Suboxone Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

There is very limited experience with buprenorphine/naloxone in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. The potential risk for humans is unknown. Towards the end of pregnancy, high doses of buprenorphine may induce respiratory depression in the neonate even after a short period of administration. Long-term administration of buprenorphine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause a withdrawal syndrome in the neonate.
Suboxone should not be used during pregnancy. If it is the prescriber's opinion that therapy in pregnancy is required, the use of buprenorphine may be considered according to the local buprenorphine labeling.
In case pregnancy occurs while on Suboxone treatment, the mother and the unborn child should be closely monitored and switched to buprenorphine if further treatment is required. It is unknown whether naloxone is excreted in human breast milk. Buprenorphine and its metabolites are excreted in human breast milk. In rats, buprenorphine has been found to inhibit lactation. Therefore, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment with Suboxone.