Medicine Supply Notification: Buprenorphine (Relevtec®) 35micrograms/hour, 52.5micrograms/hour, 70micrograms/hour transdermal patches Buprenorphine (Bupeaze®) 52.5micrograms/hour transdermal patches

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for the following products:

• Buprenorphine (Relevtec^®) 35micrograms/hour, 52.5micrograms/hour, 70micrograms/hour transdermal patches
• Buprenorphine (Bupeaze^®) 52.5micrograms/hour transdermal patches

MSN/2025/038

Tier 2 – medium impact

Date of issue: 19/06/2025

• Buprenorphine (Relevtec^®) 35micrograms/hour, 52.5micrograms/hour and 70micrograms/hour transdermal patches are out of stock until early August 2025.
• Buprenorphine (Bupeaze^®) 52.5micrograms/hour transdermal patches are out of stock until early October 2025.
• Relevtec^® and Bupeaze^® are matrix formulation 4-day (96-hourly) transdermal patches.
• Alternative buprenorphine matrix formulation 4-day (96-hourly) patches remain available (Bupeaze^® [35micrograms/hour and 70micrograms/hour strengths remain available], Carlosafine^®, and Transtec^®) and can support increased demand.

A copy of this medicine supply notification, including actions required and supporting information, has been sent to all pharmacy NHS email addresses.

DHSC and NHSE/I have now launched an online Medicines Supply Tool, which provides up to date information about medicine supply issues. The contents of these MSNs can now be viewed on the Tool.

The Tool also details any changes to resupply dates and updates to the entries.

To access the Tool, you will need an NHS email address. Once set up and logged in, you will be able to access it online.

New shortages not listed on the SPS website can be reported using our shortage reporting tool.