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How long do you keep Subutex under your tongue?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 30, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Subutex should be kept under the tongue until it has completely dissolved (which takes 4 to 8 minutes on average). Do not swallow, chew, or move the film after it is placed under the tongue, as doing any of these makes the medicine less effective. Before taking Subutex, do NOT smoke, eat or drink for 15 minutes before putting it under your tongue, and do not smoke, eat or drink for 15 minutes after putting it under your tongue.

The effects of Subutex last for 24 hours.

Subutex has been discontinued and in most cases has been replaced by Suboxone.

Subutex was an oral sublingual medication that contained buprenorphine that was used to treat opioid addiction. Subutex was not approved to relieve pain. It takes 4 to 8 minutes for Suboxone to be absorbed.


References
  • Subutex Updated 01/2021 Cerner Multum https://www.drugs.com/cdi/subutex.html
  • Suboxone (buprenorphine HCl and naloxone HCl dihydrate sublingual tablets) Subutex (buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets) Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Inc. https://www.naabt.org/documents/packageinsert.pdf

Read next

Can you take Subutex with opioids in your system?

No, Subutex should not be initiated with opioids in your system. Subutex needs to be initiated at least 6 to 12 hours, or longer, after the last dose of a short-acting opioid, such as heroin. Continue reading

Subutex vs Suboxone: What's the difference between them?

Both Subutex and Suboxone contain buprenorphine, a medication that can help people beat opioid addiction by minimizing withdrawal symptoms and easing cravings. Both Subutex and Suboxone are taken once a day and can be either given by a healthcare professional or taken home for at-home use. But there are differences between them. Continue reading

How long does Subutex stay in your system?

The effects of Subutex last for 24 hours. After one dose of Subutex, no trace of the drug would be expected to be found after 5 to 8 days in healthy people, or 7 to 14 days in those with severe liver disease. Continue reading

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