1. Drugs
  2. Buprenorphine-Naloxone

Buprenorphine-Naloxone

Generic of Zubsolv, Suboxone

What is Buprenorphine-Naloxone used for?

This medication contains 2 medicines: buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine belongs to a class of drugs called mixed opioid agonist-antagonists. Buprenorphine helps prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping other opioids. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effect of opioids and can cause severe opioid withdrawal when injected. Withdrawal is less likely when naloxone is taken by mouth, dissolved under the tongue, or dissolved on the inside of the cheek. 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 opioid use disorder (such as compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should have naloxone available to treat opioid overdose. Teach your family or household members about the signs of an opioid overdose and how to treat it.

CHEMICAL NAME

Buprenorphine Hcl/Naloxone Hcl (BUE-pre-NOR-feen/nal-OX-one)

DRUG TYPE

Chemical Dependence

Buprenorphine-Naloxone Prices

Searching for the lowest prices

Buprenorphine-Naloxone Frequently Asked Questions

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. This medication can either be dissolved under the tongue or dissolved on the inside of the cheek. Follow your doctor's directions. Learn how to correctly use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication 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 or inside your cheek. 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 on the inside of your cheek, 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 or on the inside of the other cheek. Try not to have the films touch each other. If your doctor has prescribed a third film, place it under your tongue or on the inside of either cheek after the first 2 films have completely dissolved.

After the medication is fully dissolved, take a large sip of water and swish gently around your teeth and gums, and then swallow the water. This will help to prevent problems with your teeth. Do not brush your teeth for at least one hour after using this medication.

Buprenorphine alone may be used instead of this medication for the first 2 days after you have stopped all other opioids. 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.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, sweating, muscle aches). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

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 opioids 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.

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 Dosage and Form Information

Supplied As
Strength
Film Medicated
4Mg-1Mg
12 Mg-3 Mg
8 Mg-2 Mg
2 Mg-0.5Mg
Tablet Sublingual
8 Mg-2 Mg
2 Mg-0.5Mg