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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
BUPRENORPHINE/NALOXONE FILM - SUBLINGUAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Suboxone
USES: This medication contains 2 medicines: buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence/addiction. Buprenorphine belongs to a class of drugs called mixed narcotic agonist-antagonists. Buprenorphine helps prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping other opiate-type narcotics.
Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that blocks the effect of narcotics and can cause severe narcotic withdrawal when injected. Withdrawal is less likely when naloxone is taken by mouth or dissolved under the tongue. It is combined with buprenorphine to prevent abuse and misuse (injection) of this medication. This combination medication is used as part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse (such as compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes).
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication during your treatment maintenance period as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Drink some water to moisten your mouth before use. This helps the film dissolve. With dry hands, open the foil packet just before use and place the medication film under your tongue. Keep the film in place until it completely dissolves. Do not talk, swallow, chew, or move the film after placing it under your tongue, or it will not work as well.
If you are prescribed more than one film each day, place the second film under your tongue on the opposite side of the mouth. Try not to have the films touch each other. If your doctor has prescribed a third film, place it under your tongue after the first 2 films have completely dissolved.
Buprenorphine alone is usually used for the first 2 days after you have stopped all other narcotics. It is usually given in your doctor's office. Your doctor will then switch you to this combination buprenorphine/naloxone medication for maintenance treatment.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will adjust the dose until there are no symptoms of withdrawal. Do not switch between sublingual tablets and film, because you may need a different dose if you switch. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when directed.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as diarrhea, restlessness, watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, sweating, muscle aches) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Do not inject ("shoot up") buprenorphine/naloxone. Injecting it is dangerous, and will likely cause severe withdrawal symptoms due to the naloxone in this medication, especially if you have been using narcotics such as heroin, morphine or methadone.
Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent theft, misuse, or abuse. If a child accidentally swallows this drug, get medical help right away.
Additional Suboxone Information
Suboxone - User Reviews
Suboxone User Reviews
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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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