throbber
 
`
`
` Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: Neonatal opioid withdrawal







`syndrome (NOWS) is an expected and treatable outcome of prolonged










`use of opioids during pregnancy (5.5)






`
` Adrenal Insufficiency: If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of









`corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. (5.6)









`
` Risk of Opioid Withdrawal with Abrupt Discontinuation: If treatment is










`temporarily interrupted or discontinued, monitor patients for withdrawal








`and treat appropriately. (5.7)




`
` Risk of Hepatitis, Hepatic Events: Monitor liver function tests prior to











`initiation and during treatment and evaluate suspected hepatic events.









`(5.8)

`
` Precipitation of Opioid Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms: An opioid









`withdrawal syndrome is likely to occur with parenteral misuse of










`SUBOXONE sublingual film by individuals physically dependent on full









`opioid agonists, or by sublingual or buccal administration before the










`agonist effects of other opioids have subsided. (5.10)








`
` Risk of Overdose in Opioid‐Naïve Patients: SUBOXONE sublingual film is










`not appropriate as an analgesic. There have been reported deaths of











`opioid naïve individuals who received a 2 mg sublingual dose. (5.11)











`‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ADVERSE REACTIONS‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

`Adverse events commonly observed with the sublingual/buccal







`administration of the SUBOXONE sublingual film are oral hypoesthesia,









`glossodynia, oral mucosal erythema, headache, nausea, vomiting,







`hyperhidrosis, constipation, signs and symptoms of withdrawal, insomnia,








`pain, and peripheral edema. (6)

`     



`To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Indivior Inc. at 1‐877‐









`782‐6966 or FDA at 1‐800‐FDA‐1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.







`‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐DRUG INTERACTIONS‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐


`
` Benzodiazepines: Use caution in prescribing SUBOXONE sublingual film








`for patients receiving benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants and









`warn patients against concomitant self‐administration/misuse. (7)






`
` CYP3A4Inhibitors and Inducers: Monitor patients starting or ending








`CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers for potential over‐ or under‐ dosing. (7)

`  






`  
`
` Antiretrovirals: Patients who are on chronic buprenorphine treatment








`should have their dose monitored if NNRTIs are added to their treatment












`regimen. Monitor patients taking buprenorphine and atazanavir with and









`without ritonavir. Dose reduction of buprenorphine may be warranted









`(7).

`Serotonergic Drugs: Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome.









`Discontinue SUBOXONE sublingual film if serotonin syndrome is








`suspected. (7)


`‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐



`
`Lactation: Buprenorphine passes into mother’s milk. (8.2)







`
`
`Geriatric Patients: Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.








`
`(8.5)

`
` Moderate or Severe Hepatic Impairment: Buprenorphine/naloxone






`products are not recommended in patients with severe hepatic









`impairment and may not be appropriate for patients with moderate










`hepatic impairment. (8.6)
`  


`See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and Medication Guide.









`Revised: 12/2023
`  
`
`
`
`

`
`
`

`
` HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION      
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` These highlights do not include all the information needed to use                    
` SUBOXONE sublingual film safely and effectively. See full prescribing                
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` information for SUBOXONE sublingual film.        
`
`
`
`
`

`SUBOXONE® (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film, for sublingual








`or buccal use, CIII




`Initial U.S. Approval: 2002




`‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐INDICATIONS AND USAGE‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐



`SUBOXONE® sublingual film contains buprenorphine, a partial‐opioid agonist,








`and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, and is indicated for treatment of opioid












`dependence. (1)


`SUBOXONE sublingual film should be used as part of a complete treatment












`plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. (1)








`‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐


`
` Administer SUBOXONE sublingual film as a single daily dose. (2.1)










`
` Strongly consider prescribing naloxone at the time SUBOXONE sublingual









`film is initiated or renewed because patients being treated for opioid use












`disorder have the potential for relapse, putting them at risk for opioid












`overdose. (2.2)


`
` To avoid precipitating withdrawal, induction with SUBOXONE sublingual








`film should be undertaken when objective and clear signs of withdrawal











`are evident and SUBOXONE sublingual film should be administered in










`divided doses when used as initial treatment. (2.3)








