Yes!
Buprenorphine-naloxone (along with methadone) are both evidence-based recommended treatments for patients who are pregnant and struggle with dependence and addiction to opioids.
We encourage all patients to stay on medication for addiction treatment (MAT) during pregnancy—and you can take buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) OR buprenorphine-monotherapy (Subutex) while pregnant. It was initially thought in the early use of buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) that the naloxone component could cross the placenta and have negative consequences for the pregnancy. While the mono-product (Subutex) was previously the standard of care, this was only because all testing in pregnant patients occurred using this mono-product. However, over time and with further studies, the buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) product has demonstrated that it is just as safe for mom as it is for the baby. Read more about buprenorphine use during pregnancy here.
Dr. Rollston is a Family Medicine Physician at Cambridge Health Alliance, Affiliate Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Primary Care Blog, and Founder of Doctors For A Healthy US, LLC. She earned her Medical Degree from East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine and her Master of Public Health from The George Washington University. Her professional interests focus on social influencers of health & health disparities, addiction medicine, sexual & reproductive health, homelessness & supportive housing, and rural health.
