Information

- What is Suboxone?

  Suboxone contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.
  Naloxone is an special narcotic drug that reverses the effects of other narcotic medicines.
  Suboxone is used to treat narcotic (opiate) addiction.
  Suboxone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

- Important information about Suboxone

  Using this medicine 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 Suboxone. Follow all dosing instructions carefully.
  You should not use this medication if you are allergic to buprenorphine or naloxone (Narcan).
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  Never share Suboxone with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
  Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with Suboxone. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.
  You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
  Do not give Suboxone to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice. The use of this medicine by a child can result in death. Seek emergency medical attention if a child has accidentally swallowed the medication.
  This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Suboxone will affect you.

- How should I take Suboxone?

  Take Suboxone exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never take this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
  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.
  Before taking this medicine, drink a glass of water to moisten your mouth. Place the sublingual tablet or sublingual film under the tongue and allow it to dissolve. Do not chew the tablet or film, and do not swallow it whole.
  This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  Do not stop using Suboxone suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Suboxone.
  Never crush a tablet or dissolve a film 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.
  Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Suboxone. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are being treated for narcotic addiction. Make sure your family members know you are using buprenorphine in case they need to speak for you during an emergency.
  Store Suboxone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the sublingual film in the foil pouch until ready to use. After opening a pouch, you must use the medicine right away. Discard the empty pouch in a place children and pets cannot get to.
  Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Buprenorphine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.