Buprenorphine

How is it used?

Suboxone Sublingual Film® is a lime-flavoured, rectangular, orange film, which is placed under the tongue to dissolve. The film will not work properly if it is chewed or swallowed.³

Subutex Sublingual Tablets® are also placed under the tongue to dissolve and will not work properly if chewed or swallowed.⁴

How effective is it?

Buprenorphine treatment is more likely to be successful if it is part of a comprehensive treatment program, which addresses the body, mind and environment in which opioids have been used.

For example, treatment may include a combination of buprenorphine, counselling, alternative therapies and the development of a positive support network of peers, friends and a support group. ¹

Buprenorphine maintenance

Buprenorphine maintenance may not work for everyone, so it is important to work with a doctor or drug counsellor to find the best approach.

Advantages of buprenorphine maintenance over heroin use

• Using buprenorphine on its own is unlikely to result in an overdose.
• Buprenorphine maintenance keeps the person stable while they make positive changes in their lives.
• Health problems are reduced or avoided, especially those related to injecting, such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, skin infections and vein problems.
• Doses are required only once a day, sometimes even less often, because buprenorphine’s effects are long lasting
• Buprenorphine is much cheaper than heroin.⁵

Effects of buprenorphine

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. Even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Buprenorphine affects everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken.

Side effects

The most common side effects of buprenorphine are:

• constipation
• headache
• increased sweating
• tiredness or drowsiness (especially after a dose)
• loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain
• skin rashes, itching or hives
• tooth decay
• changes to periods (menstruation)
• lowered sex drive (males and females)
• weight gain (particularly for females).^{1, 6}

Mixing buprenorphine with other drugs

Mixing buprenorphine with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

Buprenorphine and benzodiazepines: increases the risk of overdose, passing out, difficulty breathing, memory loss, and possible death.

Buprenorphine and alcohol: increases the risk of overdose, impaired coordination, passing out, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, and possible death.^8,9,10

Reducing harm

There are ways in which you can reduce the risks associated with using buprenorphine:

• Use only the recommended dose.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery. · Do not mix with other depressant drugs such as benzodiazepines, alcohol or other opioids.^8,9,10

Getting help

If your use of buprenorphine is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au