`











` For patients dependent on short‐acting opioid products who are in opioid












`withdrawal; on Day 1, administer up to 8 mg/2 mg SUBOXONE sublingual














`film (in divided doses). On Day 2, administer up to 16 mg/4 mg of








`SUBOXONE sublingual film as a single dose. (2.3)
`









` For patients dependent on methadone or long‐acting opioid products,







`induction onto sublingual buprenorphine monotherapy is recommended








`on Days 1 and 2 of treatment. (2.3)
`









` For maintenance treatment, the target dosage of SUBOXONE sublingual












`film is usually 16 mg/4 mg as a single daily dose. (2.4)
`











` Sublingual Administration: Place one film under the tongue, close to the











`   
`base on the left or right side, and allow to completely dissolve.













`Buccal Administration: Place one film on the inside of the left or right







`cheek and allow to completely dissolve. (2.5)
`



`  






` SUBOXONE sublingual film must be administered whole. Do not cut,







`chew, or swallow SUBOXONE sublingual film (2.5)
`









` When discontinuing treatment, gradually taper to avoid signs and




`symptoms of withdrawal. (2.8)



`‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

`   
`Sublingual film:
`






`buprenorphine 2 mg/ naloxone 0.5 mg,
`
`





`  
`buprenorphine 4 mg/ naloxone 1 mg,
`
`
`  






`buprenorphine 8 mg/ naloxone 2 mg and
`
`

`  





`buprenorphine 12 mg/ naloxone 3 mg. (3)
`
`‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐CONTRAINDICATIONS‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
`Hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or naloxone. (4)






`‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐


`
` Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Buprenorphine can be abused in a similar











`manner to other opioids. Monitor patients for conditions indicative of










`diversion or progression of opioid dependence and addictive behaviors.









`Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without











`appropriate patient follow‐up visits. (5.1)




`  
`
` Respiratory Depression: Life‐threatening respiratory depression and






`death have occurred in association with buprenorphine use. Warn









`patients of the potential danger of self‐administration of benzodiazepines









`or other CNS depressants while under treatment with SUBOXONE









`sublingual film. (5.2, 5.3)




`
` Unintentional Pediatric Exposure: Store SUBOXONE sublingual film safely








`out of the sight and reach of children. Buprenorphine can cause severe,












`possibly fatal, respiratory depression in children. (5.4)

`   





`

`

`

`
`Reference ID: 5294257
`
`

`


`DRUG INTERACTIONS

`   
`USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS




`        
`8.1
`Pregnancy


`        
`8.2
`Lactation


`        
`8.3
`Females and Males of Reproductive Potential







`        
`8.4
`Pediatric Use



`        
`8.5 Geriatric Use


`  
`        
`8.6 Hepatic Impairment



`        
`8.7
`Renal Impairment
`  


`DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE




`        
`9.1
`Controlled Substance



`        
`9.2
`Abuse


`        
`9.3 Dependence


`OVERDOSAGE

`DESCRIPTION

`CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY


`        
`12.1 Mechanism of Action




`        
`12.2 Pharmacodynamics


`        
`12.3 Pharmacokinetics


`NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY


`        

`13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of




`Fertility

`HOW SUPPLIED / STORAGE AND HANDLING

`   



`PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION



`        
`Storage and Disposal



`Safe Use


`

`
`*

`
`Sections or subsections omitted from the full








`prescribing information are not listed.




