Buprenorphine is intended for the
treatment of pain (Buprenex®) and opioid
addiction (Suboxone® and Subutex®). In 2001, 2005, and 2006, the Narcotic Addict Treatment Act was amended to allow qualified physicians, under certification of the DHHS, to prescribe schedule III-V narcotic drugs (FDA approved for the indication of narcotic treatment) for narcotic addiction, up to 30 patients per physician at any time, outside the context of clinic-based narcotic treatment programs (Pub. L. 106-310).