Buprenorphine and Naloxone Drug Information

If you are dependent on a legal or illegal opioid medication, your healthcare provider may prescribe buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone^®). This medicine is unlike most other medications used to treat opioid dependence, as it can be dispensed by pharmacies in an outpatient setting, rather than by special dependence clinics. However, only certain healthcare providers are allowed to prescribe this drug.

 

Before using buprenorphine and naloxone, make sure your healthcare provider has up-to-date information on any other drugs you are taking and any other medical problems you may have. For example, this product may not be safe for people who have low blood pressure, asthma, or kidney disease.

 

This medicine comes in the form of sublingual tablets and films, which are placed under the tongue to dissolve. Buprenorphine and naloxone is typically taken once daily. Do not chew, swallow, or suck on the medicine, as this will make the drug less effective.