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Buprenorphine patch heat — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCNS TherapeuticsBuprenorphine patch heatGPhC CRA

A patient using a buprenorphine patch asks to place a heat pad over the patch site. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Avoid external heat over the patch because it can increase opioid absorption

Heat can increase transdermal opioid absorption and toxicity risk. In this scenario, the pharmacist should prioritise safe supply, appropriate counselling and timely referral or clarification where needed. This is the single best answer because the other options would either delay assessment, ignore a clinically significant risk, or create an unsafe legal or professional outcome.

Reference: BNF