Substance Information: Forms, Dosage Strengths, Administration, and Additional Details Regarding Suboxone Use
Suboxone, a brand-name prescription medication, is a vital tool in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it helps individuals overcome their dependence on opioid drugs [1].
The dosage of Suboxone prescribed varies, depending on factors such as the severity of opioid dependence, the stage of treatment, and other medical conditions. The target dose for most patients is 16 mg/4 mg daily, although this can be adjusted based on the patient’s response to suppress withdrawal symptoms and retain them in treatment [1][3][5].
Suboxone contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist. These components work together to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and block the effects of other opioids [2].
Suboxone comes in four strengths: 2 mg buprenorphine/0.5 mg naloxone, 4 mg buprenorphine/1 mg naloxone, 8 mg buprenorphine/2 mg naloxone, and 12 mg buprenorphine/3 mg naloxone. It is available as a film that dissolves in the mouth, either under the tongue or inside the cheeks [4].
When starting treatment with Suboxone, doses are typically given in a doctor's office or clinic. During the induction treatment, Suboxone doses are typically given in a doctor's office or clinic, with the film placed under the tongue [6]. The recommended induction dosage on Day 1 ranges from 2 mg/0.5 mg up to 8 mg/2 mg, and may be given as one or multiple doses [7].
It's important to follow the instructions for taking Suboxone carefully. Do not eat or drink while the Suboxone film is in your mouth, but you may take a dose on an empty or full stomach. Use the entire Suboxone film for each dose; do not cut, tear, chew, or swallow the films [3]. After the Suboxone film fully dissolves, rinse your mouth with water and swallow it. Wait at least 1 hour after the film dissolves before brushing your teeth [8].
If you miss a Suboxone dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip the dose if it's nearly time for the next one. Remember, Suboxone may be a short- or long-term treatment, depending on individual treatment needs and goals [9].
Periodic reevaluation of the need for Suboxone throughout treatment is necessary to determine if the medication is still beneficial. The length of maintenance treatment can vary, ranging from a few weeks to years [10].
As with any medication, it's crucial to communicate with your doctor about your treatment. If you believe you've taken too much Suboxone or if you have questions about your treatment, call your doctor immediately [11].
[1] Food and Drug Administration. (2021, March 16). Suboxone Film (buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film) [Prescribing Information]. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/201441s047lbl.pdf [2] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/medications-opioid-use-disorder [3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, May). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/medications/medications-opioid-use-disorder [4] Suboxone. (2021). Suboxone Film. Retrieved from https://www.suboxone.com/suboxone-film [5] World Health Organization. (2019). Guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of opioid dependence. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015561 [6] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Buprenorphine: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/buprenorphine [7] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, May). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/medications/medications-opioid-use-disorder [8] Suboxone. (2021). How to Take Suboxone Film. Retrieved from https://www.suboxone.com/how-to-take-suboxone-film [9] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Buprenorphine: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/buprenorphine [10] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, May). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/medications/medications-opioid-use-disorder [11] Food and Drug Administration. (2021, March 16). Suboxone Film (buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film) [Prescribing Information]. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/201441s047lbl.pdf
Read also:
- Elderly drivers could face a ban from the road if they don't pass a mandatory vision test under government plans, defended by the minister.
- Guide to Cultivating, Gathering, and Earning from the Amazon's Superfood: Acai Berry
- Reinforced security recommendations issued by NFL for team and league premises after the NYC shooting incident
- Daily Habits that Reduce Inflammation and Potentially Decrease Cancer Risk
