- Katie B., Probuphine patient“It’s the first time in 10 years that I don’t have to plan my day around taking my medication.”
“My story started when I was very young, when I got in with the wrong crowd and began using prescription painkillers to get high. I’d sneak them out of my parent’s medicine cabinet.
At one point I had to switch to heroin because I could no longer afford oxycodone.
I was in a very dark place. Stealing from my parents, pawning my mom’s jewelry. If I showed you photos of myself from back then, you wouldn’t recognize me.
Finally, I asked my parents for help, and a nurse friend of my mom told me about a treatment with buprenorphine. I was on it for 10 years, along with diligently participating in a support program and counseling. I was proud of how far I’d come in turning my life around. So, when my doctor told me about Probuphine, and that it was approved, I said “Let’s do it as soon as possible!”
For me, Probuphine was the next step in my treatment.
Now, when I’m out with friends, I don’t have to make excuses to leave early and rush home to take my medication. I don’t get withdrawal symptoms like I used to when I was coming up to dosing time. I can sleep in too…not wake up early to take my first dose, like I had to before!
With Probuphine, my life has changed from when I abused opioids. I can work out and play paintball, which I love. I go competitive bowling with my friends on Sunday nights, and I have a little West Highland terrier, Sophie. She’s old and a brat, but I adore her!
I’ve gone from a deep, dark hole to living a life that I love.”
Today, Katie works for a non-profit, where she counsels and supports people who are struggling with opioid dependence. She also helps her Mom take care of her Dad.
PROBUPHINE is an implant that contains the medicine buprenorphine. PROBUPHINE is used to treat certain adults who are addicted to (dependent on) opioid drugs (either prescription or illegal). PROBUPHINE is indicated for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence in patients who have achieved and sustained prolonged clinical stability on low-to-moderate doses (doses no more than 8 mg per day) of a buprenorphine-containing product.
PROBUPHINE is part of a complete treatment program that also includes counseling and behavioral therapy.
WARNING: COMPLICATIONS FROM INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF PROBUPHINE
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning
Call your healthcare provider right away if:
Because of the risk of complication of, migration, protrusion, expulsion and nerve injury with insertion and removal of Probuphine, it is only available through a restricted program called the PROBUPHINE REMS Program. Probuphine is not available in retail pharmacies and must be inserted and removed only in the facility of the certified prescriber.
The medicine in Probuphine can cause serious and life-threating problems, especially if you take or use certain other medicines or drugs. Call your healthcare provider right away or get emergency help if you:
· Feel faint or dizzy |
· Have slurred speech |
· Have mental changes such as confusion |
· Cannot think well or clearly |
· Have slower breathing than you normally have |
· Have a high body temperature |
· Have severe sleepiness |
· Have slowed reflexes |
· Have blurred vision |
· Feel agitated |
· Have problems with coordination |
· Have stiff muscles · Have trouble walking |
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These can be signs of an overdose or other serious problems.
Coma or death can happen if you take anxiety medicines or benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or sedatives, antidepressants, or antihistamines, or drink alcohol during treatment with Probuphine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of these medicines or if you drink alcohol.
Who should not use Probuphine?
Do not use Probuphine if you are allergic to buprenorphine or any of its ingredients, this includes buprenorphine hydrochloride and the inactive ingredient ethylene vinyl acetate or EVA.
Probuphine may not be right for you. Before starting Probuphine tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including: trouble breathing or lung problems, an enlarged prostate gland (men), a head injury or brain problem, problems urinating, a curve in your spine that affects your breathing, liver problems, gallbladder or adrenal gland problems, Addison’s disease, low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), a history of alcoholism, a history of keloid formation, connective tissue disease (such as scleroderma), or history of MRSA infections, mental problems such as hallucinations, an allergy to numbing medicines or medicines used to clean your skin, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
What should I avoid while being treated with Probuphine?
What are the possible side effects of Probuphine?
Probuphine can cause serious side effects, including:
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of the symptoms listed.
Common side effects of Probuphine include: Headache, nausea, toothache, constipation, depression, vomiting, back pain, mouth and throat pain.
Common risks with the minor surgical procedure: Itching, pain, irritation, redness, swelling, bleeding, or bruising at the insertion or removal site. Scarring around the insertion site.
The risk information here is not comprehensive. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you and does not go away. For more information, talk with your doctor.
You are encouraged to report side effects of Probuphine. Please contact Titan Pharmaceuticals at 1-844-859-6341 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 www.FDA.gov/medwatch.
PRO-18RIB002-08/2018