Butrans

Indicated For

chronic pain

About This Medication

# Purdue Pharma Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Butrans (buprenorphine) at Low or No Cost This guide explains how to access **Butrans (buprenorphine)** through the Purdue Pharma Patient Assistance Program (PAP). It provides free medication for eligible uninsured patients managing moderate to severe chronic pain around-the-clock when other pain treatments are inadequate.[1][2] ## About Butrans (buprenorphine) **Butrans** is a prescription transdermal patch containing buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. It delivers continuous pain relief for **7 days** per patch, helping adults with persistent pain that requires daily, long-term opioid treatment when alternatives fail. Unlike short-acting opioids, it offers steady relief without frequent dosing. Common strengths include 5 mcg/hour, 7.5 mcg/hour, 10 mcg/hour, 15 mcg/hour, and 20 mcg/hour. Always follow your doctor's instructions, as it carries risks like addiction, overdose, and respiratory depression. Do not cut, chew, or swallow patches.[1][2] ## Who Qualifies? The program targets patients in financial need without insurance coverage. Key requirements: - **No insurance**: Must have **no prescription insurance**, including Medicare, Medicaid, or other assistance programs.[2] - **U.S. residency**: Legal residents of the U.S. or Puerto Rico.[8] - **Income limits**: Household income at or below **139% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**.[program data] - **Valid prescription**: For Butrans from a licensed healthcare provider.[2] Patients with any form of coverage or higher income do not qualify. The program supplies a **30-day supply** per approval, shipped only after review.[2] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility hinges on household income not exceeding **139% FPL**. FPL adjusts yearly; check current guidelines at healthcare.gov or call the program. Here's a sample table for 2026 (approximate; verify latest figures): | Household Size | 100% FPL | 139% FPL (Max Eligible Income) | |---------------|----------|-------------------------------| | 1 | $15,060 | $20,933 | | 2 | $20,440 | $28,412 | | 3 | $25,820 | $35,890 | | 4 | $31,200 | $43,368 | *Notes*: Add ~$5,380 per additional person for 100% FPL, then multiply by 1.39. Provide recent tax returns, pay stubs, or SSI/SSDI statements as proof. Program verifies income strictly.[program data][2][8] ## Insurance Requirements **Must have no insurance** covering prescriptions. This includes: - Private plans - Medicare Part D - Medicaid - VA benefits - Any state or federal drug assistance If insured, explore copay cards or other PAPs first. Disclose all coverage honestly—false info leads to denial.[2][program data][8] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applications start **by phone**; your doctor's office handles submission.[2][program data] 1. **Confirm eligibility**: Review income, residency, and no-insurance status. 2. **Contact program**: Call **(800) 599-6070**. Physician's office calls on your behalf.[2][program data] 3. **Gather documents**: - **Proof of income** (e.g., 2025 tax return, W-2s, pay stubs for 4 weeks). - **Proof of residency** (e.g., utility bill, lease). - **Prescription** for Butrans (original, signed by doctor).[program data][2] 4. **Doctor completes paperwork**: Physician provides prescription, confirms diagnosis, and submits via phone or mail to P.O. Box 66547, St. Louis, MO 63166-6547.[2] 5. **Submit**: Doctor sends all docs. Keep copies. 6. **Wait for approval**: Program reviews; no set timeline, but expect 1-2 weeks.[2] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Varies; medication not shipped pre-approval. If approved, **30-day supply** arrives via **Federal Express to your home**.[2][program data] - **Monthly refills**: Doctor writes a **new original prescription each month**. No automatic reauthorization noted; recertify as needed.[2] - **Supply duration**: Ongoing if eligible, but requires monthly scripts.[2] Track shipment; contact (800) 599-6070 for updates. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Income slightly over?** Check nonprofit PAPs like Partnership for Prescription Assistance (855-468-3339) or NeedyMeds.org.[5][8] - **Have insurance?** Use Butrans copay savings cards via Purdue or GoodRx discounts. - **Medicaid/Medicare**: Apply via healthcare.gov; many cover opioids. - **Other opioids**: Purdue PAP covers products like OxyContin if eligible.[2] - **Generic buprenorphine**: Cheaper options via discount cards. - **No biosimilars** available for Butrans.[program data] Search rxassist.org for matches. ## Important Disclaimer This guide uses program data and public sources as of 2026.[1][2][program data] Rules change; call (800) 599-6070 for latest. Not medical/financial advice—consult your doctor. Purdue reserves approval rights. Fraudulent applications result in denial/bans. Word count: 950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026