Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is an opioid replacement medication healthcare professionals may prescribe for opioid-dependent women during pregnancy. If you are expecting or planning to have a baby, it is in your and your baby’s best interest to learn more about Suboxone and pregnancy.
This article will discuss the key information you should be aware of when it comes to Suboxone and pregnancy, including its effects on fertility, breastfeeding, and more.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription opioid medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). As a combination medication, it contains the following active ingredients at a ratio of 4:1:
- Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that can also be prescribed for pain relief
- Naloxone, an opioid antagonist that counters the effects of other opioids and is used to reverse an opioid overdose
Also sold under the brand names Cassipa®, Zubsolv®, and Bunavail®, Suboxone comes in the form of a sublingual or buccal film and sublingual tablets. It starts working within more or less 45 minutes following administration, with effects lasting for up to 72 hours.
Once dissolved in the mouth, Suboxone gradually releases buprenorphine into the system, alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing opioid cravings. To explore buprenorphine’s duration in the system, read our How Long Does Buprenorphine Stay in Your System article.
As a partial opioid agonist, it binds to the same opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) as other opioids, yet it doesn’t activate them to the same extent.
Therefore, Suboxone doesn’t typically induce euphoria and has a “ceiling effect” (i.e., it reaches its maximum potency at a certain point). While this is thought to minimize the risk of Suboxone abuse, it is still possible to abuse this drug. Because it can lead to abuse, dependence, and addiction, it is treated as a Schedule III controlled substance.
Side Effects of Using Suboxone
Suboxone can cause various side effects, such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Tongue pain
- Constipation
- Trouble sleeping
Inform your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking Suboxone. Allergic reactions (hives, facial swelling, etc.), breathing problems, and other severe Suboxone side effects may require prompt medical attention. As an opioid-based medication, it can also lead to Suboxone addiction and dependence, overdose, and death, especially when abused.
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s discuss what you need to know about Suboxone and pregnancy.
Suboxone and Pregnancy: How Does Suboxone Affect Pregnant Women and the Fetus?
The research on the effects of Suboxone on pregnant women and the fetus is limited. Because of this, Suboxone is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug by the FDA, meaning pregnant women should only use it if their doctor determines that the potential benefits of the drug outweigh the risks.
Opioid use and untreated opioid use disorder can pose significant risks to both pregnant women and the fetus, including preterm birth, low birth weight, complications due to poor prenatal care, and more. However, quitting opioids abruptly is dangerous in and of itself, and even more so for pregnant women. It can lead to fetal distress, premature labor, and even miscarriage.
Because Suboxone isn’t linked to congenital abnormalities and is considered a safer alternative to short-acting opioids, it can be prescribed for pregnant women dependent on opioids.
Some studies suggest that using Suboxone during pregnancy is safe and that pregnant women using this medication will likely experience no harm. However, the findings of these studies need further confirmation.
While research shows that buprenorphine—the main ingredient in Suboxone—and methadone carry a similar risk of severe maternal complications, buprenorphine is found to have a lower risk of complications for newborns. Nonetheless, there’s a lack of information on the effects and side effects of naloxone during pregnancy.
Even though most research suggests that Suboxone can be safely used during pregnancy, it is still an opioid. Therefore, it can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which is the greatest risk associated with Suboxone and pregnancy.
Suboxone and the Cause of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Suboxone can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a treatable condition newborns suffer from due to being exposed to opioids in the womb.
In other words, it refers to the withdrawal symptoms a baby may experience when the mother is taking opioids, such as Suboxone, during pregnancy. While Suboxone is less likely to cause NAS than most other opioids, it is still a risk you should be aware of.
While NAS can refer to the withdrawal from any type of drug the baby has been exposed to before being born, it is most often caused by opioids. This condition is also sometimes called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).
Babies exposed to buprenorphine in the womb tend to display NAS symptoms within the first 72 hours after birth.
The most common symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome in babies include:
- Fever
- Yawning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Excessive crying
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Stuffy nose and sneezing
Using Suboxone While Breastfeeding
Although using Suboxone while breastfeeding is generally thought to be safe, buprenorphine can pass into breast milk. Even small amounts of this drug can be harmful to your baby. For this reason, it’s best to consult with your doctor before breastfeeding your baby if you’re taking Suboxone.
