SUBUTEX is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and is preferred for induction. SUBUTEX should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Drug Addiction Treatment Act
Under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) codified at 21 U.S.C. 823(g), prescription use of this product in the treatment of opioid dependence is limited to healthcare providers who meet certain qualifying requirements, and who have notified the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of their intent to prescribe this product for the treatment of opioid dependence and have been assigned a unique identification number that must be included on every prescription.
Important Dosage And Administration Instructions
SUBUTEX is administered sublingually as a single daily dose.
SUBUTEX does not contain naloxone and is preferred for use only during induction. Following induction, SUBOXONE sublingual film or SUBOXONE sublingual tablet is preferred due to the presence of naloxone when clinical use includes unsupervised administration. The use of SUBUTEX for unsupervised administration should be limited to those patients who cannot tolerate SUBOXONE sublingual film or SUBOXONE sublingual tablet; for example, those patients who have been shown to be hypersensitive to naloxone.
Medication should be prescribed in consideration of the frequency of visits. Provision of multiple refills is not advised early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits.
When used properly, these buprenorphine-containing medications will each alleviate unpleasant opioid withdrawal and reduce associated cravings.
These medications are tough to dose on, because of the ceiling impact that buprenorphine has (and to the opioid antagonism of Narcan, within the combination formulations).
Once you reach an exact dose, the consequences upland and don’t increase with higher doses
Be advised that buprenorphine can have some adverse side effects, such as:
Fever.
Irritability.
Muscle aches.
Sleeping difficulties.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Since this medication is a partial opioid agonist, the side effects are similar to those of other opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers.
