Suboxone in Canada... Is it really this shitty???

[Doktah]

Hi Everyone,

So I've made the decision: I'm going on suboxone. I've continually relapsed in the last two years, mainly because I have severe depression and anxiety when sober, and opiates are the only thing that have ever "fixed" me. All I need right now in my life is stablility (knowing I am going to get my dose)... I just graduated from University, everything is going well except for the constant rat race of finding my daily fix, and lying to everyone.

The only thing that has kept me from starting Suboxone is the current legal situation in Canada; we have the most fucked up, ass-backward approach to prescribing suboxone: You need to show up at the pharmacy every day to take your dose... I don't have the time! I'm doing post grad while working full time. Is this really the only way you can be prescribed bupe?? It's honestly heartbreaking, because it's the only thing keeping me from seeking this treatment

I want to hear from any fellow Canadians who are taking Subutex for opioid dependance:
1. What is it like going to the pharmacy everyday?
2. Do you have any "take-homes"? If so, how long did it take to get them?
3. How did you get it prescribed? (ie. Familly Doctor, psychiatrist, etc)

Also, if there is anything else that I should know (if the law has changed recently, etc), please let me know!

I really, really, REALLY appreciate it! Thank you.

 

[Toz]

^we have the same here in Sweden, it's the main reason I went off maintenance.

I'm not canadian but I'll answer anyway.

1. it sucked.
2. months, then I got for 1 week each, then 2 weeks, then after that I never got further because I quit.
3. doctor

 

[Mr.Scagnattie]

Regional thread.

OD--->NASADD

 

[Rob27shred]

Wow I am so surprised to hear that suboxone/subutex is handled so tightly up in Canada & other countries. I'm a suboxone maintenence patient in the US & get my subs monthly through a doctor who specializes in addiction treatment. Also I never had to work my way up to getting a whole months script at once. I was inducted at his office to make sure I didn't hav any adverse reactions to the subs then got my first monthly script. Now every month I go to the doc's BS with him for about 15 min (unless I have any questions or concerns about my treatment, got really lucky & have a good doc who actually cares about his paitents), get my script called into the pharmacy, & I'm good to go. Sorry to hear about your situation OP & hope you can find some help soon.

 

[MemphisX3]

i know in the US you have a to have a special, separate licence to prescribe suboxone

 

[MemphisX3]

Wow I am so surprised to hear that suboxone/subutex is handled so tightly up in Canada & other countries. I'm a suboxone maintenence patient in the US & get my subs monthly through a doctor who specializes in addiction treatment. Also I never had to work my way up to getting a whole months script at once. I was inducted at his office to make sure I didn't hav any adverse reactions to the subs then got my first monthly script. Now every month I go to the doc's BS with him for about 15 min (unless I have any questions or concerns about my treatment, got really lucky & have a good doc who actually cares about his paitents), get my script called into the pharmacy, & I'm good to go. Sorry to hear about your situation OP & hope you can find some help soon.

wow, i didnt know a doctor could call a suboxone script into the pharmacy

 

[Rob27shred]

wow, i didnt know a doctor could call a suboxone script into the pharmacy

Yeah as long as the are certified to prescribe suboxone I believe they can call in up to a 3 month supply of it for a patient. But with the doctor I go to I have to go to a check up app. every month where at the end of said app. his secratery calls my script in to the pharmacy. From there I just go pick it up & I'm good till next month! I should mention though the doc I go to is non-participating with any insurance companies. Which means he is not affiliated with or referenced to by any health insurance companies. You can get the apps. reimbursed but you have to deal with your insurance company yourself. Also I have always paid out of pocket for my suboxone treatment, which while a lot more expensive gives you much more flexibility in your treatment & acquiring your prescription. Also it keeps the treatment of my medical records. I live in the US so I can't say if this type of suboxone treatment is available in othe countries.

 

[THE_REAL_OBLIVION]

Hi Everyone,

So I've made the decision: I'm going on suboxone. I've continually relapsed in the last two years, mainly because I have severe depression and anxiety when sober, and opiates are the only thing that have ever "fixed" me. All I need right now in my life is stablility (knowing I am going to get my dose)... I just graduated from University, everything is going well except for the constant rat race of finding my daily fix, and lying to everyone.

