Suboxone and Subutex
Subutex and Suboxone (buprenorphine) were approved for the treatment of opiate addiction by the FDA in 2000.  It may be used as a short term withdrawal medication or as a longer term maintenance medication. It offers a more flexible and less restrictive form of opiate medication therapy than methadone, but it is equally effective in treating addiction and normalizing brain opiate function. Unlike methadone, physicians may write a prescription for buprenorphine which the patient can simply take to any pharmacy. For some patients there may also be less side effects than methadone. Bi-Valley physicians have extensive experience with this medication. Regular physician medication visits are complemented by evening support groups and evening hours are available for working patients.

BUPRENORPHINE (FAQ's) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click on the heading title below to jump to that section.

What are Suboxone and Subutex?
Why did the FDA approve two medications?
Will most prescriptions be for the Suboxone formulation?
How are Suboxone and Subutex different from the current treatment options for opiate dependence?
What are potential side effects of Suboxone and Subutex?
Are patients allowed to take home supplies of Suboxone and Subutex?
Can any doctor prescribe Suboxone and Subutex?
How will Suboxone and Subutex be supplied?
Where can patients get Suboxone and Subutex?
Where can I get more information on these medications?

What are Suboxone and Subutex?
Suboxone and Subutex are medications approved for the treatment of opiate dependence.  Both of these medications contain the active ingredient, buprenorphine hydrochloride, which works to reduce the symptoms of opiate dependence.    (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

Subutex contains only buprenorphine hydrochloride.  Suboxone also contains both buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride.  Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and is present to reduce risk of intravenous abuse.  If injected, suboxone may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.  Subutex is often used during the induction phase and Suboxone is more commonly used during the maintenance phase of treatment.
   (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

The patient may choose which formulation they want to use.  Suboxone is the formulation a majority of the patients use because Suboxone costs less than Subutex, not because of any medical reasons.    (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

Currently methadone maintenance is considered the standard for treating opiate dependence and/or addiction.  Methadone can only be dispensed in a limited number of clinics that specialize in addiction treatment.  Suboxone and Subutex are the first narcotic drugs available under the 2000 Drug Abuse Treatment Act (DATA) for opiate dependence that can be prescribed in a doctor’s office.  Each program or doctor is allowed to treat up to thirty patients with buprenorphine.  This will help increase access to treatment for patients suffering from opiate dependence.    (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

The most common side effects reported are:
  -cold or flu-like symptoms
  -headaches
  -sweating
  -sleep disturbance
  -nausea
  -mood swings
This is not a comprehensive list and potential side effects should be discussed with a physician.    (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

Yes, patients are allowed to take home these medications, which are not as controlled as methadone because they have a lower potential for abuse and are safer if someone accidentally or intentionally overdoses.  Prescriptions are usually written for these medications once the patient stabilizes.   (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

No, only qualified doctors with the necessary Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) identification number (signifying that they have received special training) are able to prescribe these medications.  The Center for Substance Abuse (CSAT) maintains a database of qualified doctors to help patients locate doctors who are approved to prescribe these medications.  (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

Both medications come in 2mg and 8mg tablets, which are placed under the tongue to be dissolved (sublingual).  (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

Both medications can be obtained in most commercial pharmacies.  Some treatment programs may also carry these medications.   (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)

You can contact the CSAT Buprenorphine Information Center at 866-BUP-CSAT or via email at info@buprenorphine.samsha.gov.   (Top of Page) (Buprenorphine FAQs)