If you and your doctor decide that the benefits of taking Suboxone and breastfeeding outweigh the risks, it is crucial to monitor your baby for side effects closely. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice that your child:
- Is constipated
- Has trouble breathing
- Struggles to gain weight
- Seems drowsy and lethargic
- Displays other alarming symptoms
Moreover, if you decide to take Suboxone while breastfeeding, do not discontinue your medication or stop nursing suddenly, this may cause your baby to experience acute opioid withdrawal symptoms.
How Does Suboxone Affect Fertility?
It isn’t clear how exactly Suboxone affects fertility due to a lack of research. Since Suboxone is an opioid, however, it could be suggested that it could reduce fertility in both men and women, especially when taken long-term.
Chronic opioid use affects hormone levels and is associated with the absence of menstrual periods, decreased ovary function, and early menopause in women, which can lead to infertility. However, women with OUD may also experience increased fertility upon initiating Suboxone therapy.
Moreover, long-term use of buprenorphine was found to cause reproductive problems in male mice. However, there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest that it affects fertility in men, though it is well-known that opioids can affect testosterone levels, potentially decreasing reproductive function, reducing libido, and causing erectile dysfunction.
Since Suboxone is prescribed for opioid addiction treatment, it is likely that any fertility problems you may experience predate Suboxone therapy. In other words, these issues may stem from the long-term use or abuse of the opioid you became dependent on.
If you are taking Suboxone and planning to have a baby, consult with your doctor to better understand how this medication could affect your chances of getting pregnant.
ANR Treatment for Suboxone Dependence
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is an ultra-modern Suboxone dependence treatment that has helped close to 25,000 people worldwide make a lasting recovery from opioid dependence.
Developed by Dr. Andre Waismann, ANR is the first and only treatment that acknowledges and tackles the deep-seated causes of opioid dependence.
By re-regulating the endorphin-receptor imbalance, the ANR treatment reverses the damage opioids cause to the CNS, restoring normal brain function. It eliminates opioid dependence together with withdrawal symptoms, allowing you to leave the fear of relapse in the past.
Performed by highly experienced board-certified medical professionals in an ICU setting of accredited hospitals, ANR is scientifically proven to be very safe. Moreover, each treatment is tailored to the patient’s medical history and needs, negating the risk of side effects. Even those with heart disease, kidney problems, and other conditions can safely undergo ANR.
The ANR procedure, which is carried out under sedation, typically lasts 4–6 hours. Meanwhile, the average hospital stay for ANR patients lasts only 36 hours on average.
To get started with the treatment, reach out to us for a free, 100% confidential consultation.
Key Takeaways
Hopefully, this article helped you learn more about Suboxone and pregnancy. If you have any concerns about the use of Suboxone in pregnancy, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.
Now, let’s reiterate the key points we covered today:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is an opioid-based medication used to treat opioid addiction that may be used during pregnancy.
- Though the effects of Suboxone on pregnant women and the fetus aren’t well understood, it is evident that Suboxone can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome. Nonetheless, Suboxone carries lower risks than short-acting opioids.
- While it is possible to breastfeed your baby while you’re taking Suboxone, you should not quit it abruptly while nursing. Since buprenorphine can pass into milk, it is also vital to monitor your baby for drowsiness, breathing problems, and other similar symptoms.
Suboxone and Pregnancy FAQ
Taking Suboxone during pregnancy is generally considered safe, though the effects of Suboxone on pregnancy aren’t well-researched.
Long-acting opioids like Suboxone are safer during pregnancy than short-acting opioids, but they can still lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome. Your doctor can help you determine whether or not it is safe for you to take Suboxone while pregnant.
You can experience withdrawal from Suboxone during pregnancy if you quit taking it. Discontinuing Suboxone during pregnancy can be very dangerous and affect your unborn baby, increasing the risk of preterm birth, fetal distress, and miscarriage.
Subutex is generally considered to be better than Suboxone during pregnancy. Your doctor can help you evaluate the risks and potential benefits of each medication and choose the one that suits you and your baby best.
There’s a lack of research regarding the long-term effects of babies born on Suboxone; however, using Suboxone during pregnancy can cause the baby to develop neonatal abstinence syndrome. While it is treatable, babies exposed to opioids in the womb face a higher risk of developmental problems as well as behavioral and psychological issues.
