Buprenorphine is the primary ingredient of Subutex and Suboxone, which plays its part in quitting opioid dependence. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) favors the use of buprenorphine in a medication-assisted treatment under proper supervision.1 Here, we will explore the difference between Subutex vs. Suboxone in pregnancy, their benefits, usage, and possible risks.
Are you considering changing your Subutex and Suboxone doses during pregnancy? Contact online Suboxone doctors for directions and a same-day prescription!
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What is the Difference Between Subutex Vs. Suboxone in Pregnancy?
The primary difference between Subutex vs. Suboxone is the presence of Naloxone. Suboxone has naloxone to lower the chances of showing signs of Suboxone abuse. If a pregnant woman tries to abuse Suboxone by injecting it, they might go through serious Suboxone withdrawal symptoms due to the presence of naloxone.
If you think you are heading towards prescription drug abuse during pregnancy, our addiction specialists in NJ can help you address such mental struggles. Call ChoicePoint 844.445.2565 to begin your journey in confidentiality.
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Can You Switch from Suboxone to Subutex?Yes, with the right dosage adjustment plan, the transition from Suboxone to Subutex is generally smooth.
How to Get Off Suboxone While Pregnant?During pregnancy, don’t stop taking suboxone abruptly. There are only two options: either continue taking maintenance or low doses of it, or slowly come off with a tapering schedule over the span of weeks or months. Whichever path you decide to take, guidance from a healthcare provider is mandatory for the safety of the mother and fetus.
Want to switch from Suboxone to Subutex? Get Subutex online today with BCBS-covered Subutex prescriptions in NJ from the DEA-certified doctors by filling out this form.
Safety Of Subutex Vs. Suboxone in Pregnancy
Subutex vs. Suboxone in pregnancy is in question; Subutex is generally a preferred choice due to three safety reasons:
1. Less Risky for Fetus
It is considered to have fewer side effects on the mother and the baby than the common side effects of suboxone. (More studies are required to prove the possible risks.)
2. Fewer Overdose Instances
There are more cases of overdosing on Suboxone than on Subutex.
3. Well-Tolerated during Pregnancy
Due to the absence of naloxone, it is easier to start treatment as the Subutex dosage guide is better tolerated than Suboxone during pregnancy.
ASAM recommends treatment with Subutex and Suboxone in pregnancy for opioid use disorder alongside early screening, intervention, routine checkups, and non-pharmacologic treatments, such as behavioral therapies.2 Buprenorphine doesn’t have dangerous interactions with most medications, but there are some drugs that you should avoid with Suboxone.
Related Blogs On Suboxone Interactions With Other Drugs
5 Benefits of Taking Subutex or Suboxone during pregnancy
The benefits of taking Subutex vs. Suboxone in pregnancy are similar. These medications reduce the dangerous outcomes of untreated OUD, which are:
- Prevents Fatal Outcomes: Less risk of overdose death during pregnancy.
- Normal delivery: Due to elevated chances of premature birth due to OUD, the patient may need a C-section.
- Prevents Organ Damage: OUD may result in preeclampsia, which is associated with elevated blood pressure, causing organ damage.
- Lowers Heart Attack Risk: Untreated OUD may increase the possibility of a cardiac arrest during pregnancy.
- Stabilize Fetal Health: OUD results in various birth defects, preterm delivery, stillbirths, and severe opioid withdrawal symptoms in the baby that can be avoided with MAT.
Safe Use of Suboxone and Subutex During Pregnancy
3 Risks of taking Suboxone Vs. Subutex in Pregnancy
Women often search for “Can I take Suboxone while pregnant?” because of the risks that have been associated with it for years. Here is an explanation of the common risks that are tied to taking Subutex and Suboxone during pregnancy:
1. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
The use of Suboxone and Subutex is linked to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). It doesn’t happen to every baby exposed to buprenorphine and is curable due to the lesser severity of the condition. (NAS is more severe if the expectant mother takes methadone during pregnancy)3
2. Congenital Anomalies
There are no studies that show an insignificant risk of congenital anomalies in babies due to the use of Suboxone or Subutex in pregnancy. The rate of congenital anomalies is 3.2%-3.5%.4
3. Birth Parameters
Again, for both parameters like gestational age, weight, length, and head circumference, there is no evident difference between the mothers who took Suboxone and those on Subutex. These babies had shorter stays in hospitals as compared to those of mothers who took methadone or had untreated OUD.
