GENERIC NAME: BUPRENORPHINE - SUBLINGUAL (byoo-pre-NOR-feen)
BRAND NAME(S): Subutex
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 it 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, usually once daily for two days, or as directed. Then your doctor usually will switch you to the buprenorphine/naloxone medication, which works the same way as this medication. 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. Injecting it is dangerous and you may have severe withdrawal symptoms (see Side Effects section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Buprenorphine can 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.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, constipation, headache, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow, shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), stomach/abdominal pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, vision changes. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Narcotic withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, severe mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping), muscle stiffness or shakiness. If such symptoms occur, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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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