Subutex

Pain, Opioid-Related Disorders, Pain

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Subutex

What is Subutex

Buprenorphine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Buprenorphine is a drug used to treat severe pain and opioid addiction. It is sold under the brand name Suboxone, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone prevents the opioid effects of buprenorphine when injected intravenously. Buprenorphine has a slow absorption rate and can help relieve pain or withdrawal symptoms for up to 24-36 hours. Compared to other strong opioid drugs, it has fewer side effects, a lower risk of overdose, and less effect on the QTc interval. Buprenorphine is often used in opioid

Buprenex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Subutex Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Buprenex

Buprenorphine

1985

261

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Buprenorphine, commonly known as Buprenex, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses which include Opioid Dependence and Opioid-Related Disorders .

Opioid Dependence

Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Naloxone

Opioid-Related Disorders

Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Naloxone

Effectiveness

How Subutex Affects Patients

Buprenorphine works by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. It is used to reduce pain and make you feel more relaxed. Taking it for a long period of time can lead to physical dependence and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped. Taking too much can slow breathing, cause coma, and even death. Buprenorphine can also cause constipation and lower hormone levels, and may lead to adrenal insufficiency. People with liver problems should take caution when taking this drug as it can cause liver damage. It can also lower blood pressure and make you feel lightheaded

How Subutex works in the body

Buprenorphine is a medication that attaches to the mu-opioid receptor in the brain but does not activate it fully. This means that it will displace other opioids and stop them from having an effect, without creating the same amount of reward or sedation. This can make it safer than other opioids, as it is harder to overdose on it. However, if it is started when someone is already dependent on opioids, it can cause a rapid and intense withdrawal reaction. Buprenorphine is also available in combination with naloxone in a product called Suboxone. The naloxone helps to

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Subutex is contingent upon the diagnosed illness, including Pain, Pain and Opioid Dependence. The measure of dosage can be found in the table beneath, corresponding to the procedure of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Sublingual).

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pain

0.324 mg/mL, , 0.3 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 0.01 mg/hour, 0.02 mg/hour, 0.005 mg/hour, 2.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.9 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 12.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 11.4 mg, 2.9 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 6.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 96.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 64.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 300.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 5.0 mg/hour, 10.0 mg/hour

, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet, Transdermal, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Film, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Film, soluble - Buccal, Solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous

Opioid-Related Disorders

0.324 mg/mL, , 0.3 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 0.01 mg/hour, 0.02 mg/hour, 0.005 mg/hour, 2.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.9 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 12.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 11.4 mg, 2.9 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 6.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 96.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 64.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 300.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 5.0 mg/hour, 10.0 mg/hour

, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet, Transdermal, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Film, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Film, soluble - Buccal, Solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous

Pain

0.324 mg/mL, , 0.3 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 0.01 mg/hour, 0.02 mg/hour, 0.005 mg/hour, 2.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.9 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 12.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 11.4 mg, 2.9 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 6.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 96.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 64.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 300.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 5.0 mg/hour, 10.0 mg/hour

, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet, Transdermal, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Film, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Film, soluble - Buccal, Solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous

Warnings

Subutex Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium

Do Not Combine

Asthma

Do Not Combine

Severe Hepatic Impairment

Do Not Combine

suspected gastrointestinal obstruction

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Asthma

Do Not Combine

Gastrointestinal obstruction

Do Not Combine

Head

Do Not Combine

ethanol

Do Not Combine

Stomatitis

Do Not Combine

Abdomen

Do Not Combine

severe CNS depression

Do Not Combine

opioid naive

Do Not Combine

Myasthenia Gravis

Do Not Combine

Epilepsy

Do Not Combine

Hypocalcemia

Do Not Combine

Hypokalemia

Do Not Combine

Hypomagnesemia

Do Not Combine

Mental Depression

Do Not Combine

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Do Not Combine

Long QT Syndrome

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Subutex.

