So, I can't get the Suboxone pills anymore, and I have to get the strips now, but I'm getting 8mg strips and I don't take nearly that much at a single time for my dose, I'm taking 2mg or less a day of Suboxone now because I'm tapering myself off. I need to know if I can open up the strip wrapper and cut a piece of the strip and take 1-2mg of the strip without the rest of the strip going bad from being opened. Does the strip dry out and become useless if I don't take it all right away? Can I open the wrapper and put the strip back in and take small pieces of the strip? An 8mg Suboxone pill will usually last me about a week, I need to know if the strip will last being exposed to air without drying out and becoming non effective.
Will Suboxone strips dry out if I don't take the whole strip?
Question posted by Twiggy269 on 18 March 2011
Last updated on 7 December 2023 by stephenclowar
9 Answers
stephenclowar
6 Dec 2023
I cut my strips and store them back in the wrapper still open and exposed to air somewhat. Then I use it again the next day
Drumdr64
22 Oct 2021
You can either wrap it back up which is recommended but I also use it and have accidentally left a whole strip out for 3 days and it lost none of it's potency. It will dry up some but the chemicals are sealed within the strip and being dry does not strip it of the strength. I guarantee you.
Simonealexiaberecz
10 Dec 2019
It does lose its potency after 48 hours of the package being opened it loses its potency
jolter
26 Nov 2019
Yes, no problem.
I do it all the time.
Do it just the way you said then put it an old airtight pill container.
Store at room temperature.
I have done tiny pieces that have been stored for over a year and they were just fine.
Ladyjaneboston
24 Nov 2019
Yes u can cut them into lesser doses. Best is to wrap them back up in the film they already come in. However cutting them down & Storting more than half. They will stick together no matter where they are stored. Plastic Monday -Friday plastic pill reminder is best. 100 they can dry out , get stuck together and yes after 7 days loose the strength & loose even some of components after day 7. They should b stored at room temperature , more cooler than warm & dark place.
Ladyjaneboston
24 Nov 2019
Sorry typo there where u store them
Dos k
31 May 2015
I would say yes it will new if you wrap it back up in the foil wrapper as good as you can I e been doing the same myself for months if it's working for you don't question it
evetsirot
24 July 2013
I used a pill bottle and just placed the rest of the strip right back into the film container they come in. Just fold it around the strip, place into RX bottle, close cap. Strip will be fine for the next use. Good luck.
Inactive
22 March 2011
Hi Twiggy - I am totally with you on this one. I am tapering too from the 8/2 filmstrips, and I think I have an honorary pharmacology degree from the information on this site. One strip lasts me up to two weeks. After I cut a tiny piece off, I put the rest of the strip back in the foil envelope and put it back in the box. Just be really careful not to lose those little pieces. If you have pets or small children it could be a big problem. I have been told that such small pieces could not possibly deliver any therapeutic value. Whether it is psychological or not, it works for me. My theory is that since the half-life is so long, any amount you take will accumulate in your system until you stop completely for 17 (I think) days. I fold the strip in half, then half again to get it into four fairly equal folds. Then I make a cut at the middle of a 1/4 fold (in other words, 1/8 of a strip, which is 1 mg buprenorphine/.5 mg naloxone).
I stayed at that amount for a while, and now I cut a 1/8 in half diagonally., or .5 mg buprenorphine. My doctor says I could just stop now, but the doctors don't always know what it feels like to sweat and shake and fly around on your broomstick when someone says something I might take the wrong way; I get a little grumpy. I am going to post a question about withdrawal from Suboxone... I am getting bad muscle cramps like a "Charlie horse" (if anybody knows what that is, they are so painful they will wake you out of a sound sleep) in my hands and feet.
LaurieShay
22 March 2011
Hey cleanzgood,
Eating foods rich in potassium and magnesium will help those ole cramps. Google "potassium rich foods" and "magnesium rich foods" to get a list.
Inactive
22 March 2011
Hi LaurieShay-- Indeed, I did post that question, and mentioned I was being conscientious about staying hydrated and eating bananas, potatoes, and drinking o.j. and V-8. Thanks for confirmation that this is normal and what to do to make it pass more comfortably. I came off Oxys post 3 surgeries for scoliosis plus Lorazepam I was on for sleep initially and anxiety when I stopped on Christmas Eve. Some Christmas present; although it is a gift to be clean. I had no idea what a test this was going to be. I don't think this 57 year old body could take another insult like that, so, stick a fork in me; I'm done. Thanks.
LaurieShay
22 March 2011
Hang in there cleanzgood and load up on those naners, yummy.
LaurieShay
22 March 2011
CAUTION. Bananas can be constipating.
Inactive
22 March 2011
Never had a problem with them. Thanks
LaurieShay
18 March 2011
Hey Twiggy,
I believe you can cut the strip into smaller pieces and store the remainder back in the wrapper without jeparodizing the integrity of the medication.
But be sure to keep in a cool, dry place away from children.
It is my understanding that the films are "stronger" than the tablets because they get into the blood stream easier. So you may want to take that into consideration.
I am not a Suboxone user, as when I was coming off the opiates, I didn't even know about suboxone. That being said, I'm sure you will get some more responses soon.
Good luck,
Laurie
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Further information
- Suboxone uses and safety info
- Suboxone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Suboxone (detailed)
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