`
`7

`8






`
`9


`

`10

`11

`12




`13

`
`16

`17

`

`

`
` FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*      
`
`
`
`
`
`
` 1
` INDICATIONS AND USAGE    
`
`
` 2
`
` DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION    
`
` Important Dosage and Administration      
`
`
`
`
` 2.1
` Information
`
`
`
`
`
` Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency            
`
`
` Treatment of Opioid Overdose      
`
`
`
`
`
` 2.3
` Induction
`        
`
`
` 2.4 Maintenance  
`        
`
` 2.5 Method of Administration      
`
`
`        
`
` 2.6
` Clinical Supervision  
`
`
`        
`
` 2.7 Unstable Patients    
`
`
`        
`
`
` 2.8 Discontinuing Treatment    
`
`        
`
`
`
` 2.9
` Switching Between Buprenorphine or      
`
`
` Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Tablets        
`
`
`
`
` and SUBOXONE Sublingual Film      
`
`
`
` 2.10 Switching Between SUBOXONE Sublingual Film          
`
`
`
`
` Strengths
` 2.11 Switching Between Sublingual and Buccal Sites            
`
` of Administration  
`
`
` DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS      
`
`
`
` CONTRAINDICATIONS
`
`
` WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS    
`
`
`        
`
`
` Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse      
`
`
`
` 5.1
`        
`
` 5.2
` Risk of Life‐Threatening Respiratory and Central          
`
`
`
` Nervous System (CNS) Depression       
`
`
`
`
`
`
` 5.3 Managing Risks from Concomitant Use of            
`
`
`
`
`  Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants      
`
`
`
`
` 5.4 Unintentional Pediatric Exposure      
`
`
`
`
`
` 5.5 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome        
`
`
`
`
` 5.6
` Adrenal Insufficiency  
`
`
`
` 5.7
` Risk of Opioid Withdrawal with Abrupt          
`
`
`
` Discontinuation
`
`        
`
`
` Risk of Hepatitis, Hepatic Events        
`
`
`
` 5.8
`
`        5.9 Hypersensitivity Reactions       
`
`
`
`
`        5.10 Precipitation of Opioid Withdrawal Signs and              
`
`
`
`
` Symptoms
`
`
`        5.11 Risk of Overdose in Opioid Naïve Patients                
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`        5.12 Use in Patients with Impaired Hepatic Function                
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`   
`  5.13 Dental Adverse Events      
`
`
`
`
`   
`
`  5.14 QTc Prolongation    
`
`
`
`        5.15  
`
`  Impairment of Ability to Drive or Operate          
`
`
`
`  Machinery
`        5.16 Orthostatic Hypotension      
`
`
`
`
`
`        5.17 Elevation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure             
`
`
`
`
`
`
`        5.18 Elevation of Intracholedochal Pressure          
`
`
`
`
`
`
`        5.19 Effects in Acute Abdominal Conditions                  
`
`
`
`
`
`
` ADVERSE REACTIONS  
`
`
`
`        6.1  
`
`
` Clinical Trials Experience    
`
`
`
`        6.2  
`
` Postmarketing Experience
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`        
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` 2.2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`        
`
`        
`
`        
`        
`        
`        
`




`
`
` 3
`
` 4
`
` 5
`
`
`
` 6
`
`Reference ID: 5294257
`
`

`

`
`
` FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION    
`
`
`
`
`
` 1
`
`
`
`
` INDICATIONS AND USAGE    
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` SUBOXONE sublingual film is indicated for treatment of opioid dependence. SUBOXONE sublingual film should                          
`
`
`
`
` be used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support.                               
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION    
`
`
`
`
` 2
`
`
` 2.1
` Important Dosage and Administration Information        
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` SUBOXONE sublingual film is administered sublingually or buccally as a single daily dose.                        
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Medication should be prescribed in consideration of the frequency of visits. Provision of multiple refills is not                                
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` advised early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow‐up visits.                  
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` 2.2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose                    
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Discuss the availability of naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose with the patient and                              
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` caregiver. Because patients being treated for opioid use disorder have the potential for relapse, putting them                              
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` at risk for opioid overdose, strongly consider prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid                            
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` overdose, both when initiating and renewing treatment with SUBOXONE sublingual film. Also consider                        
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` prescribing naloxone if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk                              
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` for accidental ingestion or opioid overdose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].                    
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Advise patients and caregivers that naloxone may also be administered for a known or suspected overdose
















`with SUBOXONE sublingual film itself. Higher than normal doses and repeated administration of naloxone may















`be necessary due to the long duration of action of SUBOXONE sublingual film and its affinity for the mu‐opioid



















`receptor [see Overdosage (10)].




`Inform patients and caregivers of their options for obtaining naloxone as permitted by individual state















`naloxone dispensing and prescribing requirements or guidelines (e.g., by prescription, directly from a













`pharmacist, or as part of a community‐based program) [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].













