Can I use Subutex if I have a history of liver disease?

Stacy Wiegman, PharmD

Pharmacy

If you have a history of liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking Subutex (buprenorphine), a medicine that helps treat opioid addiction in adults. Subutex may worsen your liver problems. Your doctor may want to monitor you closely while you take Subutex and periodically test your liver function. Alternatively, he or she may determine that Subutex is not safe for you to take. If you do take Subutex, call your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms, which may signal a liver problem:

yellowing of the whites of your eyes or your skin
dark urine
unusually light-colored stools
decreased appetite
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
unusual bleeding or bruising
nausea

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.