Suboxone Treatment Requirements: Patient Responsibilities

To take Suboxone for OUD, you must adhere to certain treatment requirements, such as taking the medication as prescribed, taking required drug tests, and going to all scheduled appointments. 

Suboxone for OUD

Thousands of Americans have opioid use disorders (OUDs).[1] Medication for addiction treatment (MAT) has been shown time and time again to be the most effective treatment for OUD. 

Suboxone is a proven, tested OUD treatment. The medication includes two substances: buprenorphine (the active ingredient, to control opioid-related withdrawal and cravings) and naloxone (to prevent misuse).

If you have an OUD, using Suboxone could be the best way to get well. But you have responsibilities to follow to ensure you use the medication properly. 

What Responsibilities Does a Patient Have While in Suboxone Treatment?

Suboxone, like any medication, has risks and benefits. Both you and your doctor are responsible for making sure you use Suboxone responsibly and effectively. Following these guidelines makes that possible.

Take Your Dose as Prescribed by Your Doctor

The first responsibility of the patient is to take the dose as prescribed by their provider. 

There are several good reasons for this:

• Taking too little means you might not reach therapeutic levels and might continue to experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms. This can increase your risk of relapse. 
• Taking too much could lead to side effects (like GI upset, nausea, or vomiting, dizziness or sedation.)

If you feel like your amount is too high or too low, it can always be adjusted. But you must work with your doctor. Never adjust a dose without talking to your doctor first.

Attend All Your Scheduled Appointments

Your provider can only help you if you show up for your treatment. Missing appointments may lead to the following:

• Missed medication refills 
• Gaps in your therapy
• Higher relapse risk

If you need to cancel an appointment, make sure you know how to contact your provider and reschedule or devise another plan for getting your medications.

Comply With Urine Drug Screening Policies

Some clinics that prescribe Suboxone require periodic urine drug screening. These drug screens check two things:

1. Suboxone: Measurements of metabolites of Suboxone can ensure you're taking the right dose. 
2. Other drug products: Finding other substances could indicate that you're mixing drugs that could harm your long-term health.

Every clinic has different policies around urine drug screening. Ask your provider/clinic about what their policy is, and make sure you are willing and able to comply with their requirements for urine drug screening. 

Commit to Your Treatment

Getting your body used to Suboxone can take time. Be patient, trust the process, and commit fully to taking your Suboxone as prescribed by your doctor.

Bicycle Health for Your Suboxone Treatment 

To learn more about the success rates and safety of Bicycle Health’s telemedicine addiction treatment compared to other common treatment options, call us at (844) 943-2514 or schedule an appointment here.