`Induction
`2.3

`  
`Prior to induction, consideration should be given to the type of opioid dependence (i.e., long‐ or short‐acting
















`opioid products), the time since last opioid use, and the degree or level of opioid dependence.















`   
`Patients dependent on heroin or other short‐acting opioid products








`  
`Patients dependent on heroin or other short‐acting opioid products may be inducted with either SUBOXONE















`sublingual film or with sublingual buprenorphine monotherapy. At treatment initiation, the first dose of














`SUBOXONE sublingual film should be administered when objective signs of moderate opioid withdrawal appear,














`not less than six hours after the patient last used opioids.











`It is recommended that an adequate treatment dose, titrated to clinical effectiveness, be achieved as rapidly as

















`possible. In some studies, a too‐gradual induction over several days led to a high rate of drop‐out of


















`buprenorphine patients during the induction period.






`On Day 1, an induction dosage of up to 8 mg/2 mg SUBOXONE sublingual film is recommended. Clinicians


















`should start with an initial dose of 2 mg/0.5 mg or 4 mg/1 mg buprenorphine/naloxone and may titrate


















`upwards in 2 or 4 mg increments of buprenorphine, at approximately 2‐hour intervals, under supervision, to
















`8 mg/2 mg buprenorphine/naloxone based on the control of acute withdrawal symptoms.











`   
`On Day 2, a single daily dose of up to 16 mg/4 mg SUBOXONE sublingual film is recommended.

















`  
`Because the exposure to naloxone is somewhat higher after buccal than after sublingual administration, it is
















`recommended that the sublingual site of administration be used during induction to minimize exposure to















`
`Reference ID: 5294257
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` naloxone, to reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal.              
`
`
`
` Patients dependent on methadone or long‐acting opioid products              
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Patients dependent upon methadone or long‐acting opioid products may be more susceptible to precipitated                          
`
`
`
`
`
`
` and prolonged withdrawal during induction than those on short‐acting opioid products.                    
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Buprenorphine/naloxone combination products have not been evaluated in adequate and well‐controlled                    
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` studies for induction in patients who are physically dependent on long‐acting opioid products, and the                            
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` naloxone in these combination products is absorbed in small amounts by the sublingual route and could cause                                
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` worse precipitated and prolonged withdrawal. For this reason, buprenorphine monotherapy is recommended                      
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` in patients taking long‐acting opioids when used according to approved administration instructions. Following                        
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` induction, the patient may then be transitioned to once‐daily SUBOXONE sublingual film.                      
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` 2.4 Maintenance   
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` For maintenance, SUBOXONE sublingual film may be administered buccally or sublingually.                     
`
`
`
`
`
`
`  The dosage of SUBOXONE sublingual film from Day 3 onwards should be progressively adjusted in                            
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` increments/decrements of 2 mg/0.5 mg or 4 mg/1 mg buprenorphine/naloxone to a level that holds the                              
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` patient in treatment and suppresses opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms.                  
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`  After treatment induction and stabilization, the maintenance dose of SUBOXONE sublingual film is generally                          
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` in the range of 4 mg/1 mg buprenorphine/naloxone to 24 mg/6 mg buprenorphine/naloxone per day                            
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` depending on the individual patient and clinical response. The recommended target dosage of SUBOXONE                           
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` sublingual film during maintenance is 16 mg/4 mg buprenorphine/naloxone/day as a single daily dose.                           
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` Dosages higher than 24 mg/6 mg daily have not been demonstrated to provide a clinical advantage.                              
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`













` When determining the prescription quantity for unsupervised administration, consider the patient’s level of



















`stability, the security of his or her home situation, and other factors likely to affect the ability to manage




`supplies of take‐home medication.
`
`  There is no maximum recommended duration of maintenance treatment. Patients may require treatment                        
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` indefinitely and should continue for as long as patients are benefiting and the use of SUBOXONE sublingual                                
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` film contributes to the intended treatment goals.          
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`




`2.5 Method of Administration
`  















`SUBOXONE sublingual film must be administered whole. Do not cut, chew, or swallow SUBOXONE sublingual film.













`   
`Advise patients not to eat or drink anything until the film is completely dissolved.


