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Liver Safety and Suboxone Use: What You Need to Know

Liver Safety and Suboxone Use: What You Need to Know

Is Suboxone bad for your liver? Learn the answer, as well as other information about Suboxone and liver damage, here.

Suboxone is beneficial for the treatment of opioid addiction, because it contains buprenorphine, which acts as a partial opioid agonist and reduces cravings and withdrawal, as well as naloxone, which discourages patients from misusing the medication. While Suboxone is effective, that does not mean it is always without side effects. Before taking any medication, it is important to know and understand the side effects that come along with it. One question that people have when starting medication for opioid addiction might be, “Is Suboxone bad for your liver?” 

Is Suboxone Bad For Your Liver?

Some people may worry about Suboxone liver damage when they begin taking this medication. So, does Suboxone hurt your liver? In many cases, if you are healthy and have no pre-existing liver conditions, Suboxone is unlikely to harm your liver. 

In fact, one study evaluated the health of patients who had been taking buprenorphine, the main ingredient in Suboxone, for slightly over 2 years. Study results found that patients who had hepatitis C experienced elevated levels of liver enzymes, which could suggest liver damage, after taking Suboxone. However, levels were elevated only slightly and were not medically significant. Study authors concluded that Suboxone is safe for long-term use and has a low risk of causing liver damage. 

While it seems that Suboxone is generally safe and does not result in opiate liver damage for most people, there is a possibility that some people may be at increased risk of Suboxone and liver damage. For example, there have been cases of patients experiencing liver injury after taking buprenorphine. Most instances of liver injury have occurred in patients who have misused buprenorphine or injected it, rather than taking it as prescribed. 

The good news about Suboxone is that it contains the active ingredient buprenorphine, in combination with naloxone, which discourages patients from misusing the medication. This also reduces the likelihood of patients injecting buprenorphine or misusing it in some way that results in Suboxone liver damage. 

Suboxone and Hepatitis C

Suboxone liver damage is rare among those without pre-existing liver conditions, but some people may be at increased risk of liver problems with Suboxone, including people with hepatitis C. Researchers have determined that while buprenorphine may result in increased liver enzyme levels for those with hepatitis C, the increases are mild and medically insignificant. These researchers recommended that patients taking buprenorphine should be monitored with occasional liver functioning tests if they have risk factors for liver damage, such as history of alcoholism, intravenous drug use, or other existing liver conditions.

In summary, Suboxone and liver damage is rare in healthy individuals who use the medication as prescribed and do not have pre-existing liver conditions. For those with hepatitis C or other liver conditions, it is important to consult with a doctor about the safety of taking Suboxone. You may be able to safely take Suboxone with a liver condition, as long as you engage in ongoing monitoring of your liver functioning through consultation with your doctor. 

Does Suboxone Harm Your Kidneys?

If you’re wondering, “Is Suboxone hard on your liver?” you may also be concerned about the potential effects of Suboxone on your kidneys. Much of the research has not revealed any kidney damage with long-term buprenorphine use, and studies have also shown that buprenorphine is safe for individuals with kidney failure, as it does not accumulate in the body in high amounts among these individuals. 

If you have a pre-existing kidney condition, it is important to inform your doctor of this fact and follow any recommendations when taking Suboxone. 

Can You Take Suboxone If You Have Hepatitis C?

As noted above, some studies have shown that buprenorphine can cause elevated liver enzymes, which is a sign of liver damage, among people who have hepatitis C. In most cases, elevation in liver enzymes is minimal and is not a cause for concern. That being said, everyone’s health history is different, and it is critical to consult with a doctor before taking Suboxone if you also have hepatitis C. Your personal doctor can monitor your overall health and provide you with recommendations that can prevent Suboxone liver damage.

How Toxic Is Suboxone To The Liver?

If you have hepatitis C, you are probably worried about the potential toxicity of Suboxone on the liver. While there is evidence that Suboxone can be toxic for those with hepatitis C or other liver conditions,  most studies show that its effects on the liver are mild. You can reduce your risk of liver toxicity with Suboxone by taking it exactly as prescribed, avoiding injection use of the medication, and keeping in touch with your doctor to monitor your liver functioning.

Does Buprenorphine Cause Liver Damage? 

There have been some cases of buprenorphine-related liver damage. Most cases occur in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or who misuse Suboxone. In many cases, buprenorphine has a low risk of causing liver damage. 

Long-Term Side Effects Of Suboxone

If you’re taking Suboxone, it’s helpful to be aware of potential side effects. Some of the common side effects of Suboxone are below. 

Gastrointestinal Upset

Buprenorphine is associated with gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. 

Central Nervous System Side Effects

Some of the side effects associated with buprenorphine are due to its effects on the central nervous system. These side effects include sleepiness, headache, confusion, and dizziness. 

Psychological Effects

Some Suboxone strips side effects are psychological in nature. These side effects include anxiety, nervousness, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. 

Serious Side Effects

In rare cases, Suboxone can cause serious side effects, such as anaphylactic shock, hives, and rash. These side effects tend to occur in individuals who are hypersensitive to buprenorphine. 

Other serious side effects include overdose, respiratory depression, and liver damage. As indicated previously, serious side effects like Suboxone liver damage or liver failure typically occur in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or hepatitis C. 

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If you’re looking for convenient opioid addiction treatment, Confidant Health’s online Suboxone doctors are here to help. Simply download the app, and you’ll be able to consult with a Suboxone doctor from the comfort and privacy of home. Our doctors are prepared to monitor your treatment and answer any questions you may have, including those pertaining to side effects of long-term Suboxone use. 

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This article has been medically reviewed by
Erin Hillers
Erin Hillers
Erin Hillers
Nurse Practitioner

Erin is a Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of experience in midwifery and women's health. She has spent the past 5 years specializing in the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders.

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