It has been found to be effective in reducing the need to continue using heroin (buprenorphine maintenance) and also in helping people to withdraw from heroin and methadone. Buprenorphine is also prescribed to treat severe pain.
The effectiveness of any treatment, including for heroin or other opioid dependency (addiction), is more likely to be successful if it is part of a comprehensive treatment program.
Often, a range of factors contribute to an individual’s use of drugs. Thus, it is strongly recommended that those wanting to remain free of heroin engage in a treatment program that addresses the physical (the body), psychological (the mind) and environmental issues relating to the person’s drug use. This may involve combining several treatment approaches, such as buprenorphine maintenance, counselling, alternative or holistic therapies such as massage and naturopathic treatment; and developing a positive support network including peers, family and friends and support groups.
As with any type of treatment or approach to heroin dependency, buprenorphine maintenance may be effective for some people but will not suit everyone. A doctor or drug counsellor who spends time assessing the person’s specific situation and explaining different options will recommend an approach that is appropriate for that individual.
There are many benefits of being on buprenorphine maintenance, when compared with continuing the use of heroin:
Buprenorphine is generally well tolerated; however, some side effects have been reported. Most of these symptoms occur very early in treatment—in the first week or so. Side effects may be due to the combined experience of withdrawal from opioids and taking buprenorphine. It is important to report any side effects to a health professional.
The most common side effects are similar to those listed under the section ‘Buprenorphine withdrawal’.
Before a person commences any drug treatment program, it is important that all the relevant information has been explained to them by a qualified health professional and, where appropriate, to carers such as family, friends etc. This includes the length of the program, how much it costs, what other supports are included or recommended, all the risks and side effects, and any other health issues to consider. When deciding on the suitability of buprenorphine maintenance, the following issues should also be discussed with a health professional:
A Subutex tablet must be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Chewing or swallowing the tablet will make it ineffective. Injecting Subutex is dangerous, and can lead to severe vein damage, blood clots and other health complications.
Subutex dissolves within 2–8 minutes after placing it under the tongue. The effects begin within 30–60 minutes of taking the dose and peak within 2–4 hours, lasting between 4 hours to three days, depending on the dosage.
The dosage of buprenorphine often varies for each person. As a guide, doses range from 4 milligrams to 32 milligrams per day for people with heroin dependence. A health practitioner should be informed of any side effects that are experienced, so that the dosage can be adjusted where appropriate. When first starting on buprenorphine maintenance, it may take a number of days (typically from three to seven days) for the effects of buprenorphine to become stable in the body. Continuing heroin use can make it difficult for the person to stabilise.
If a person misses their buprenorphine doses for more than five days in a row, they will need to undergo a review by the prescribing health professional. If this occurs, it is recommended that the person start again on a lower dose of buprenorphine.
Combining the use of any drugs can increase or alter the effects that are usually experienced from using the individual drug. It is often difficult to predict the consequences of combining the use of different drugs.
It is particularly important to avoid using other depressant drugs, such as benzodiazepines (‘benzos’), e.g. Valium, with buprenorphine. Using benzodiazepines with buprenorphine may lead to breathing difficulties, coma or death.
Using buprenorphine with heroin or other opiates, such as methadone, increases the chances of experiencing ongoing withdrawal symptoms.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using buprenorphine with alcohol, medicines or other drugs.
Posted by jw on 1st Mar 2015
great product and great service. Can't go wrong here!
Posted by known on 29th Sep 2014
all 30 vials were bunk and had water inside them. I have done bupe b4 and these were not bupe amps by sami. I would stay away from any products made by sami. sucks cause i needed these. If I pay for shipping, he will replace them. I think he should send me 30 out of good business practice. The other 2 products were awesome, but the bupe was fake. How do they get fake substances in an ampule anyways?
Posted by known on 29th Sep 2014
I heard many pharmaceutical companies will have generic suboxone by December or January 2015. They are already made, just not on the shelves yet.
Posted by known on 28th Sep 2014
If you call Suboxone or go to their site the have a share for cost program. Each Doctor can have 3 patients on this program. It takes about a year to get on it, but when you do you get free suboxone for a year. They cost 8 dollar for an 8mg dissolving film and I was on 2 a day. Do the math. I would rather be on methadone and use my medicaid (when I get it ) and my co pay will be 2 bucks a week. Lastly, generic suboxone will be here in November or December and I am betting that every pharmaceutical company will be making it.
Posted by Riska on 31st Jul 2014
I used to be a very qualified nurse for 10 yrs. I lost eviyrtheng to my addiction including my job. I've been an addict for 12 yrs. I will soon be going on suboxone treatment. I hope it works for me along with counseling or whatever i need. my question is are ther any resouces that will help with subx. price. It is very pricey. also i heard that there may be a generic available in the near future if so what information if any do u have on it. this is really a last hope for me. I feel like scum
Posted by rob on 7th Oct 2013
very good product