Buprenorphine+naloxone
About Buprenorphine+naloxone
Buprenorphine+naloxone is used to treat dependence on opioid/narcotic drugs like morphine or heroin in drug addicts. It is indicated in adults and adolescents over 15 years of age, alongside counselling and social support. Drug dependence is a condition in which there is an addiction to opioid drugs.
Buprenorphine+naloxone contains Buprenorphine and Naloxone, which work by preventing withdrawal symptoms by producing effects similar to those of opioid drugs when someone stops using them.
Buprenorphine+naloxone may cause side effects such as insomnia (inability to sleep), constipation, nausea, excessive sweating, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nervousness, abnormal thinking, dizziness, fainting, increased muscle tension, tingling, and drowsiness. If any of the side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Do not stop taking Buprenorphine+naloxone suddenly, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. To ensure effective treatment, continue taking Buprenorphine+naloxone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Consult your doctor before taking Buprenorphine+naloxone if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Refrain from drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of respiratory failure if taken with Buprenorphine+naloxone. Always inform your doctor of other medications you are using when taking Buprenorphine+naloxone.
Uses of Buprenorphine+naloxone
Medicinal Benefits
Buprenorphine+naloxone contains Buprenorphine (opioid partial agonist-antagonists) and Naloxone (opioid antagonists) prescribed for the treatment of opioid dependence. It works by preventing withdrawal symptoms by producing effects similar to those of opioid drugs when someone stops using them. Thereby, it helps patients to regain control over their lives.
Directions for Use
Follow the directions on the label and use as prescribed by the doctor. Place the medicine under the tongue and allow it to dissolve. Do not split or break Buprenorphine+naloxone. Avoid consuming food until it is completely dissolved.
Storage
Side Effects of Buprenorphine+naloxone
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Nervousness
- Abnormal thinking
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Increased muscle tension
- Tingling
- Drowsiness
Drug Warnings
Do not take Buprenorphine+naloxone if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have breathing problems, seizures, low blood pressure, adrenal or thyroid disorders, prostate problems, depression, or if you are taking CNS depressants. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Avoid consumption of alcohol during treatment with Buprenorphine+naloxone. This medicine is not recommended for children below 15 years. Do not stop taking Buprenorphine+naloxone suddenly, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Buprenorphine+naloxone may interact with antipsychotics (aripiprazole, lurasidone), skeletal muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine), benzodiazepines (clonazepam, diazepam, alprazolam), antiepileptic (lamotrigine, pregabalin), and antidepressants (escitalopram, bupropion).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have drug dependence, respiratory depression, cardiovascular disorder, gastrointestinal obstruction, seizures, low blood pressure, liver/kidney problems, or urinary retention.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Buprenorphine+naloxone, as it can worsen the condition of the patient, may increase drowsiness, and the risk of respiratory failure.
Pregnancy
cautionThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Buprenorphine+naloxone use in pregnant women; therefore, it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid taking Buprenorphine+naloxone if you are breastfeeding as buprenorphine passes into breast milk and might affect your baby.
Driving
unsafeBuprenorphine+naloxone causes drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking. Do not drive or operate machines until you know how the medicine affects you.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver impairment, as it may require dose adjustment. Regular liver function monitoring is recommended to avoid potential complications.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing condition or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Buprenorphine+naloxone. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Buprenorphine+naloxone have not been established in children below 15 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain regular physical activity and have enough rest.
- Reduce caffeine and stop smoking.
- Maintain a fibre-rich diet and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation.
Special Advise
- Regular liver function monitoring is advised. Tell your doctor if you have any liver problems before you start treatment with Buprenorphine+naloxone.
- Use Buprenorphine+naloxone as prescribed to avoid getting addicted. Avoid self-medication.
- Sudden stoppage of Buprenorphine+naloxone may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Always follow the instructions of the doctor regarding the treatment regimen.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Opioid dependence: It is a condition where the body becomes used to drugs, requiring higher doses and causing withdrawal symptoms when stopped. It is characterized by repeated, compulsive seeking or use of opioids like heroin, morphine, codeine, or oxycodone. Symptoms include behavioural/psychological changes, drowsiness, constricted pupils, slowed respiration, euphoria, and dry mouth.
FAQs
Buprenorphine+naloxone is used to treat opioid dependence.
Buprenorphine+naloxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, which work by preventing withdrawal symptoms by producing effects similar to those of opioid drugs when someone stops using them.
Buprenorphine+naloxone may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. To manage this, get out of bed slowly and rest your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. If the dizziness continues or becomes more severe, consult a doctor.
Buprenorphine+naloxone may cause depression. If you experience mood changes or feelings of depression, it is important to talk with your doctor.
Buprenorphine+naloxone may cause side effects such as insomnia (inability to sleep), constipation, nausea, excessive sweating, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nervousness, abnormal thinking, dizziness, fainting, increased muscle tension, tingling, and drowsiness. Contact a doctor if these side effects continue for longer durations.
Buprenorphine+naloxone is not recommended for use in children below 15 years as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Your doctor will decide the duration of the treatment for Buprenorphine+naloxone. Do not stop treatment without consulting the doctor, as the sudden stopping of the medicine may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Store Buprenorphine+naloxone at room temperature at 15°C to 30°C in a dry place. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use Buprenorphine+naloxone after the expiration date on the package. Buprenorphine+naloxone should never be thrown into household trash, where children and pets may find it. It should be returned to a pharmacy for proper disposal.
