Description

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is used to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence. Suboxone works by preventing withdrawal symptoms since the buprenorphine is actually a type of narcotic (opioid) itself. Suboxone should be used as part of a complete narcotic dependence treatment plan. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be necessary if you are taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), medicines which decrease liver metabolism (inhibitors of cytochrome 3A4 enzymes such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir), local anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine), or sedative medicines (benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam). Deaths have occurred when buprenorphine/naloxone has been misused, especially when used in combination with benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) or other depressants such as alcohol or additional narcotics.

What is Suboxone used for?

SUBOXONE is used as part of a medical, social and psychological treatment program for patients dependent on opioids like heroin, morphine, oxycodone or codeine. SUBOXONE is used to help such patients to regain control over their lives.
SUBOXONE contains the active ingredients buprenorphine (as hydrochloride) and naloxone (as hydrochloride dihydrate). Buprenorphine acts as a substitute for opioids and it helps withdrawal from opioids over a period of time. When taken sublingually (under the tongue) as prescribed, naloxone has no effect, as it is very poorly absorbed. However, if SUBOXONE is injected, naloxone will act to block the effects of other opioids like heroin, methadone, morphine, oxycodone or codeine, leading to bad withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, naloxone is included in SUBOXONE to discourage misuse by injection, as it can cause very bad withdrawal symptoms.

SUBOXONE  should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why SUBOXONE has been prescribed for you.