This factsheet has been written for members of the public by the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS). UKTIS is a not-for-profit organisation funded by Public Health England on behalf of UK Health Departments. UKTIS has been providing scientific information to health care providers since 1983 on the effects that medicines, recreational drugs and chemicals may have on the developing baby during pregnancy.

Buprenorphine is a strong opioid painkiller that is chemically similar to codeine and morphine. Buprenorphine is also used in ‘substitution therapy’ to wean people off recreational opioid drugs such as heroin.