Key Summary
- Subutex and Suboxone tablets are no longer available.
- Patients will need alternative treatments.
- Pharmacies should contact prescribers quickly if these are prescribed for replacement prescription.
Drug manufacturer Indivior has declared the discontinuation of supply of all doses of Subutex and Suboxone tablets in the UK.
The medications used to cure opioid dependence will not be available in any of the community pharmacies from Tuesday (13).
If a health professional prescribes any dosage of Subutex pills, pharmacists can ask for a replacement prescription with an alternative brand or the generic equivalent, buprenorphine sublingual tablets, says the Specialist Pharmacy Service.
For patients, alternative treatments for Suboxone will be required and they need to seek a replacement prescription.
The Community Pharmacy England (CPE) informed, “Pharmacy teams should contact prescribers promptly if they are unable to dispense the remaining instalments of Subutex or Suboxone.”
CPE added, “This ensures a replacement prescription can be issued for the remainder of the treatment period in a timely manner.”
