Buprenorphine and Naloxone are combined together in this medicine.
This medicine is used to treat addiction to opioid drugs such as morphine and heroin.
Buprenorphine+Naloxone is meant to be used as part of a total drug addiction care programme that includes counselling and social support.
Take Buprenorphine+Naloxone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a sublingual tablet or buccal film.
If you are taking the sublingual tablet, do not swallow, chew or crush the tablet. It must be placed under your tongue until it melt.
If you are taking the buccal film, do not cut or tear the film. It must be placed between the gums and the cheek. Do not chew or swallow the film.
Buprenorphine+Naloxone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe breathing problems
- severe liver disease
- alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
DO NOT take Buprenorphine+Naloxone with medicines used to treat alcohol or drug dependence such as naltrexone or nalmefene.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blocked bowel
- biliary tract disorder
- depression
- head injury
- liver disease
- thyroid problems
- prostate enlargement
- breathing problems
- Addison's disease (disorder of the adrenal glands)
- alcohol dependence
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular liver function test to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these test. Breathing and mental status, symptoms of withdrawal and signs of addiction, abuse or misuse may also be monitored while you are being treated with Buprenorphine+Naloxone.
Buprenorphine+Naloxone may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, weakness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety or depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, excessive sweating and back pain.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for drug dependence e.g. naltrexone, nalmefene
- medicines for depression e.g. isocarboxacid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine
- medicines for fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itrazonazole
- antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir, ritonavir, indinavir, efavirenz
- medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines for TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Buprenorphine+Naloxone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from freezing and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.