The only thing that has kept me from starting Suboxone is the current legal situation in Canada; we have the most fucked up, ass-backward approach to prescribing suboxone: You need to show up at the pharmacy every day to take your dose... I don't have the time! I'm doing post grad while working full time. Is this really the only way you can be prescribed bupe?? It's honestly heartbreaking, because it's the only thing keeping me from seeking this treatment And now today I had my "last" supposedly dose of methadone, drank half of my regular pre-prepared dose at the rx shop, and I need to head to the clinic tomorrow at 8 am because for several reasons i'm not ready to switch to suboxone yet, mostly the fact I am at 47mg right now would make the whole detox thing horrendous, plus I have no idea if they would automatically re-initiate a benzo detox again, and fuck no i'm not going through that again. I'll just tell them I'll continue reducing dosage until I get to around 30-35....and see what the testosterone shot does.

I want to hear from any fellow Canadians who are taking Subutex for opioid dependance:
1. What is it like going to the pharmacy everyday?
2. Do you have any "take-homes"? If so, how long did it take to get them?
3. How did you get it prescribed? (ie. Familly Doctor, psychiatrist, etc)

Also, if there is anything else that I should know (if the law has changed recently, etc), please let me know!

I really, really, REALLY appreciate it! Thank you.

OP, Health is a provincial issue, but I don't think it is possible you need to go to the pharmacy everyday forever. I had 3 months where I had to go pick my methadone and if I didn't test positive to things I shouldn't, my list is reduced tho lol (legal script to benzos my psychiatrist just gave me back after they tried the typical too fast barbaric benzo taper because omg, someone's who on benzos legally taking them pretty much like he should for 6 years is gonna drop dead from opiates added to them..yeah right, i showed em, the benzos pretty much allowed me to need less methadone than I should have heh, dexedrine (dont take it everyday when i dont have to, realllly not addicted to that mostly crap thing, useful sometimes, and they don't care about thc in your blood at my clinic which is in the local hospital). But yeah, the 3 months straight of showing up everyday to the pharmacy...and not all pharmacies do the methadone program (the OJ/methadone bottles), unlike you where all pharmacies have suboxone. Then after the 3 months clean off any opiates other than methadone, I was given 1 privilege etc., one more every month up to where I only need to show up once a week at the pharmacy and pick up 6 privileges, which is the max, but hey, I made it. It is the same with suboxone, except they try to push methadone more at first because suboxone is an "exception medication" in Qc so the doc needs to put a code on the script for you to get it for free, I had to gain 70 pounds in 8 months and have a huge drop in blood levels of testosterone ( i didnt expect that, i didn't lose any will or drive lol, but the other sx I did get...) so much I'm going to get a shot of testosterone on the 13th and then get some gel to put on my back everyday.

Sucks I had to get unwanted side effects like this to get the Suboxone with full government insurance coverage, I could have asked outright for it at first but they convinced me that since I started opiates more for pain than for fun, methadone would work better...and yep it did help my pain.

Anyways, enough of me, make sure that the dosing at the pharmacy everyday isn't permanent, cos thats impossible, everyone knows about privileges...americans go to methadone clinics.... We go to the Pharmacy for our "pharmacist supervised dosing of meth/sub" and if you're a good boy you get privileges, which still sucks at my level of 6 a week because lets say i have to renew shit and thankfully dont need to go to the pharmacy well they'll be annoying cunts about benzos but re-script me dexedrine a week in advance.

Look at the info pamphlets they've given you/call the nurses, it's impossible privileges don't show up. And yeah...it's nothing new you have to do to the humiliating routine in the first 90 days...

 

[Doktah]

UPDATE! IMPORTANT FOR ANY CANADIAN (ONTARIO ESPECIALLY) WISHING TO BEGIN SUBOXONE THERAPY!

A month and a half ago, I was prescribed Suboxone at a treatment center in Ontario. Right from the start, I informed the prescribing doctor that I did not want to begin the treatment because I could not get to a clinic/pharmacy multiple times a week for supervised dosing (full time job prohibits this). He informed me that In Ontario, any normally licensed family physician can prescribe Suboxone. On top of this, all of the rules that apply to methadone maintenance (such as supervised doses, carries, urine tests, etc) are simply recommended (not required) for Suboxone treatment.

When I left treatment, I went and spoke to my family doctor - who I have built an honest relationship with. Although he had never heard of Suboxone before (let alone prescribed it), he was willing to write me a prescription for as long as I needed (he offered three months in one go, but neither of us are sure where that stands legally). I believe the fact that the medicine was prescribed by a very experienced addiction specialist eased his nerves about continuing to write it for me.

