Subutex 5 months pregnant

Question

I've been on subooxone for over two years I was switched to subutex when I found out I was pregnant I am 5 months now. I am taking between 1-2 mg a day and my ob doctor said I need to be off the medicine by 32 weeks. She said contrary to popular belief detox will not harm an unborn fetus and I need to be off by delivery so my baby doesn't go through withdrawals and not get to come home with me from the hospital. What over the counter or prescription meds will help when I just stop taking meds and how long will it last I have tried a couple times cold turkey and felt like I was going to die help need suggestions or just reassuring comments

heatherc24 · Answer

DO NOT TAPER ON SUBUTEX!!!!! BABY WILL GO INTO SEVERE WITHDRAWL AND POSSIBLY DIE. My doctor has kept me on 1 8mg tablet of subutex and he refuses to taper me down due to being pregnant. He yold me that when the mother goes into withdrawl, the unborn baby goes into withdrawl 10 times worse than us and they actually have seizures in womb. Please dor the sake of your lil one dont do it. Yes your baby will have some withdrawl once born but they have stuff for baby to keep them comfortable.  Baby my have to stay in nicu for a lil while but thats it.

possummum · Answer

here in australia they dont take your baby just because your on a program of course you must show you are fit to care. also i will ask more questions at my next appointment in a few days. i will ask about detox n post what im told if that helps. have you thought of asking a social worker if cps will def step in?

Moreterri7 · Answer

I had my two boys preterm at 35 weeks and wasn't taking anything during those pregnancies so I am getting hormone shots once a week to prevent that so that's why she said 32 weeks but I'm almost positive I will go into labor early if I detox I tried twice already and couldn't eat or drink fluids and had severe cramping. I tried to go to 3 detoxes in early pregnancy but no one will detox a pregnant woman because of liability they say. I am in louisiana she said I just have to do it on my own at home and that cps will get involved if I'm on at delivery

possummum · Answer

oh one last thing. i know in one post here, my interpretation is that subutex, as class c drug could cause birth defects. it is my understanding from some literature that subutex is now seen as the prefered replacement therapy while preg. 6 yrs ago i was put on methadone as it was then safer nut because fewer studies were available on subutex. i have the same dr. he is one of my cities main opiate treatment specialists. he recomended the subutex over methadone this time.

possummum · Answer

hi. i am also preg, 6mths and on subutex 4mg. i didnt want to b on it at all. i had been clean 3 yrs, then relapsed for 2 weeks and thats when i find im preg. i was told under no circumstances detox. i was devestated i was put on a program as 6yrs ago i was on methadone with my son n he   was  sick. i have heard from many others that their babies were not sick on subutex, they were just a little irritable. i too worry that the dr tell me to stay on it because they think its better than relapsing. i think you should ask another dr. where i am i go through a special antenatal clinic for preg women on opiates. they have neonate specialists and they say dont go through withdrawls. it can distress the fetus. i will b reducing as much as i can but only comfortably. can i pl ask why 32weeks specifically?

Amandag78 · Answer

Absolutely. First time ive ever heard a doctor etc, say to detox subs while pregnant. Dangerous, dangerous, dangerous on every level. Like A.B.N said, please get a second opinion. My goodness, that is a big accusation to say it will not harm your unborn baby. 
This is just not true !!!
We are not doctors, but even we know this is not helpful advice you have been given !!
Agreed you please get a second opinion.
There is a massive chance, detoxing while pregnant will cause all sorts of unwanted complications.
My boys a Subutex baby and he had nil withdrawals on 32mg a day. Im not saying you will be like me but its crucial you do not upset the baby with a detox while pregnant.
Best of luck to you and your bubby xx

motye51 · Answer

I have to agree with the above 2 posts.  I don't think that's right????  You definitely need to go get a second opinion.  I know that they change you over from suboxone to subutext when pregnant, but I do NOT think you should go through w/d during pregnancy.  I don't know, I think you need to call another OB!

Pantx · Answer

Well, I'd ask the doctor what the risk is to the fetus and if she would be willing to give that to you in writing.
Not sure what state you're in but some states will call CPS if baby is born to withdrawal and found to have opiates in its system regardless whether or not you have a valid RX.If your OB is telling you to stop, and you do not, then she may call social services if your baby is born in withdrawal so I second getting a second opinion. If your second opinion provides you with an answer that you like better you may want to consider changing your OB to the second opinion OB

ActingBrandNew · Answer

I would get a second opinion if I were you. Id post some links to studies for you about spontaneous preterm labor because of withdrawals but Ive been warned not to post links anymore on this forum but I will post a partial clip for you. These are from studies not blogs so like I said...maybe getting a second opinion would be your best bet at this point.

"If a mother stops using the drug "cold turkey," the fetus will then experience withdrawal symptoms in the womb, with may cause wide swings in the baby's blood level from intoxication to withdrawal, which often times leads to death and spontaneous abortion, premature birth, and other negative effects. The best thing for the mother to do would be to consult a health care provider or drug treatment center about a methadone program, which will be less harmful for the baby." 

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Standard Protocol

"When a pregnant woman wants to detoxify from opiates or other opioids, the recognized standard of care, according to the National Health Institute, is methadone treatment while under a doctor's supervision. Methadone is not known to cause birth defects nor have any long-term affects on a baby. There are other medications available for opiate detoxification such, as Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), or Subutex, (buprenorphine), but because they are "Pregnancy Category C" medications, meaning they are known to cause harmful and possibly fatal birth defects on a fetus, the are not recommended for use in detoxifying pregnant women."