How to Get Suboxone?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a public health issue that affects millions of individuals and their families. As the crisis gets worse, good treatment options are important for helping people take control of their lives. One such option is Suboxone, a medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone to address the challenges of opioid addiction. Suboxone not only alleviates withdrawal symptoms but also reduces cravings, significantly lowering the risk of overdose deaths. Fortunately, access to Suboxone has improved in recent years, making it a more viable option for those seeking help. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, you might be wondering how to get Suboxone. This guide will help you understand the process so that you can easily buy it and get support for those who need it.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication for treating opioid addiction. It combines buprenorphine, which eases withdrawal symptoms, and naloxone, which helps prevent misuse. It comes in three forms:
- Sublingual Tablets: Placed under the tongue.
- Sublingual Film Strips: Dissolve quickly under the tongue.
- Buccal Film Strips: Placed between the cheek and gums.
These forms dissolve easily, similar to breath mint strips, and are available in different strengths (2 mg to 12 mg). The dosage starts based on addiction severity and is gradually reduced. Treatment often includes counseling and therapy for a well-rounded recovery.
How to Acquire Your Suboxone Medication?
Suboxone Requires a Prescription:
Suboxone is a controlled substance, meaning it can’t be purchased over the counter and must be prescribed by a trained healthcare professional (HCP). This requirement is in place because opioid use disorder requires professional supervision to ensure safe and effective treatment. An HCP will help you determine the right dose and explain how to use Suboxone.
For easy access to prescribed Suboxone, My MMJ Doctor offers a convenient, HIPAA-compliant platform:
- Schedule an Appointment: Book a consultation with My MMJ Doctor.
- Connect with a Doctor: A licensed physician will evaluate your symptoms and discuss your treatment needs.
- Get Your Prescription: The doctor will recommend and prescribe Suboxone if appropriate.
What Should You Know Before Getting Suboxone?
Alternative Buprenorphine Products for OUD:
In addition to Suboxone, there are other medications containing buprenorphine that treat OUD. Some, like Zubsolv, combine buprenorphine and naloxone, while others contain buprenorphine alone. Additional options include:
- Zubsolv (buprenorphine/naloxone) sublingual tablets
- Buprenorphine-only sublingual tablets
- Sublocade and Brixadi (buprenorphine extended-release injections)
Medications containing both buprenorphine and naloxone, such as Suboxone and Zubsolv, are often preferred because naloxone helps prevent misuse. However, some people may benefit from buprenorphine-only options. Consult with your health care provider (HCP) to determine the best choice for your needs.
Check Your Pharmacy’s Suboxone Availability:
Options if You Run Out of Suboxone:
To maintain treatment continuity, aim to refill Suboxone on time. Understanding how long to be on Suboxone can help you stay on track with your treatment goals. If you do run out, contact your prescriber immediately. Some prescribers offer telehealth appointments, which can make it easier to access a prescription. In certain cases, urgent care clinics or emergency rooms may also provide Suboxone prescriptions, though this isn’t guaranteed. Seek immediate care if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Recent Law Changes Make Suboxone Easier to Access:
- X-Waiver Removal: Healthcare providers no longer need an “X-waiver” to prescribe buprenorphine for OUD. Now, they only need a standard DEA license to prescribe these medications.
- Prescribing Limits Removed: Previously, HCPs were limited in the number of patients they could treat with Suboxone. There’s no cap on the number of patients they can prescribe it to.
If you believe you may have OUD, reach out to your HCP or consider finding a specialist in substance use disorder through resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
How Much Does Suboxone Cost?
Forms of Suboxone: Film vs. Tablet:
- Films: Dissolve in your mouth and enter the bloodstream through mucosal membranes. Prices for generic films range from around $160 to $562 for 30 films, depending on the dosage.
- Tablets: Also dissolve in your mouth. They tend to be more affordable, costing between $36 and $38 for 28 tablets of the same dosage range.
Who Can Prescribe Suboxone?
Primary care doctors can prescribe Suboxone if they meet the required training and registration. Other doctors, such as pain management specialists and psychiatrists, can also prescribe it.
Non-Physicians Who Can Prescribe Suboxone:
- Nurse practitioners (NP)
- Physician assistants (PA)
- Clinical nurse specialists (CNS)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA)
- Certified nurse-midwives (CNM)
As of 2022, there are about 135,850 DATA-waived certified practitioners. Having more providers who can prescribe Suboxone is essential for treating patients in the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Suboxone Through Telehealth:
With telehealth, you can access Suboxone treatment online, making it easier for those in remote areas to get help. Qualified professionals as mentioned can provide prescriptions, and the medication can often be mailed to you, improving access for many people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder.
Take Away
Opioid addiction affects many people, but treatments like Suboxone offer real help. Thanks to new laws, it’s now easier to get Suboxone from a doctor. This medication, combined with therapy, can make a big difference by lowering cravings and helping people live healthy stable lives. Recovery takes time and support but with tools like Suboxone, it has become easier to live an opioid-free life.
FAQs
- Can Suboxone Be Prescribed via Telemedicine?
Yes, Suboxone can be prescribed through telemedicine, especially since COVID-19 made online healthcare more available. This means doctors can meet with patients online, discuss their needs, and prescribe Suboxone to help treat opioid addiction—all from home.If you’re looking for a telemedicine provider, My MMJ Doctor makes it easy. They connect you with licensed doctors, so you can discuss your symptoms and, if needed, get a prescription for Suboxone through a secure online appointment.
- Is Suboxone Covered by Insurance?
Yes, many insurance plans cover Suboxone for opioid addiction treatment. Coverage and costs vary, so checking with your provider for details is best.
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