There are different laws surrounding Suboxone in each province; some provinces require an education course be completed by the doctor, where others simply recommend it. I know that in some of the Eastern Maritimes provinces, suboxone is hardly even avaliable. You will have to search up for yourself.

In Summary: ANY doctor in Ontario (and a number of other provinces) may prescribe Suboxone as long as they are legally able to prescribe narcotic medications. Also, unlike methadone, although a system of supervised doses and escalating carries is recommended, it is not required by law; it is possible for you to be prescribed a month at a time of Suboxone. I sincerely hope that this helps others who might be considering suboxone therapy themselves, but were turned off the idea by the rigid dosing regulations.

 

[paranoid android]

I have never even heard of suboxone being on the street here in Newfoundland and i am pretty sure that government insurance does not cover it. So it's methadone all the way here hence why it's one of the most common opioid's on the street here. A GP not being able to script subs is stupid as fuck anyway as any GP can prescribe the Butrans patches which are transdermal bupe patches. There are very few doctors here who can prescribe methadone (i only know of one anywhere in my area) so if they follow the same route with subs there is going to be even a longer wait for addicts to get treatment.

 

[S.J.B.]

I have a friend here in Montreal who managed to get a buprenorphine prescription but he is ridiculously good at convincing people to give him what he wants. He is supposed to take it in front of the pharmacist/pharmacy technician but manages to fake it and brings them home.

The pills he gets come with naloxone which sucks if you were planning on slamming them but is useful if you don't otherwise have naloxone and someone overdoses.

 

[THE_REAL_OBLIVION]

UPDATE! IMPORTANT FOR ANY CANADIAN (ONTARIO ESPECIALLY) WISHING TO BEGIN SUBOXONE THERAPY!

A month and a half ago, I was prescribed Suboxone at a treatment center in Ontario. Right from the start, I informed the prescribing doctor that I did not want to begin the treatment because I could not get to a clinic/pharmacy multiple times a week for supervised dosing (full time job prohibits this). He informed me that In Ontario, any normally licensed family physician can prescribe Suboxone. On top of this, all of the rules that apply to methadone maintenance (such as supervised doses, carries, urine tests, etc) are simply recommended (not required) for Suboxone treatment.

When I left treatment, I went and spoke to my family doctor - who I have built an honest relationship with. Although he had never heard of Suboxone before (let alone prescribed it), he was willing to write me a prescription for as long as I needed (he offered three months in one go, but neither of us are sure where that stands legally). I believe the fact that the medicine was prescribed by a very experienced addiction specialist eased his nerves about continuing to write it for me.

There are different laws surrounding Suboxone in each province; some provinces require an education course be completed by the doctor, where others simply recommend it. I know that in some of the Eastern Maritimes provinces, suboxone is hardly even avaliable. You will have to search up for yourself.

In Summary: ANY doctor in Ontario (and a number of other provinces) may prescribe Suboxone as long as they are legally able to prescribe narcotic medications. Also, unlike methadone, although a system of supervised doses and escalating carries is recommended, it is not required by law; it is possible for you to be prescribed a month at a time of Suboxone. I sincerely hope that this helps others who might be considering suboxone therapy themselves, but were turned off the idea by the rigid dosing regulations.

Holy shit, is it like this in your sister you hate province of QC O_O Cos if it is, I think it explains why the nurse decided not to give me a piss test at my once a month appntmnt this month cos I only toke weed maybe twice a month other than the suboxone and the psy approved valium.If I can get my GP to just script me 30 days of suboxone at once it will be so wonderful. I'm gonna try to find some info later, today is a duty free day But if you can tell me it is like this here, I'll get rid of them (and when I say them it is the cuntish pharmacy staff and one of the head female pharmacist) whom if I see a bit too much more in my life I'll get incredibly violent....jk... The people (nurses, docs) at the meth/sub clinic are for the most part awesome where I go, no judgements, encouragements, pretty nurses that aren't "touchy-maries" in the sense that they heard it all and they find me awesome cos I'm not a trouble patient...but I gotta get rid of that fucking pharmacy. Hey wait...I can just change pharmacies...but I'll still be stuck with having to take 10mg in front of the pharmacist (which I find to be too much for nothing) and 6 privileges...hmm..decisions.

Your friend isn't good at anything, after 3 months in QC if you start getting 1 privilege a month up to 6, either meth or bupe, if you do what they ask for...and yeah, subutex was never approved here. Only other thing with bupe in it are the patches.

