Buprenorphine Tips from Pharmacists

• Allow the buprenorphine sublingual tablet or buccal film to dissolve completely. Don’t swallow these products whole, as this will make the medicine less effective.

• To prevent damage to your teeth and gums, rinse your mouth with a large sip of water after the medicine dissolves. Swish and swallow the water. Don’t brush for at least 1 hour after taking buprenorphine. This allows your mouth to return to its natural state.

• Buprenorphine can cause dizziness. Be careful while driving or doing other hazardous activities.

• Buprenorphine can have interactions with many other drugs. Do not start taking any other medications during buprenorphine treatment without checking with your doctor first.

• Do not stop taking buprenorphine suddenly. This can lead to potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about having naloxone (Narcan) available. This medicine can reverse the dangerous effects of an opioid overdose. Make sure people in your household know how to recognize an overdose and use naloxone.