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What is Subutex
BuprenorphineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryBuprenorphine 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
Buprenexis the brand name
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 1 uses which include Opioid Dependence .Opioid Dependence
Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Naloxone
Effectiveness
How Subutex Affects PatientsBuprenorphine 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 bodyBuprenorphine 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, Tablet - Sublingual, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Transdermal, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Film, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous
Opioid Dependence
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, Tablet - Sublingual, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Transdermal, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Film, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, 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, Tablet - Sublingual, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Transdermal, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Film, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous
Warnings
Subutex ContraindicationsCondition
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
Oral Mucositis
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
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 RiskTaking too much of this drug can cause small pupils, drowsiness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and even death.
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
Opioid Dependence
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Subutex Reviews: What are patients saying about Subutex?
5Patient Review
2/22/2016 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.
5Patient Review
8/11/2014 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.
5Patient Review
3/13/2019 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.
5Patient Review
4/13/2018 This medicine saved my life. I've take it over 8 years.
5Patient Review
5/31/20143.7Patient Review
5/27/2020 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.
3.7Patient Review
6/24/2018 When I took suboxone in 2009, it was very effective. However, the strips don't seem to be working as well for me.
3.3Patient Review
6/26/2014 Among the many treatments I've tried for my fibromyalgia, this one is by far the most effective.
3Patient Review
12/26/2019 After a while taking Subutex the taste became tolerable.
3Patient Review
2/26/2015 This medication is just as addictive as heroin, and the detox process is very difficult.
2.3Patient Review
6/16/2015 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...
Patient Q&A Section about subutex
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.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