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Subutex is a medication for opioid dependence that is prescribed in the form of a sublingual tablet.
Subutex is taken in a single daily dose. It may be taken at home, or under the supervision of a licensed health professional at a detox center, doctor’s office, or another treatment setting.
Learn more about taking Subutex as part of a medication-assisted treatment program
Steps For How To Properly Take Subutex
The first step for how to properly take Subutex is to place the dissolvable tablet under the tongue, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Next, allow it to fully dissolve. If you’re taking more than one tablet, place both tablets under the tongue at once, or alternatively if both tablets can’t fit comfortably.
Wait for the tablet(s) to completely dissolve before eating or drinking anything. Eating or drinking prior to taking Subutex could affect its absorption.
How Not To Take Subutex
Subutex tablets should not be swallowed, chewed, crushed, or injected.
Taking Subutex in any way other than prescribed may cause negative side effects, including severe symptoms of acute withdrawal.
When taken properly, Subutex can effectively reduce the discomfort of opioid withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid dependence. It can also prevent opioid cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Subutex
Find answers to frequently asked questions about how to properly take Subutex (buprenorphine).
How Often Do You Take Subutex?
Subutex is taken once a day in a single, daily dose. The dose prescribed for a person will vary according to personal factors.
Depending on the dosage amount, a person may be instructed by their doctor to take two or more tablets per day. Subutex is prescribed in 2 mg and 8 mg tablets.
What Happens If You Swallow Subutex?
Swallowing Subutex is not recommended. This can affect its bioavailability or its absorption into the bloodstream. Essentially, this could make it less effective.
The proper way to take Subutex is to allow it to dissolve under the tongue.
Read more about what happens if you swallow Subutex
What Happens If You Inject Subutex?
Injecting Subutex is not recommended. This has the potential to trigger severe symptoms of acute opioid withdrawal, such as vomiting, diarrhea, pain, anxiety, and cravings.
Taking Subutex this way can be a sign of buprenorphine abuse. If someone is misusing buprenorphine, a treatment program for buprenorphine abuse may be recommended.
Call For Information About Subutex Treatment
Subutex is an opioid addiction medication that can prevent relapse in early recovery from opioid use disorder and reduce the risk of fatal overdose in the event of relapse.
For more information about Subutex, call our helpline today to learn about Subutex treatment options for opioid addiction near you.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Buprenorphine
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — SUBUTEX (buprenorphine sublingual tablets)
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020732s018lbl.pdf
