Suboxone

Suboxone is a medication designed to treat opioid dependence. This prescription medicine comes in the form of a tablet or film, both of which are dissolved under the tongue once daily. You do not have to go to a special dependence clinic to get this drug; it can be dispensed by pharmacies on an outpatient basis. Possible side effects include constipation, headaches, and nausea.

Suboxone Medication Information

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone^® (buprenorphine and naloxone) is an opioid narcotic used in the treatment of opioid dependence, which may include a dependence on opioid medications such as morphine or oxycodone. It comes in two forms: a tablet that is dissolved under the tongue (a sublingual tablet) and a film that dissolves under the tongue (a sublingual film).

Not all healthcare providers can prescribe Suboxone. For a healthcare provider to be able to prescribe this medication, he or she must take a special class and must have a special registration.

If you are having trouble finding a healthcare provider who can prescribe Suboxone, try asking various healthcare providers, such as your pharmacist or your primary healthcare provider. Addiction treatment centers are also likely to be able to help you find a prescriber. Also, the manufacturer's Web site provides a list of healthcare providers certified to prescribe Suboxone.

Unlike most other medications used to treat opioid dependence, Suboxone can be dispensed by pharmacies in an outpatient setting, rather than by special dependence clinics.

(Click Suboxone Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Suboxone is manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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