Suboxone® (
buprenorphine and naloxone) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of opioid dependence. It is used to replace other opioid medications, including both legal and illegal drugs. Suboxone can be used for the detoxification (detox) of opioids, which means to gradually wean someone off opioid medications. It can also be used for long-term maintenance of opioid dependence.
Even though it can be an effective detox drug, Suboxone is an opioid and does have potential for abuse. This medication is particularly susceptible to abuse via injection.
To help prevent this problem, Suboxone combines
buprenorphine with naloxone. The naloxone component has little effect when it is taken as directed under the tongue. However, if Suboxone is injected, the naloxone component of the drug cancels out the action of buprenorphine, potentially causing withdrawal symptoms. This helps to prevent abuse.
(Click Suboxone Uses for more information on undergoing detox with Suboxone. This full-length article also describes how this drug works to treat opioid dependence, whether it is approved for use in children, and possible unapproved uses of the drug.)
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