Generic Name: BUPRENORPHINE/NALOXONE - SUBLINGUAL
Pronounced: (BUE-pre-NOR-feen/nal-OX-one)

Suboxone SL Uses

This medication contains 2 medicines: buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence/addiction. Buprenorphine belongs to a class of drugs called mixed narcotic agonist-antagonists. Buprenorphine helps prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping other opiate-type narcotics.

Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that blocks the effect of narcotics and can cause severe narcotic withdrawal when injected. Withdrawal is less likely when naloxone is taken by mouth or dissolved under the tongue. It is combined with buprenorphine to prevent abuse and misuse (injection) of this medication. This combination medication is used as part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse (such as compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes).

This medication should not be used for pain relief. Serious, possibly fatal, breathing problems may occur.

How To Use Suboxone SL

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication during your treatment maintenance period as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Drink some water to moisten your mouth before use. This helps the film dissolve. Open the foil packet with dry hands immediately before use and place the medication film under your tongue. Keep the film under the tongue until it dissolves completely. Do not talk, swallow, chew, or move the film after placing under the tongue. It will not work as well.

If you are prescribed more than one film each day, place the second film under your tongue at the same time but on the opposite side of the mouth. Try not to place films on top of each other. If your doctor has ordered a 3rd film, place it under your tongue after the first 2 films have completely dissolved.

Buprenorphine alone is usually used for the first 2 days after you have stopped all other narcotics. It is usually given in your doctor's office. Your doctor will then switch you to this combination buprenorphine/naloxone medication for maintenance treatment.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will adjust the dose until there are no symptoms of withdrawal. Do not switch between sublingual tablets and film, because you may need a different dose if you switch. Do not increase your dose, use the medication more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Do not inject ("shoot up") buprenorphine/naloxone. Injecting it is dangerous, and will likely cause severe withdrawal symptoms due to the naloxone in this medication, especially if you have been using narcotics such as heroin, morphine or methadone.

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