 

[Canadian-Rocker]

I have never even heard of suboxone being on the street here in Newfoundland and i am pretty sure that government insurance does not cover it. So it's methadone all the way here hence why it's one of the most common opioid's on the street here. A GP not being able to script subs is stupid as fuck anyway as any GP can prescribe the Butrans patches which are transdermal bupe patches. There are very few doctors here who can prescribe methadone (i only know of one anywhere in my area) so if they follow the same route with subs there is going to be even a longer wait for addicts to get treatment.

I went for help in January of this year 2016 and Suboxone was in Newfoundland at that time. I'm still on the waiting list haven't heard back yet it's like almost a year. One Doctor comes from the East Coast all the way to the West Coast to write prescriptions every so often I was told. Left to go work in Halifax in May applied for suboxone here in Nova Scotia in July and it only took three and a half weeks to get on. Totally different from Methadone it doesn't make you feel drugged up or tired all the time you actually get your life back and your energy without feeling crappy..... I feel awesome! Yes it is inconvenient having to go to the clinic every day to get your dosage but after three months they give you Carry's. Not sure for how long now but it's just what I was told.... but having to come in to the clinic every day to get my dose doesn't bother me the slightest bit.. the relief and help I get from the Suboxone is WELL worth the hassle of getting up and making it to the clinic in the morning. In the United States they let you take home a months worth at a time so I hear which is great but as of right now in early recovery I think whether it be methadone or Suboxone you should have to go to the clinic at least once a week. It's a shame in places where it's really needed it's not that readily available like in Newfoundland. It was only recently they got Methadone doctors on the west coast for the longest time people had to travel to st. John's to see the doctor. Hopefully they get another doctor doing the Suboxone on the West Coast because as of now I'm still on the waiting list from January and when I called in to check up on it a couple of weeks ago I was told that I have a long way yet. Trying to get a suboxone doctor in Newfoundland so when I go back home I can keep getting my prescription. I was on methadone in the past and tried all kinds of ways to come off and I have to say Suboxone is really helpful. I noticed from the beginning it took away the cravings without giving me any buzz .... to me it's more than a replacement because my mind doesn't think about using at all now like you get your life back.

 

[shawnben]

I went for help in January of this year 2016 and Suboxone was in Newfoundland at that time. I'm still on the waiting list haven't heard back yet it's like almost a year. One Doctor comes from the East Coast all the way to the West Coast to write prescriptions every so often I was told. Left to go work in Halifax in May applied for suboxone here in Nova Scotia in July and it only took three and a half weeks to get on. Totally different from Methadone it doesn't make you feel drugged up or tired all the time you actually get your life back and your energy without feeling crappy..... I feel awesome! Yes it is inconvenient having to go to the clinic every day to get your dosage but after three months they give you Carry's. Not sure for how long now but it's just what I was told.... but having to come in to the clinic every day to get my dose doesn't bother me the slightest bit.. the relief and help I get from the Suboxone is WELL worth the hassle of getting up and making it to the clinic in the morning. In the United States they let you take home a months worth at a time so I hear which is great but as of right now in early recovery I think whether it be methadone or Suboxone you should have to go to the clinic at least once a week. It's a shame in places where it's really needed it's not that readily available like in Newfoundland. It was only recently they got Methadone doctors on the west coast for the longest time people had to travel to st. John's to see the doctor. Hopefully they get another doctor doing the Suboxone on the West Coast because as of now I'm still on the waiting list from January and when I called in to check up on it a couple of weeks ago I was told that I have a long way yet. Trying to get a suboxone doctor in Newfoundland so when I go back home I can keep getting my prescription. I was on methadone in the past and tried all kinds of ways to come off and I have to say Suboxone is really helpful. I noticed from the beginning it took away the cravings without giving me any buzz .... to me it's more than a replacement because my mind doesn't think about using at all now like you get your life back.

I imagine this would be ok for those of you that have no job or life. I personally cant even move with all the pain I suffer until after Ive taken my pills and have spent a few hours stretching, heating my back up and getting my wife to help me get dressed. This drug may be a god send, however the way they want to give it to you is belittling. I dont understand why I can go into the pharmacy, pick up 400 100mg Meslon (Morphine) but they wont allow me to take 30 pills home with me. I am not a drug addict, nor am I a drug seeker. I have 20 lbs of hardware in my pelvis, back, arm, and neck and I suffer on a daily basis. If I was just a drug seeker or a addict, why would I put myself through this shit for a high? When all I would have to do is make a call and buy my drugs, frustrating to say the least! I refuse to pick these up each day so now I guess Ill be back to buying my pain meds again.