How To Properly Take Subutex

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on July 14, 2021

Subutex is a FDA-approved treatment for opioid addiction. It is a prescription drug that comes in the form of a tablet that is meant to dissolve under the tongue. Taking Subutex in ways other than prescribed could lead to adverse side effects.

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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).

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.

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

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.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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