Common Subutex Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Alectinib

Major

The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Aminophylline

Major

The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Astemizole

Major

The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Subutex Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Taking too much of this drug can cause small pupils, drowsiness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and even death.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Subutex Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Subutex?

21 active studies are currently exploring the potential of Subutex to address Opioid Dependence, Pain and Discomfort.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Opioid-Related Disorders

0 Actively Recruiting

Subutex Reviews: What are patients saying about Subutex?

5

Patient Review

2/22/2016

Subutex for Chronic Pain

I've been using this medication for four years now and I don't ever want to stop. It really helps with my pain management, which was an issue before I started taking it regularly. When I was just on pain medication, I would take too much of it and then be out before I could get a refill. But with this medication, I can stick to the prescribed amount and never need more. It's allowed me to lead a much more productive life, which makes me happy. Obviously everyone reacts differently to medications, but in my case, I wouldn't change a thing.

5

Patient Review

8/11/2014

Subutex for Chronic Pain

I have been struggling with a range of issues for the past year, including throat pain, difficulty breathing, anxiety, and insomnia. I've been on this medication for three years and I want to get off of it. I currently take half of an 8 mg pill every day. This drug has changed my life, but not in the way that I had hoped. These are very long term side effects and I hope whoever starts to take this understands the risk factors.

5

Patient Review

3/13/2019

Subutex for Chronic Pain

Subutex has been a life-saver for me. I was originally on Suboxone, but switched when I got pregnant. This medication helps with my pain and withdrawal symptoms much better than Suboxone did.

5

Patient Review

4/13/2018

Subutex for Narcotic Addiction

This medicine saved my life. I've take it over 8 years.

5

Patient Review

5/31/2014

Subutex for Pain

3.7

Patient Review

5/27/2020

Subutex for Narcotic Addiction

Suboxin is unfortunately a very bitter pill to swallow, quite literally. The taste is vile and I often vomit after taking it. It's also incredibly expensive, and doctors are loathe to help you taper off of it because they know they'll lose your business. That said, it is an effective treatment for addiction--but it's a daily reminder of past mistakes.

3.7

Patient Review

6/24/2018

Subutex for Chronic Pain

When I took suboxone in 2009, it was very effective. However, the strips don't seem to be working as well for me.

3.3

Patient Review

6/26/2014

Subutex for Narcotic Addiction

Among the many treatments I've tried for my fibromyalgia, this one is by far the most effective.

3

Patient Review

12/26/2019

Subutex for Chronic Pain

After a while taking Subutex the taste became tolerable.

3

Patient Review

2/26/2015

Subutex for Narcotic Addiction

This medication is just as addictive as heroin, and the detox process is very difficult.

2.3

Patient Review

6/16/2015

Subutex for Narcotic Addiction

I didn't find Subutex to be effective, as it gave me headaches and an odd taste in my mouth. I switched to Suboxone, which is easier on me; however, the withdrawals are just as bad as regular pain medication. So much for this drug supposedly helping people get off of something else...
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about subutex

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Subutex a narcotics?

"Subutex is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, which is sometimes referred to as a narcotic. The medication comes in the form of a sublingual tablet that dissolves under the tongue. Subutex is also used to treat moderate to severe pain."

Answered by AI

Why do doctors prescribe Subutex?

"SUBUTEX is a medication used to treat opioid dependence, and is the preferred choice for induction into treatment. It should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support."

Answered by AI

Is Subutex the same as methadone?

"Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of the mu receptor, and naloxone is an antagonist of the mu receptor.

Do methadone and Suboxone have the same ingredients?

No, methadone and Suboxone are different medications with different ingredients. Methadone only has one ingredient, methadone hydrochloride. Suboxone is a combination of two medications, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of the mu receptor, and naloxone is an antagonist of the mu receptor."

Answered by AI

What does the drug Subutex do?

"If you have been taking opioids and then stop, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone can help prevent these symptoms. Naloxone is just one part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse, which may also include monitoring, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should have naloxone on hand in case you overdose on opioids."

Answered by AI