I’ve read in 2017 that the FDA wanted to pull Opana ER from the shelves. Your doctor may know more about it. Did your doctor say why he’s adding a 2nd long acting medication? That doesn’t seem right, for him to want you to take both at the same time. I would certainly double check that ASAP. Normally, it’s a long acting and a short acting opiate. Kind of like Methadone (long acting pain reliever) and Percocet or Norco ( examples of short acting pain reliever commonly used for breakthrough pain). I don’t know much about Belbuca, but I believe it is similar to Methadone in the sense that it’s a long acting pain reliever and blocks euphoric properties other opiate have. It doesn’t change their effectiveness for pain. If Belbuca is expensive, you could ask your doctor if you can be switched to something more affordable like Methadone. Hope this info helps and you are able to get some guidance from your doctor soon!
You are taking Opana IR not the extended release, correct? Belbuca may be your doctors preferred long acting medication with opana IR as a breakthrough med.