WA TELEBUPE HOTLINE‎ (206) 289-0287

WHAT TO KNOW
ABOUT BUPE

Bupe is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder — people take it just like any other medication used to treat a health condition. For many people, bupe helps them feel safer when trying to decrease or stop opioid use and be able to focus on the parts of their life that matter to them.

WHAT IS BUPE

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  • Bupe is short for buprenorphine (also known as Suboxone), an FDA-approved medication that is primarily used to treat opioid use disorder in people 13 and older, as well as those who are pregnant. 
  • Medications like bupe are an important tool in recovery. They work on the same parts of the brain as other opioids, but help with stability and support recovery.
  • It’s been used for over 20 years and is now more accessible than ever.

“About Bupe Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder”

HOW BUPE CAN HELP

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Eases withdrawal

Helps you feel less sick so you can get through the day.

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Reduces cravings

Takes the edge off the urge to use.

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Lowers overdose risk

Bupe blocks other opioids, reducing the risk of overdose-related death by more than 50%.

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Supports recovery process

Recovery looks different for everyone. Bupe can help you stay safer and open up space to consider what recovery could look like for you.  

“I have never been able to quit the drugs because of the withdrawals being so severe. I can stay away from them now if I’m on medication for opioid use disorder… I can be a human again.” 

– WA Telebupe Hotline Patient

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN TAKING BUPE

Bupe is a treatment for opioid use disorder

It’s a treatment that helps manage withdrawal symptoms and curbs cravings, giving you space to explore your recovery process on your own terms. You can be in recovery and take medications like bupe at the same time.

Be aware of medication-induced withdrawal. 

When you first start taking bupe, you’ll likely need to wait until you’re having withdrawal symptoms before taking the first dose. If you don’t, the medicine can cause sudden, intense withdrawal symptoms called precipitated withdrawal. Your provider will explain how to start bupe safely and may prescribe other medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms if needed.

It may take a little time to get right.

If you are still feeling sick or uncomfortable after starting bupe, talk to your provider. They can adjust your dose or provide medication to help with side effects. 

Bupe is safe for long-term use.

There is no set limit for how long you should take it. Some people stay on bupe for months and some for years, or even forever. This is normal, everyone’s recovery can look different. 

If you suddenly stop taking bupe, you will experience withdrawal within a few days and your risk of overdose increases.

If you suddenly stop taking bupe, you will experience withdrawal within a few days, and your risk of overdose will be much higher if you use other opioids. If you decide to stop, talk to your treatment provider about how to do it safely, including slowly reducing the dose over time and making sure you have a plan to stay safe.

HOW YOU TAKE BUPE

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There are a few different forms of bupe. The WA Telebupe hotline prescribes the daily form (either a pill or film) but talk to hotline staff or your provider about what will be the best fit for you.

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    Daily

    A tablet or film that dissolves under your tongue.

    • If taking at home, follow all instructions from your provider and pharmacist.
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    Weekly or Monthly

    An injection given by a treatment provider.

    • It’s important to take bupe as prescribed, with regular check-ins with your treatment provider.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

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Some people experience:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Tooth decay (with film)
  • Fatigue
  • Tremors

It’s not abnormal to experience these, and there are medications that can help. If something doesn’t feel right, talk to your treatment provider, who can work with you to adjust dosage or add medications to help with side effects.

OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS

Bupe is one option, but it’s not the only one. Your treatment provider may suggest another medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including:

Methadone

A long-acting medication that also helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It’s usually taken daily through a licensed clinic and has been used safely for decades.

Naltrexone

Less common but sometimes prescribed if bupe and methadone are not a good fit; it completely blocks opioid receptors in the brain but is less effective at reducing overdose risk. It doesn’t help with withdrawal or cravings in the same way, and you have to be fully off opioids before starting it. 

Different options work for different people. Sometimes it takes trial and error to find something that works best for you. What matters is finding something that helps you move toward your goals.

WHERE TO GET BUPE AND OTHER SUPPORT

There are a few different ways to get started, depending on what kind of support you’re looking for.

WA Telebupe Hotline

Can help with a bupe prescription over the phone and links people with ongoing care and resources.

  • Call 206-289-0287 for a free telehealth visit with a provider experienced in opioid use disorder and bupe.

Medical Offices and Clinics

Can offer advice and may prescribe bupe.

  • Ask your health care provider if they prescribe bupe, or find one who does using the MOUD Locator

Community Programs and Opioid Treatment Programs

Can help with access to bupe and provide additional support and resources.