I have been on Suboxone for three years. My doctor switched me to the strips 2 months ago. Previously I started getting mild edema which now is very severe. I have other medical issues and am being treated by a hematologist, gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, orthopedic dr.,and my GP. No one can figure out source of edema. Prescribing psychiatrist is NOT helpful at all. HELP! Thank you.
I need to know if edema if a side effect of Suboxone sublingual strips, does anyone know?
Question posted by abbiesteph on 28 June 2011
Last updated on 10 February 2019 by Crazygypsy
3 Answers
Crazygypsy
11 Feb 2019
I get it to with the strips severely. Mild with the tab. I noticed when walking aloft or have over taken prescribed amount. Elevation doesn't help. Only thing help is less of the the meds. I won't take the strips anymore because of the severity of the edema..
Problem fixed. No strips take tabs and DONT OVER TAKE) IF EDEMA MISS A COUPLE DAYS OF MEDS.
Thor283
29 June 2011
I have to say it may very well be so. I'm not sure how you're defining Edema? About 7 years ago I was put on Suboxone tabs and the doc had me on way too much. First my feet swelled up, then ankles, and finally lower legs. It was a nightmare. The Sub doc denied the Sub did it. He sent me to several other docs, and they were all clueless. I even went to a cardiologist who did a sonogram himself. He said I didn't have any swelling around my heart, so no one called it Edema. I was advised to wear support hose, and they helped. I then needed surgery, and when the surgery was all over the swelling was gone. I then went on Subutex, not Suboxone, and the swelling never came back. But I also lowered my dose from 24 - 16 mg of Suboxone, to 8 - 6 mg of Subutex. At the time I concluded I have a sensitivity to the Nalox in Suboxone.
However, 1.5 years ago I had to be taken off Sub for 1 year, and now I'm on it again. Since I think I may have an allergy with Nalox, I still use Subutex. I was also put on Lasix for real Edema 2 years ago. Nevertheless, I was experiencing swelling of my hands this time. But it's gone. I have some new ideas about what causes Sub to mimic edema. First of all I think high doses cause it to happen. That means doses greater than 16 mg. I also think eating too many sweets cause it, but not any sweets, chocolates. This year I cut all the chocolates out of my diet, got the dose down to 12 mg, and the swelling of the hands stopped. The last thing is I think we need to drink more water. I've noticed that I never want to drink much water on Sub. Soda and coffee, yes. But I have to force myself to drink water.
So by all means see a cardiologist to make sure there's no fluid around your heart. I also think age is a factor. If you're experiencing any swelling, and if you're on a dose above even 12 mg a day, work to bring it down. And if you're eating any chocolates, just eliminate them. And be sure to drink at least 8 oz of water a day.
Let us know what happens. I'm very curious
Inactive
28 June 2011
I personally have seen people who switched to the film/strips complain of edema/swelling on this site. They had previously been on the tablets. Have you asked a pharmacist about this, if not, do so as they are experts on meds. I would also urge you to call the company, they have a tollfree number listed on their page at suboxone.com. And keep a check on your blood pressure as it could be raised when edema is present. The company that make suboxone has a "here to help" program and they do try to help subs patients.
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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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