Jill asked
Is it possible to test negative for buprenorphine but test positive for norbuprenorphine in a urine test?
Answer
It would be extremely unlikely to test positive for norbuprenorphine without taking buprenorphine.
When administered, buprenorphine is metabolized in the body to the active metabolite, norbuprenorphine. Norbuprenorphine is not available as a stand alone product and is only created via the metabolism pathway. Due to this, there is really no way that norbuprenorphine could be present without taking the parent drug, buprenorphine.
Most urine tests specifically look for norbuprenorphine as opposed to the parent drug buprenorphine. This is to ensure that people who are prescribed buprenorphine are taking the drug as prescribed. If a patient tried to taint a urine test simply by adding buprenorphine (to show they are "taking" the drug), there would be no norbuprenorphine present which would indicate the patient is not taking the drug as prescribed.
Of course, there is always a chance of a false positive, but again, it is extremely unlikely to test negative for buprenorphine but test positive for norbuprenorphine when a test is looking for both.
It is important to be aware that many drugs contain buprenorphine, so be sure you aren't taking it unknowingly. Below are some drugs that contain buprenorphine:
- Belbuca
- Buprenex
- Subutex
- Probuphine
- Butrans
