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Suboxone

(buprenorphine - naloxone)

In this factsheet:
• How does Suboxone work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Suboxone?
• What form(s) does Suboxone come in?
• Who should NOT take Suboxone?
• What side effects are possible with Suboxone?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Suboxone?
• What other drugs could interact with Suboxone?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Suboxone work? What will it do for me?

This combination medication contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine belongs to a group of medications known as partial opiate agonists.

Naloxone belongs to a group of medications known as opiate antagonists.

The combination medication is used, together with an overall addiction treatment program that includes medical, social, and psychological support, to treat adults who are dependent on opiates (narcotics) such as oxycodone or morphine. A person addicted to narcotics who suddenly stops taking the narcotic may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenorphine works by replacing the physical effects of the narcotic the person is addicted to, which can help make it easier to treat their addiction. Naloxone is added to the medication to prevent it from being misused (i.e., to prevent it from being injected into a vein). Naloxone has no effect if given under the tongue as the medication is intended. But if the medication is misused and injected into a vein (also called "shooting up"), naloxone will work by blocking the effects of buprenorphine, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Suboxone?

This medication must be prescribed by a qualified doctor who meets specific requirements regarding the use of the medication. The dose of this medication varies depending on the individual situation and will be adjusted by your doctor.

The medication should be placed under the tongue until it has dissolved (this usually happens within 2 to 10 minutes). Do not swallow the tablets.

The usual recommended starting dose is 4 mg (of buprenorphine) once daily. The maximum daily dose is 24 mg. Over time, your doctor may gradually decrease your dose until the medication has been stopped. Do not try to adjust the dose or stop the medication on your own.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Suboxone come in?

2 mg/0.5 mg
Each white to creamy white hexagonal tablet embossed with sword logo on one side and "N2" on the reverse contains 2 mg buprenorphine (as hydrochloride) and 0.5 mg naloxone (as hydrochloride dihydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: acesulfame potassium, citric acid anhydrous, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, mannitol, natural lemon and lime flavour, povidone K30, and sodium citrate.

8 mg/2 mg
Each white to creamy white hexagonal tablet embossed with sword logo on one side and "N8" on the reverse contains 8 mg buprenorphine (as hydrochloride) and 2 mg naloxone (as hydrochloride dihydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: acesulfame potassium, citric acid anhydrous, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, mannitol, natural lemon and lime flavour, povidone K30, and sodium citrate.

Who should NOT take Suboxone?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to buprenorphine, naloxone, or any of the ingredients of the medication
• are breast-feeding
• have acute alcoholism
• have delirium tremens
• have severely reduced liver function
• have severely reduced lung (breathing) function

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