Can I Use Buprenorphine (Subutex) Instead of Methadone during Pregnancy?
Long-term studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of methadone for use during pregnancy. Buprenorphine has not yet been studied as thoroughly for use during pregnancy, and so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends methadone as the drug treatment of choice for opiate dependent pregnant women. Preliminary studies of buprenorphine use during pregnancy have shown the medication to be safe and effective for both mother and child. Your doctor may prescribe buprenorphine (Subutex) during pregnancy if he or she feels that the benefits of buprenorphine use outweigh the risks.
