Abstract: A method of treating postoperative pain in a patient undergoing a surgery is described. The method is based on preoperative administration of a buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form. The dosage form can be administered to the patient, for example, 1-4 days prior to surgery. Alternative embodiments of the invention include subsequent transdermal dosage forms to treat the postoperative pain.

Abstract: Dosage regimens of buprenorphine to treat withdrawal or abstinence syndrome in a drug dependent or opioid tolerant patient who is pregnant are described. The method includes treating withdrawal or abstinence syndrome of the patient by transdermal administration of an amount of buprenorphine effective to reduce withdrawal symptoms. For example, a first buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form can be administered for a first dosing period that is no more than about 5 days; a second buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a second dosing period that is no more than about 5 days, the second dosage form comprising the same or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the first dosage form; and a third buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a third dosing period that is at least 2 days, the third dosage form comprising the same or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the second dosage form.

Abstract: A method of treating postoperative pain in a patient undergoing a surgery is described. The method is based on preoperative administration of a buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form. The dosage form can be administered to the patient, for example, 1-4 days prior to surgery. Alternative embodiments of the invention include subsequent transdermal dosage forms to treat the postoperative pain.

Abstract: A specific dosage regimen of buprenorphine achieves pain relief from painful episodes due to sickle cell disease. The dosage regimen comprises administering to a patient in need of pain relief from sickle cell disease at least one BTDS transdermal patch. Alternatively, the dosing regimen comprises administering to the patient (1) a first buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a first dosing period; (2) administering to the patient a second buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a second dosing period, where the second dosage form comprises the same dosage of buprenorphine as, or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than, the first dosage form; and (3) administering to the patient a third buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a third dosing period, where the third dosage form comprises a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the second dosage form.

Abstract: A method of treating postoperative pain in a patient undergoing a surgery id described. The method is based on preoperative administration of a buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form. The dosage form can be administered to the patient, for example, 1-4 days prior to surgery. Alternative embodiments of the invention include subsequent transdermal dosage forms to treat the postoperative pain.

Abstract: Dosage regimens of buprenorphine achieving rapid pain relief without increasing nausea, vomiting, or other adverse effects, are described. Also described are buprenorphine dosage regimens for treating chronic pain comprising administering to the patient (1) a first buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a first dosing period that is no more than about 5 days; (2) a second buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a second dosing period that is no more than 5 days, the second dosage form comprising the same dosage of buprenorphine as, or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than, the first dosage form; and (3) a third buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a third dosing period, the third dosage form comprising a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the second dosage form.

Abstract: Dosage regimens of buprenorphine to treat withdrawal or abstinence syndrome in a drug dependent or opioid tolerant patient who is pregnant are described. The method includes treating withdrawal or abstinence syndrome of the patient by transdermal administration of an amount of buprenorphine effective to reduce withdrawal symptoms. For example, a first buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a second dosing period that is no more than about 5 days, the second dosage form comprising the same or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the first dosage form; and a third buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a third dosing period that is at least 2 days, the third dosage form comprising the same or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the second dosage form.

Abstract: Dosage regimens of buprenorphine achieving rapid pain relief without increasing nausea, vomiting, or other adverse effects, are described. Also described are buprenorphine dosage regimens for treating chronic pain comprising administering to the patient (1) a first buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a first dosing period that is no more than about 5 days; (2) a second buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a second dosing period that is no more than 5 days, the second dosage form comprising the same dosage of buprenorphine as, or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than, the first dosage form; and (3) a third buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a third dosing period, the third dosage form comprising a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the second dosage form.

Abstract: A specific dosage regimen of buprenorphine achieves pain relief from painful episodes due to sickle cell disease. The dosage regimen comprises administering to a patient in need of pain relief from sickle cell disease at least one BTDS transdermal patch. Alternatively, the dosing regimen comprises administering to the patient (1) a first buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a first dosing period; (2) administering to the patient a second buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a second dosing period, where the second dosage form comprises the same dosage of buprenorphine as, or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than, the first dosage form; and (3) administering to the patient a third buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a third dosing period, where the third dosage form comprises a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the second dosage form.