Is medication for opioid use disorder safe?
How safe are these medications?
Each of these medications has a unique way that you start taking them, but once started, they can be taken safely for years.
I had a bad experience the last time I took medication. Will this be the same?
If the first medication does not work well, you can discuss other medication options with your doctor or nurse to find the right medication for your needs.
If taking medication for opioid use disorder is so safe, does it matter where I keep them?
These medications are safe when taken as prescribed by the person for whom they were prescribed, but prescribed medications should never be shared. Medications kept at home must be locked in a safe place to keep them away from children, pets, and people for whom they are not prescribed.
If I was taking medication previously to stop cravings, can I restart even if I have not used in a while?
Yes, but only with a new prescription from your doctor.
Will taking these medications create more addictions down the line?
No; if used correctly, these medications will not create a new addiction. Addiction causes a person’s life to be out of control. These medications will allow you to regain control of your life and allow you to do the things that are important to you. If you decide that medications are the right treatment for you, they will help you manage your addiction so you can recover.
Can I take medications while pregnant?
Methadone and buprenorphine have been proven safe and effective for treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Naltrexone is not recommended during pregnancy. Talking with a doctor or care team is important to help you find the right medication. If you become pregnant, you should notify your doctor or care team as soon as possible.
- During pregnancy, it is particularly important to immediately start medication treatment with methadone or buprenorphine.
- These medications are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Withdrawal during pregnancy can be dangerous for the fetus and puts the woman at risk for returning to use, which also can endanger the fetus.
