Temgesic sublingual tablets

How does it work?

Temgesic sublingual tablets contain the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a type of medicine called an opioid analgesic (painkiller). It is a strong painkiller related to morphine.

Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors.

Buprenorphine mimicks the action of natural endorphins by stimulating the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

Buprenorphine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain, for example pain due to cancer or a heart attack. However, it is used less frequently than other opioid painkillers because it can also oppose the effects of other opioid painkillers that may be given at the same time. This is because in addition to stimulating opioid receptors, buprenorphine can also block them and thus prevent other opioids from acting on them. In people who are dependent on opioids, this can cause withdrawal symptoms and an increase in pain.

Temgesic sublingual tablets should be allowed to dissolve underneath the tongue. This allows the buprenorphine to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the rich supply of blood vessels found in this area. The tablets should not be chewed or swallowed, as this would make them less effective. The pain-relieving effect of these tablets lasts for about six to eight hours.

What is it used for?

Moderate to severe pain.

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

With prolonged use, the body may become dependent on this medicine. As a result, withdrawal symptoms such as feeling agitated, anxious, nervous or shaky, or having difficulty sleeping, may occur after you stop using the medicine. This is rare, but tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after stopping this medicine. If they occur, these effects usually disappear within a few days.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

History of drug abuse

People with breathing problems, eg asthma, or taking other medicines that can cause slow shallow breathing.

Not to be used in

Children under six years of age

Allergy to opioid painkillers.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the developing baby, particularly in the third trimester, when it may cause breathing problems or a withdrawal syndrome in the baby after birth. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It may also inhibit the production of breast milk. It is not recommended for use by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be dissolved under the tongue.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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