Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Subutex

Generic Name: buprenorphine (oral) (Pronunciation: byoo pre NOR feen)

• What is buprenorphine (Subutex)?
• What are the possible side effects of buprenorphine (Subutex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about buprenorphine (Subutex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking buprenorphine (Subutex)?
• How should I take buprenorphine (Subutex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Subutex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Subutex)?
• What should I avoid while taking buprenorphine (Subutex)?
• What other drugs will affect buprenorphine (Subutex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is buprenorphine (Subutex)?

Buprenorphine is an opioid (narcotic) medication that is similar to morphine, codeine, and heroin.

Buprenorphine is used to treat narcotic addiction.

Buprenorphine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Subutex 8 mg

oval, white, imprinted with B8

What are the possible side effects of buprenorphine (Subutex)?

Like other narcotic medicines, buprenorphine can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow or shallow breathing;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• headache;
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• warmth or tingly feeling;
• increased sweating;
• weakness;
• back pain;
• anxiety, depression;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• runny nose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about buprenorphine (Subutex)?

Using buprenorphine improperly will increase your risk of serious side effects or death. Even if you have used other narcotic medications, you may still have serious side effects from buprenorphine. Follow all dosing instructions carefully.

Like other narcotic medicines, buprenorphine can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

Never crush a tablet or other pill to mix into a liquid for injecting the drug into your vein. This practice has resulted in death with the misuse of buprenorphine and similar prescription drugs.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are using buprenorphine, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are being treated for narcotic addiction.

Taking buprenorphine together with other drugs that cause drowsiness can slow the functions of your breathing and central nervous system to dangerous levels. These effects could result in a fatal overdose.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of buprenorphine. Using too much of this medicine in addition to drinking alcohol can cause death.

You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using buprenorphine after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Buprenorphine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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