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Buprenorphine Sublingual And Buprenorphine And Naloxone Sublingual
What are Buprenorphine sublingual tablets?
BUPRONORPHINE (Subutex®) and BUPRONORPHINE WITH NALOXONE (Suboxone®) tablets are used to treat certain types of drug dependence. Naloxone does not affect how buprenorphine tablets work. Naloxone is present to deter the misuse of buprenorphine. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Federal law prohibits the transfer of buprenorphine to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic buprenorphine tablets are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- abnormal bladder function, difficulty urinating
- constipation
- enlarged prostate
- gallbladder disease
- if you frequently have alcohol-containing drinks
- intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung disease, such as asthma or COPD
- an unusual reaction to buprenorphine, naloxone, morphine, codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used? Buprenorphine tablets are placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Several minutes will be needed to allow the tablet to fully dissolve. If your dose requires you to take more than 2 tablets at once, either place all the tablets at once under the tongue, or if you cannot fit more than 2 tablets comfortably, place 2 tablets at a time under the tongue. Either way, you should hold the tablets under the tongue until they completely dissolve. Do not swallow or chew the tablet. Do not inject the buprenorphine tablet. It is important that you do not take more medication than the amount prescribed. If you feel that you need a higher dose, contact your health care professional. Too much medicine may cause serious adverse events including death. If you accidentally take too much buprenorphine, call your local emergency number or poison control center immediately. Do not stop taking buprenorphine suddenly. Follow your directions for use. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you experience withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, irritability, anxiety, or diarrhea, contact your health care professional immediately. What drug(s) may interact with Buprenorphine? - amiodarone
- bosentan
- butorphanol
- clarithromycin
- erythromycin
- fluoxetine
- fluvoxamine
- levomethadyl
- medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
- medicines for seizures
- methadone
- mifepristone, RU-486
- nalbuphine
- naltrexone
- nefazodone
- pentazocine
- rifampin
- some medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS
- St. John's wort
Because buprenorphine can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of buprenorphine. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are: - alcohol-containing medicines
- barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
- certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
- muscle relaxants
- other strong pain medicines such as morphine, propoxyphene, hydrocodone, or methadone
- Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of buprenorphine.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Buprenorphine?
Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. The Suboxone® tablets contain ingredients that must not be injected.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how buprenorphine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly; this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking buprenorphine for a couple of days.
Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness with buprenorphine. Alcohol can also increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking buprenorphine.
If you are going to have surgery or extensive dental work, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking buprenorphine. You may want to consider wearing a medical-alert bracelet or tell family members that your are taking buprenorphine. Emergency personnel will need to know that you are taking buprenorphine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Buprenorphine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: - breathing difficulties
- cold, clammy skin
- confusion
- decrease or difficulty in passing urine
- hives, itching
- lightheadedness or fainting spells
- nervousness or restlessness
- rash
- swelling of ankles
- unusually slow breathing
- yellow skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): - anxiety
- blurred vision or any change in vision
- confusion
- constipation
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- headache
- insomnia
- nausea
- sweating
- vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep the drug away from children and pets and in a container that small children cannot open.
Store the tablets at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (56 and 86 degrees F). Keep your medicine in a safe place to prevent theft. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Selling or giving away the medicine is against the law.
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