`Sublingual Administration























`Place one film under the tongue, close to the base on the left or right side. If an additional film is necessary to

















`  
`achieve the prescribed dose, place an additional film sublingually on the opposite side from the first film. Place





















`the film in a manner to minimize overlapping as much as possible. The film must be kept under the tongue until



`  
















`the film is completely dissolved. If a third film is necessary to achieve the prescribed dose, place it under the











`tongue on either side after the first 2 films have dissolved.


`Buccal Administration






















`Place one film on the inside of the right or left cheek. If an additional film is necessary to achieve the prescribed






















`dose, place an additional film on the inside of the opposite cheek. The film must be kept on the inside of the












`  








`cheek until the film is completely dissolved. If a third film is necessary to achieve the prescribed dose, place it on















`the inside of the right or left cheek after the first two films have dissolved.








`  
`SUBOXONE sublingual film should NOT be moved after placement.

















`To ensure consistency in bioavailability, patients should follow the same manner of dosing with continued use of
`
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`
`Reference ID: 5294257
`
`

`

`the product. Proper administration technique should be demonstrated to the patient.










`  
`Advise patients to do the following after the product has completely dissolved in the oral mucosa: take a sip of




















`water, swish gently around the teeth and gums, and swallow. Advise patients to wait for at least one hour after




















`taking SUBOXONE before brushing teeth [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13), Postmarketing Experience (6.2),














`Information for Patients (17), and the Medication Guide].







`Clinical Supervision
`2.6


`  
`Treatment should be initiated with supervised administration, progressing to unsupervised administration as












`the patient’s clinical stability permits. SUBOXONE sublingual film is subject to diversion and abuse. When




`  










`determining the prescription quantity for unsupervised administration, consider the patient’s level of stability,













`the security of his or her home situation, and other factors likely to affect the ability to manage supplies of




















`take‐home medication.


`Ideally patients should be seen at reasonable intervals (e.g., at least weekly during the first month of

















`treatment) based upon the individual circumstances of the patient. Medication should be prescribed in














`consideration of the frequency of visits. Provision of multiple refills is not advised early in treatment or without


















`appropriate patient follow‐up visits. Periodic assessment is necessary to determine compliance with the dosing














`regimen, effectiveness of the treatment plan, and overall patient progress.









`   
`Once a stable dosage has been achieved and patient assessment (e.g., urine drug screening) does not indicate

















`illicit drug use, less frequent follow‐up visits may be appropriate. A once‐monthly visit schedule may be
















`reasonable for patients on a stable dosage of medication who are making progress toward their treatment
















`objectives. Continuation or modification of pharmacotherapy should be based on the healthcare provider’s













`evaluation of treatment outcomes and objectives such as:








`1. Absence of medication toxicity.
`  




`2. Absence of medical or behavioral adverse effects.
`  







`3. Responsible handling of medications by the patient.
`  







`4. Patient’s compliance with all elements of the treatment plan (including recovery‐oriented activities,
`  












`psychotherapy, and/or other psychosocial modalities).





`5. Abstinence from illicit drug use (including problematic alcohol and/or benzodiazepine use).

`  









`  
`If treatment goals are not being achieved, the healthcare provider should re‐evaluate the appropriateness of















`continuing the current treatment.



`  
`Unstable Patients
`2.7



`Healthcare providers will need to decide when they cannot appropriately provide further management for














`particular patients. For example, some patients may be abusing or dependent on various drugs, or















`unresponsive to psychosocial intervention such that the healthcare provider does not feel that he/she has the
















`expertise to manage the patient. In such cases, the healthcare provider may want to assess whether to refer


















`the patient to a specialist or more intensive behavioral treatment environment. Decisions should be based on a

















`treatment plan established and agreed upon with the patient at the beginning of treatment.














`Patients who continue to misuse, abuse, or divert buprenorphine products or other opioids should be provided
















`with, or referred to, more intensive and structured treatment.









`Discontinuing Treatment
`2.8



`The decision to discontinue therapy with SUBOXONE sublingual film after a period of maintenance should be
















`made as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Advise patients of the potential to relapse to illicit drug use



















`following discontinuation of opioid agonist/partial agonist medication‐assisted treatment. Taper patients to












`reduce the occurrence of opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].













