can be done and whether you can be treated with other medicines.
Some people may experience withdrawal-effects when they have used strong pain relievers for a long time and stop using them. The risk of having effects after you stop using Transtec is very low. However, if you feel agitated, anxious, nervous or shaky, if you are overactive, have difficulty sleeping or digestion problems, tell your doctor.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Side effects are classified as follows:
The following side effects have been reported:
Immune system disorders
Very rare: serious allergic reactions (see below)
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Rare: loss of appetite
Psychiatric disorders
Uncommon: confusion, sleep disorder, restlessness
Rare: illusions such as hallucinations, anxiety and nightmares, reduced sex drive
Very rare: dependence, mood swings
Nervous system disorders
Common: dizziness, headache
Uncommon: various degrees of sedation (calmness), ranging from tiredness to muzziness
Rare: difficulty concentrating, speech disorder, muzziness, disturbed balance, abnormal skin sensations (numbness, prickling or burning sensations)
Very rare muscle twitching, taste disorders
Eye disorders
Rare: visual disturbance, blurred vision, swollen eyelids
Very rare: pin-point pupils
Ear disorders
Very rare: ear pain
Heart and blood circulation disorders
Uncommon: circulatory disorders (such as low blood pressure or, rarely, even circulatory collapse)
Rare: hot flushes
Chest and lung disorders
Common: shortness of breath
Rare: difficulty breathing (respiratory depression)
Very rare: abnormally rapid breathing, hiccups
Digestive system disorders
Very common: nausea (feeling sick)
Common: vomiting, constipation
Uncommon: dry mouth
Rare: heartburn
Very rare: retching
Skin disorders (generally at the site of application)
Very common: redness, itching
Common: skin changes (exanthema, generally on repeated use), sweating
Uncommon: rash
Rare: hives
Very rare: pustules, small blisters
Urinary system disorders
Uncommon: difficulty in passing water, urine retention (less urine than normal)
Reproductive system disorders
Rare: erection difficulties
General disorders
Common: oedema (e.g. swelling of the legs), tiredness
Uncommon: weariness
Rare: withdrawal symptoms (see below), administration site reactions
Very rare: chest pain
If you notice any of the side effects listed above, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
In some cases delayed allergic reactions occurred with marked signs of inflammation. In such a case you should stop using Transtec after you have talked to your doctor.
If you experience swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth, or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, hives, fainting, yellowing of the skin and eyes (also called jaundice), remove the transdermal patch and call your doctor immediately or seek help at the casualty department of the nearest hospital. These can be symptoms of a very rare serious allergic reaction.
Some people may have withdrawal symptoms when they have used strong pain relievers for a long time and stop using them. The risk of having withdrawal effects when you stop using Transtec is low. However, if you feel agitated, anxious, nervous or shaky, if you are overactive, have difficulty sleeping or digestion problems, tell your doctor.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.
You can also report side effects directly via;
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store TRANSTEC
Keep this medcine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medcine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the sachet after “Expiry date (month/year):“. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Transtec contains
The active substance is buprenorphine.
Transtec 35 micrograms/h transdermal patch
Each transdermal patch contains 20 mg buprenorphine and releases about 35 micrograms of buprenorphine per hour. The area of the transdermal patch containing the active substance is 25 cm2.
Transtec 52.5 micrograms/h transdermal patch
Each transdermal patch contains 30 mg buprenorphine and releases about 52.5 micrograms of buprenorphine per hour. The area of the transdermal patch containing the active substance is 37.5 cm2.
Transtec 70 micrograms/h transdermal patch
Each transdermal patch contains 40 mg buprenorphine and releases about 70 micrograms of buprenorphine per hour. The area of the transdermal patch containing the active substance is 50 cm2.
The other ingredients in Transtec are:
Adhesive matrix: [(Z)-octadec-9-en-1-yl] oleate; povidone K90; 4-oxopentanic acid; poly[acrylic acid-co-butylacrylate-co-(2-ethylhexyl)acrylate-co-vinylacetate] (5:15:75:5), cross-linked (buprenorphine-containing area) or not cross-linked (area without buprenorphine); foil separating both matrix areas: poly(ethyleneterephthalate)-foil; backing layer: poly(ethyleneterephthalate)-tissue. The release liner which is removed before applying the transdermal patch consists of siliconised poly(ethyleneterephthalate)-foil coated on one side with aluminium.
What Transtec looks like and contents of the pack
Transtec transdermal patches are skin-coloured with rounded corners and are imprinted
Transtec 35 μg/h, buprenorphinum 20 mg
Transtec 52.5 μg/h, buprenorphinum 30 mg
Transtec 70 μg/h, buprenorphinum 40 mg
Transtec comes in cartons containing 4 transdermal patches individually sealed in child-resistant sachets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
For further information contact:
This leaflet is also available in large print, Braille or as an audio CD.
To request a copy, please call the RNIB Medicine Information line (free of charge) on:
0800 198 5000
You will need to give details of the product name and reference number.
These are as follows:
Product name: Transtec 35 micrograms/h transdermal patch
Reference number: PL 04539/0014
Product name: Transtec 52.5 micrograms/h transdermal patch
Reference Number: PL 04539/0015
Product Name: Transtec 70 micrograms/h transdermal patch
Reference Number: PL 04539/0016
This leaflet was last revised in
July 2020
® TRANSTEC is a registered trade mark of Grünenthal GmbH and is used under licence.
NAPP and the ‘NAPP’ logo are registered trade marks of the Napp Pharmaceutical Group.
© 2007-2020 Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited.
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