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Is Belbuca a controlled substance?

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 13, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes. Belbuca (buprenorphine) is a schedule III controlled substance.

What is Belbuca?

Belbuca is a partial opioid agonist indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Belbuca is a buccal film formulation designed to allow the active ingredient buprenorphine to be absorbed through the inner lining of the cheek and into the bloodstream. Belbuca is administered every twelve hours. It is not indicated for use as an 'as-needed' analgesic.

What is a Schedule III Controlled Substance?

Drugs placed in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) have a moderate potential for abuse and dependence.

Schedule III drugs have less abuse potential than Schedule II drugs (which includes most opioid analgesics).

Examples of Schedule III drugs include codeine (<90 mg per dosage unit), ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone, and buprenorphine.

  • Belbuca should be stored securely, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to the home.
  • Selling or giving Belbuca away may harm others and is against the law.

Read next

What are the different brands of buprenorphine?

It is available in a number of dosage forms under the brand names Sublocade, Brixadi, Probuphine (discontinued), Belbuca, Butrans, Buprenex, and Subutex (discontinued). Continue reading

Is buprenorphine an opiate / narcotic?

Buprenorphine is classified as an opioid partial agonist and is considered a narcotic, but It activates the mu-opioid receptor to a lesser extent than the full opioid agonists (for example: oxycodone, methadone or morphine). It's used at higher doses for opioid use disorder (opioid dependence) while generally at lower doses to treat moderate to severe pain. Continue reading

How long does opioid withdrawal last?

How long opioid withdrawal lasts depends on the opioid you have been taking and whether it is a short-acting or long acting opioid.

If you have been using a short-acting opioid, acute opioid withdrawal lasts 4 to 10 days, with withdrawal symptoms starting 8 to 24 hours after last use.

If you have been using a long-acting opioid, acute opioid withdrawal lasts 10 to 20 days, with withdrawal symptoms starting 12 to 48 hours after last use. Continue reading

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