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Is Suboxone a controlled substance?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 9, 2022.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, Suboxone is a Schedule 3 controlled substance which means it requires a special prescription from a licensed clinician. Suboxone can only be prescribed under the Suboxone REMS Program by physicians who meet certain qualifying requirements, and who have been assigned a unique identification number that must be included on every prescription.

Schedule 3 controlled substances are those with a lower risk for developing a substance use disorder than schedule 1 and 2 drugs, but the risk is still higher than schedule 4 and 5 drugs. Schedule 3 drugs are usually prescribed for illnesses, and injuries, and for the management of addiction.

References
  • BUPRENORPHINE(Trade Names: Buprenex®, Suboxone®, Subutex®, Zubsolv®, Sublocade®, Butrans®)  May 2022. Drug Enforcement Administration. Diversion Control Division. Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/buprenorphine.pdf
  • Suboxone (buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride) [Package Insert] Revised: 05/2022. Indivior Inc.

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