`
`Reference ID: 5294257
`
`

`

` 2.9
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`
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` Switching Between Buprenorphine or Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Tablets and                  
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` SUBOXONE Sublingual Film    
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` Patients being switched between buprenorphine and naloxone or buprenorphine only sublingual tablets and                        
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` SUBOXONE sublingual film should be started on the same dosage of the previously administered product.                             
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` However, dosage adjustments may be necessary when switching between buprenorphine products. Not all                        
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` strengths and combinations of the SUBOXONE sublingual films are bioequivalent to SUBOXONE® sublingual                        
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` tablets as observed in pharmacokinetic studies [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Therefore, systemic                      
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` exposures of buprenorphine and naloxone may be different when patients are switched from tablets to film or                                
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` vice‐versa. Patients should be monitored for symptoms related to over‐dosing or under‐dosing.                      
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` Switching Between SUBOXONE Sublingual Film Strengths          
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` 2.10
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` As indicated in Table 1, the sizes and the compositions of the four units of SUBOXONE sublingual films, i.e.,                                     
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` 2 mg/0.5 mg, 4 mg/1 mg, 8 mg/2 mg and the 12 mg/3 mg units, are different from one another. If patients                                          
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` switch between various combinations of lower and higher strength units of SUBOXONE sublingual films to                            
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` obtain the same total dose, (e.g., from three 4 mg/1 mg units to a single 12 mg/3 mg unit, or vice‐versa),                                        
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` systemic exposures of buprenorphine and naloxone may be different and patients should be monitored for                            
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` over‐dosing or under‐dosing. For this reason, pharmacist should not substitute one or more film strengths for                               
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` another without approval of the prescriber.          
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` Table 1. Comparison of Available SUBOXONE Sublingual Film Strengths by Dimensions and Drug                         
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` Concentrations.
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` SUBOXONE sublingual film unit strength        
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` (buprenorphine/naloxone)
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` SUBOXONE sublingual  
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` film unit dimensions    
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` Buprenorphine
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` Concentration
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` % (w/w)  
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` Naloxone
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` Concentration
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` % (w/w)  
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` 2 mg/0.5 mg    
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` 22.0 mm x 12.8 mm        
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` 22.0 mm x 25.6 mm        
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` 5.4
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` 5.4
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` 1.53
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` 1.53
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` 4 mg/1 mg     
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` (2 times the length of the 2 mg/0.5 mg unit)                  
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` 8 mg/2 mg     
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` 12 mg/3 mg    
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` (1.5 times the length of the 8 mg/2 mg unit)                  
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` 22.0 mm x 12.8 mm        
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` 22.0 mm X 19.2 mm        
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` 17.2
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` 17.2
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` 4.88
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` 4.88
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` Switching Between Sublingual and Buccal Sites of Administration              
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` 2.11
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` The systemic exposure of buprenorphine between buccal and sublingual administration of SUBOXONE                      
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` sublingual film is similar. Therefore, once induction is complete, patients can switch between buccal and                            
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` sublingual administration without significant risk of under or overdosing.                 
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` DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS      
`
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` 3
` SUBOXONE sublingual film is supplied as an orange rectangular film with a white printed logo in four dosage                                  
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` strengths:
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`   Buprenorphine 2 mg/naloxone 0.5 mg,       
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`   Buprenorphine 4 mg/naloxone 1 mg,      
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`Reference ID: 5294257
`
`

`

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`   Buprenorphine 8 mg/naloxone 2 mg and        
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`  Buprenorphine 12 mg/naloxone 3 mg        
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` 4
` CONTRAINDICATIONS
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` SUBOXONE sublingual film is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or                             
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` naloxone as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported [see Warnings and                          
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` Precautions (5.9)].  
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` WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS    
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` 5
` 5.1
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` Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse       
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` SUBOXONE sublingual film contains buprenorphine, a schedule III controlled substance that can be abused in a                              
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` manner similar to other opioids, legal or illicit. Prescribe and dispense buprenorphine with appropriate                          
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` precautions to minimize risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, and ensure appropriate protection from theft,                            
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` including in the home. Clinical monitoring appropriate to the patient’s level of stability is essential. Multiple                              
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` refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow‐up visits [see Drug                              
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` Abuse and Dependence (9.2)].

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