Bunavail

Buprenorphine – Naloxone, also known and sold under the trade name of Bunavail, Suboxone, and Zubsolv, is a product which includes two medications – Buprenorphine, which belongs to a group of drugs known as mixed narcotic agonist – antagonists.

helps prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by quitting opiate – type narcotics and Naloxone, which belongs to a group of drugs known as a narcotic antagonist as well, that blocks the effect of narcotics and can cause severe narcotic withdrawal when injected.

This combination is used in the treatment of opioid (narcotic) dependence or addiction. This medication is available in the form of a tablet and a film.

Before the decision to start the treatment with this medication is made, it is essential to get informed about the expected beneficial effects, as well as, about the potential side effects and risks.

For this decision to be made, the beneficial effects must outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, will have to make.

During the consultations, it is important to inform the doctor about:

Allergic reactions – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any kind of food, dye, fabric and etc.

Pediatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in pediatric patients. This medication is not recommended to be used in pediatric patients. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no specific side effects and risks when this medication has been used in geriatric patients. However, due to the risk of increased sensitivity, kidney and heart problems in the elderly, the treatment with this medication requires extra caution.

Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy.

It is unknown how would it affect the fetus. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. It is unknown if this medication is extracted in the milk or how would it affect the infant.

This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are using any other medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others, due to the possibility that certain interactions could occur.

However, sometimes, the doctor may decide to use a certain combination, including two or more, to treat your condition if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition.

Other interactions – Certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with the specific type of food, tobacco, and alcohol. Because of this, it is essential to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific type of diet and discontinue your use of tobacco and alcohol during the treatment with this medication.

Other medical problems – Inform the doctor if there are any other medical problems and conditions present from the past or at the moment.

Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present:

• Addison's disease
• alcohol abuse
• asthma
• brain tumor
• breathing problems
• CNS depression
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• cor pulmonale
• enlarged prostate
• drug dependence
• heart disease
• head injuries
• hepatitis B or C
• gallbladder disease
• hypovolemia
• hypothyroidism
• mental illness
• hypotension
• liver or kidney disease

For proper use, follow the directions given by your doctor. This medication is available in the forms of a tablet and a film.

If you are using the form of a film – using your tongue wet the side of your cheek, place the prescribed number of films on your tongue and then press it on the cheek.

If you are using the form of a tablet – insert the prescribed number of tablets under your tongue. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet.

The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor and based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment.

In order to get the most beneficial effects from its use, remember to take each dose regularly. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up.

This medication is harmful in case of an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, contact the doctor as soon as possible for further directions.

Visit your doctor regularly, at your scheduled appointments, so that he or she could track your condition and make any adjustments if needed.

These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose or to the treatment itself – e.g. the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment if there are any serious side effects present, that would worsen your condition, or if your condition does not improve.

Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. This is important because this product may contain inactive substances that could cause certain interactions to occur.

Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy.

At least two proven forms of birth control should be used during the treatment with this medication to help prevent pregnancy. Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding.

This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers.

This medication may cause dizziness and drowsiness to occur. Avoid driving and any other activities that require alertness during the treatment with this medication.

Along with its expected beneficial effects, there are potential side effects that could occur. These side effects do not occur in all patients, also they could be mild or more serious.

However, it is essential to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible for further directions.

Common side effects – nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and headache. These are common side effects which are not considered as serious. However, if their presence persists or worsens, inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Serious side effects – fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, mood changes, unusual drowsiness, and slow/shallow breathing. These are serious side effects whose presence must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

A serious allergic reaction to this medication is not common. However, if there are any of the following side effects presents inform the doctor as soon as possible – skin rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing and itching/swelling of the face/tongue/hands/feet.