Is Subutex Or Suboxone Safe To Take During Pregnancy?
Many patients who take opioid medications regularly think that they can stop taking the medication on
their own. This could be true in some cases, but many people are unable to achieve this because of the
changes in their brains caused by opioid medications. Some medications play a vital role in preventing
opioid withdrawal symptoms after taking opioid medications for a long time.
Medications that are used to control withdrawal symptoms are especially important for pregnant or
nursing women due to the potential downstream effects on the baby. But, it is important to consider
which medications can help the mother while ensuring minimal effect on the child. Health experts and
treatment guidelines show that medicines that contain buprenorphine can help treat opioid use
disorder in pregnant women. However, it is vital to understand the differences between these
medicines. Below, we will discuss the differences between two medications containing buprenorphine-
Subutex and Suboxone and why one is preferred over the other to treat pregnant women.
Subutex And Suboxone
Subutex and Suboxone are types of opioid medications that are used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
When used to treat OUD, these medicines are given in tablet form that dissolves under the tongue. An
opioid binds to some receptors and can help treat pain. Some opioid medications are prescription only
and others are illegally obtained. Opioids that are illegally obtained include fentanyl and heroin and are
used for non-medical purposes. When a person taking opioids for a long time suddenly stops, they can
experience withdrawal symptoms like sleep issues, muscle pains and nausea.
Subutex And Suboxone contain buprenorphine that can help decrease or prevent withdrawal symptoms.
The medication works by binding to the same receptors as other opioids, but to a reduced extent. The
major difference between Subutex And Suboxone is that Suboxone also contains naloxone, which is an
opioid blocker. The naloxone in Suboxone can prevent buprenorphine from resulting in dangerous side
effects even if the medication is misused.
Suboxone Or Subutex During Pregnancy
Though treatment guidelines show that buprenorphine can help treat opioid use disorder
during pregnancy, there is only inconclusive and limited data for naloxone. Also, there is no
evidence that Suboxone, which is a combination of these medications, is any safer. Therefore,
Subutex is usually prescribed over Suboxone for pregnant women.
If neither Suboxone or Subutex can be used, there are other options available to treat opioid
use disorder. Methadone was the main medication used to treat opioid use disorder in
pregnant women before Buprenorphine was approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder.
Methadone is still considered safe and effective and is widely used to treat OUD.