What to expect at appointment

What to Expect

The following is a list of items a patient can expect at Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) appointments.

Scheduling Appointments

  • When you call our office, identify yourself as a Suboxone patient so that you can be scheduled correctly.
  • We will need your name (first and last) as well as your birthdate.
  • Try very hard not to change your appointment, as there are very few appointment slots available for rescheduling.

Participation

To participate in Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) treatment in this office, you must:

  • See a substance abuse counselor with each visit.
  • Be in a 12-step program and bring in signed meeting sheets as proof of attendance.
  • Come to all of your scheduled appointments.
  • Have a drug screen with each visit.
  • Women: You must be on birth control and notify us if you miss any menstrual periods during treatment.
    • We are now treating expecting mothers!
  • Have initial labs, including but not limited to screening for HIV, Hepatitis C, and liver functions.
  • Avoid all addictive drugs and medications, including alcohol and marijuana.

Medication

  • Your medication needs frequent authorizations and approvals.
  • Please have your current insurance information available.
  • Bring your insurance card to your initial visit.
  • Notify us of any changes to your insurance and bring in your new card when it arrives.
  • We will process this as quickly as possible, but we have no control over this process.

Safety Reminders

  • Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) can interact with grapefruit, some antibiotics, and seizure medications.
  • Do not use benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan) with Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) as it can stop your breathing.
  • Keep this drug away from children.
  • Women: You must be on birth control while on Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone). Let us know if you suspect pregnancy.
  • You should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B; if not, we can refer you.
  • The Public Health Department has overdose reversal kits. You should have Narcan at home. CVS Pharmacy will provide it to you without a prescription.

Our goal is to work with you and keep you in treatment as long as necessary. If you have any problems, please call us.