GENERIC NAME: BUPRENORPHINE/NALOXONE - SUBLINGUAL (byoo-pre-NOR-feen/nal-OX-own
BRAND NAME(S): Suboxone
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is used to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence. It works by preventing withdrawal symptoms, since the buprenorphine is actually a type of narcotic (opioid) itself. It should be used as part of a complete narcotic dependence treatment plan.
HOW TO USE: Place this medication under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Buprenorphine/naloxone is usually given daily during your medical treatment maintenance period, after a short period (induction) of using buprenorphine. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Do not swallow this medication, as it will not be as effective if it is swallowed. If you are prescribed more than one tablet each day, you may place all of the tablets under your tongue at once. If this is not possible, then you may place two tablets at a time under your tongue, until they all have dissolved. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval, or withdrawal symptoms may occur. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not inject ("shoot up") buprenorphine/naloxone. Injecting it is dangerous, and you likely will have severe withdrawal symptoms (see Side Effects section) due to the naloxone in this medication, especially if you have been using narcotics such as heroin, morphine or methadone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Buprenorphine/naloxone probably will cause withdrawal symptoms if you use it soon after using narcotics such as heroin, morphine, or methadone. Follow your doctor's instructions for your treatment plan.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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