Are There Any Long-term Effects of Babies Born on Suboxone or Subutex?
There is not enough evidence on Subutex vs. suboxone in pregnancy to determine the long-term effects of Subutex versus Suboxone usage during pregnancy on the baby. For pregnant women, Subutex is usually considered the safest option.
Is it Better to Take Suboxone or Subutex While Pregnant?
Both Suboxone and Subutex are reasonable options for OUD when prescribed by professionals. The chances of complications may arise when a woman takes it illicitly. According to research, Suboxone for pregnant women is a good option due to the lower risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome. That said, Subutex is preferred in pregnancy vs. Suboxone as naloxone in Suboxone may cross the placenta, causing unknown effects on the fetus. However, there is a lack of evidence to support this claim to date.
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Support Options For Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Pregnancy With ChoicePoint
To decide between Subutex vs. Suboxone in pregnancy, each person should discuss their personal preferences, current physical symptoms, goals, and medical history of past OUD treatment with their doctor.
- Readily available Subutex and Suboxone doctors for assistance.
- Offers individualized Subutex dosage and Suboxone dosage schedules to reach the stabilization phase of OUD treatment.
- Behavioral Therapies to lower the risk of relapse.
- Telehealth services for added convenience.
Make a fast decision to stay off hard opioids to safeguard your health and the beautiful soul that’s been developing.
To get the most effective medication plan for opioid addiction treatment during pregnancy, request an appointment at our Rehab in Fair Lawn, NJ.
Types of Suboxone and Subutex Pills
FAQs: Suboxone Vs. Subutex During Pregnancy
Got more questions like “Can you take Subutex while pregnant?” or “Is Subutex better than Suboxone?”, you will find the answers here:
What is anyone’s experience with pregnancy and Subutex? I’m on 2mg of Subutex, and I want to get off by the time I give birth.
If you are on Subutex in pregnancy and it is working well for reducing cravings and avoiding withdrawal, there is no need to get off unless the doctor suggests it. If you intend to stop using it, search for “Subutex clinic near me”.
Will my baby go through withdrawal if I’m on Subutex?
Some babies go through withdrawal in the first 2-3 days after birth, and some don’t. As they are dependent on Buprenorphine, these babies are carefully monitored after birth to eliminate any serious complications.
I am 138 pounds and I am pregnant, but I take 4mg Suboxone daily. Will my baby be born addicted?
On taking Suboxone while pregnant, as per the Suboxone dosage recommended by the doctor, the baby may go through mild withdrawal for up to two weeks. After that, the baby will be completely healthy and won’t be addicted to Suboxone.
When you’re pregnant and taking Suboxone and in the clinic, can the hospital take your baby when it’s born?
If you use Suboxone unprescribed, then the Child Protective Services (CPS) may take your baby after investigating with the clinic. When you take it under the supervision of the doctors who prescribe Suboxone, no authority can take the baby’s custody.
I am 31 weeks pregnant. Is it too late to let my doctor know I’m taking Suboxone?
It’s never too late to inform your doctor about the medication you take during pregnancy. Some side effects of Suboxone during pregnancy include sneezing, a stuffy nose, and possible birth defects in the baby. While it’s mostly safe, because of the lack of research on Suboxone treatment during pregnancy, professionals can’t rule out the risks of taking it during pregnancy.
Additional Resources: Comparison of Suboxone & Subutex With Common OUD Medications
References
- Buprenorphine [Internet]. PubMed. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582609/ - Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy [Internet]. Default. Available from:
https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-recommendations/OUD-in-Pregnancy - Wiegand SL, Stringer EM, Stuebe AM, Jones H, Seashore C, Thorp J. Buprenorphine and Naloxone Compared With Methadone Treatment in Pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2015 Feb;125(2):363–8.
- Ordean A, Tubman-Broeren M. Safety and Efficacy of Buprenorphine-Naloxone in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Pathophysiology. 2023 Feb 11;30(1):27–36.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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