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How Long Does Suboxone Remain In The System?

Posted on Sat, 10 Sep 2016

Question: Hi I am quitting heroin in home detox and am early on day 6 since last use. Was miserable took 4 MG ie half a strip suboxone each of last 3 days now am concerned allergic reaction to it. Face and mouth little swollen bad metallic taste throat scratch. Took dose 3 hrs ago. How long til I am out of woods with these sx and I assume never take suboxone again? Will I withdraw from it after 3 doses?

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
take anti allergic for a while and contact your treating doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is main drug for detoxification. Ideally buprenorphine should be tapered over 3-4 weeks to prevent withdrawal. You have taken since last 3 days only. If you have taken heroin without allergic issue, buprenorphine is less likely responsible for allergy. Even agent other than suboxone also should be evaluated for allergy.

It is not clear that allergic reaction is due to buprenorphine or naloxone. For a while to treat allergy you should take levocetrizine or cetrizine. I recommend consulting your treating doctor and inform this issue. Plain buprenorphine can be prescribed to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Even with buprenorphine if allergy is there, with supportive management withdrawal can be curtailed.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (54 minutes later)

Thank you I was concerned about anaphalatic shock my throat is a little swollen . Can I assume that will not happen as my last dose was 5 hours ago? It made me feel better that u don't think I am reacting to the suboxone. Are the medications you mentioned prescription?

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no it is not anaphylacticshock

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for follow up. Anaphylactic shock is an acute reaction. You have already passed 5 hours so it is not the case.

Levocetrizine is available without prescription in many countries. In USA I think it is available with prescription, you can ask your GP for the prescription.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (53 minutes later)

Thank you. I am glad you think it is likely not serious allergic reaction. I assume no more suboxone for Me? I will see a doctor but there is a waiting list. Will I get sick from stopping suboxone?

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
consult ER

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for asking your doubts. Though it is not much serious allergic reaction, we need to find the cause to prevent the future occurrence. Stopping suboxone may cause troubles in form of withdrawal of opioid in form of symptoms like fever, body ache, muscle cramps, sleep disturbance, anxiety, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea are very much uncomfortable.

I recommend consult ER and get the treatment. Do not wait for appointment.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar