Taking Subutex While Pregnant: Effects, Risks, And Benefits

Subutex, also known as buprenorphine, is a medication used to treat opioid dependence during pregnancy. It’s typically combined with counseling and behavioral therapy for the best results. Along with methadone, it’s considered one of the top treatment choices for pregnant people dealing with opioid use disorder.

While taking Subutex during pregnancy isn’t completely without risk, doctors generally agree the benefits outweigh the dangers of stopping treatment. Quitting suddenly can lead to relapse, which puts both the parent and baby at greater risk.

Read more about the benefits of taking Subutex

Is Subutex Safe To Take During Pregnancy?

Subutex, a brand name for buprenorphine, may be prescribed for opioid dependence during pregnancy, as a safer alternative to other opioids such as heroin or oxycodone (OxyContin).

Although the use of Subutex during pregnancy is not risk-free, the benefits of medication for opioid dependency are generally determined to outweigh the risks of stopping treatment.

Why Buprenorphine Is Recommended During Pregnancy

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine is one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder, a life-threatening disease that affects 1.6 million Americans. Stopping the use of a medication like buprenorphine during pregnancy carries a risk for relapse to opioid misuse, which could have negative effects on both maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Taking buprenorphine for opioid use disorder while pregnant can:

• prevent complications of opioid misuse
• prevent complications of opioid withdrawal
• prevent relapse to heroin use
• increase safety for the developing fetus

Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognize the benefits of using Subutex to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) while pregnant.

What Are The Risks Of Stopping Subutex While Pregnant?

Subutex is a medication that is administered during opioid detox and prescribed as a maintenance medication for opioid addiction. Stopping Subutex too quickly or too early could lead to drug relapse, which among other things, could negatively affect pregnancy and fetal development.

Risks of stopping Subutex too quickly during pregnancy include:

• low birth weight
• preterm labor
• fetal distress
• opioid withdrawal
• miscarriage
• fetal death

Before making any changes to your treatment regimen, talk to your doctor about what to do if you become pregnant while taking Subutex.

Risks Of Taking Subutex While Pregnant

Subutex is rated category C by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for use during pregnancy. This means that there is evidence that it can affect fetal development, but that the potential benefits of use during pregnancy may warrant its use in people who are opioid-dependent.

Subutex And Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Newborns born to mothers who take Subutex during pregnancy may be born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), a form of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Compared to the use of other opioids, NOWS symptoms developed through maternal use of Subutex for MAT are generally milder and pose less harm to the well-being of newborns. If properly recognized and treated, NOWS can be effectively managed.

Read more about Subutex and newborn withdrawal

Subutex And Breastfeeding

Subutex is a drug that can pass through breast milk to a newborn. However, buprenorphine is still considered a top choice for opioid use disorder in people who are breastfeeding. Before, during, and after pregnancy, people with opioid use disorder are advised to talk to their doctor about developing a safe treatment plan, to avoid and prevent health complications.

Alternatives To Taking Subutex While Pregnant

Buprenorphine (Subutex) is commonly prescribed for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. However, a doctor may discuss alternatives if someone has concerns about using Subutex while pregnant.

Taking Methadone Instead Of Subutex During Pregnancy

The primary alternative to buprenorphine for opioid dependence during pregnancy is methadone. Methadone, a full opioid agonist, has a higher risk for NAS, but is associated with higher treatment retention, compared to buprenorphine during pregnancy.

For decades, methadone has been used to treat opioid dependence and heroin addiction in people who become pregnant, to reduce risks to maternal and fetal health.

Taking Suboxone Instead Of Subutex During Pregnancy

Suboxone is a medication that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. It is newer than methadone and is also prescribed as a medication for opioid use disorder. The safety of Suboxone use during pregnancy isn’t formally recognized, due to a lack of evidence to substantiate its safe use. However, limited research suggests it may be just as safe for use during pregnancy as buprenorphine products like Subutex.

Find Treatment For Addiction Today

If you or someone you love is pregnant and battling opioid use, know that effective treatment exists and recovery is possible. A doctor can help create a safe plan that protects both maternal and fetal health, whether that means starting Subutex, exploring alternatives like methadone, or combining medication with counseling and support services. Browse our directory or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to learn more about treatment options near you.