# Online Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Safe, confidential, and affordable treatment for opioid use disorder ## RX Only: See important safety information about Suboxone SUBOXONE is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence in adults. SUBOXONE should not be taken by individuals who have been shown to be hypersensitive to buprenorphine or naloxone as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported. Taking SUBOXONE with other opioid medicines, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can cause breathing problems that can lead to coma and death. Other side-effects may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, insomnia, pain, increased sweating, sleepiness, dizziness, coordination problems, physical dependence or abuse, and liver problems. For more information about SUBOXONE, see [**Suboxone.com**](https://suboxone.com/), the full Prescribing Information, and Medication Guide or talk to your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call [**1-800-FDA-1088**](tel:+18003321088). .webp) ## Get Started with Bicycle Health Our [Bicycle Health team](/content/leadership-team/index.html) is comprised of addiction-medicine trained physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) who are committed to providing safe, confidential, and affordable buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) treatment. ### Our Online Suboxone Treatment - Confidential phone & video calls with your medical provider - Online support groups from the privacy of your own home - Experienced, addiction-medicine trained online Suboxone doctors who truly care > I’ve tried many other programs and rehabs, but none of them have ever come close to the innovative, effective design of this program and its administrators. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BICYCLE HEALTH!!! I would suggest that anyone who’s struggling with opioid dependence, contact them for help today! > > **Mary** > Bicycle Health Patient - September 2020 ## What is medication-assisted treatment? "Medication-Assisted Treatment" is a commonly used but outdated way of referring to treatment for opioid use disorder (opioid dependence with addiction). Medical treatment with either buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), methadone, or naltrexone (Vivitrol) is highly effective first-line treatment that reduces opioid withdrawal, cravings, and overdose risk. Of the three effective options, buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) can be provided through an online relationship with a Bicycle Health medical provider. Treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is [NOT replacing one addiction with another](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction). To learn more, check out our related article [here.](/content/suboxone-faq/common-side-effects/index.html) ## Benefits of Treatment with Suboxone Medical treatment is critical to prevent overdose and death. Research shows that with MAT, [75% of patients](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(03)12600-1/fulltext?refissn=0006-3223&refuid=S0006-3223%2806%2900102-8) will still be in recovery one year later. Conversely, studies demonstrate that within one month of stopping buprenorphine treatment, [more than 50%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4382404/) of patients relapse to illicit opioid use. **‍** When taken as prescribed by a board-certified specialist, the goal of Suboxone treatment is to ease opioid withdrawals and reduce opioid cravings. **‍** **You can read more about** [**national access to telemedicine for opioid use disorder here**](/content/blog/the-ryan-haight-act-the-treats-act-and-access-to-oud-treatment/index.html) **, and** [**our online suboxone clinic’s approach here**](/content/treatment/suboxone-clinic/index.html) **.** ## Why Suboxone? 1. **Suboxone is safe** Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is widely considered to be safer than methadone and has a lower risk for sedation and overdose when taken as prescribed. 2. **Suboxone is effective** The recommended effective dose is well-known and can be safely reached within 1-2 days for most patients, whereas effective methadone dosing varies unpredictably from person-to-person and may take weeks to achieve. 3. **Suboxone is easily Available** Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) can be prescribed by licensed and trained medical providers in any treatment setting, whereas methadone is strictly regulated and can only be provided through federally and state licensed opioid treatment programs. Care at such programs is highly standardized which limits individualization of treatment. ## How does Bicycle Health work? ### Schedule an appointment with an enrollment coordinator You’ll first meet with an experienced enrollment coordinator who will learn more about you, your experience with opioid use, and your health goals. Our enrollment coordinators can answer any questions you might have about our online Suboxone clinic so you can ensure our program is a good fit for you. All visits are confidential, including this first screening visit. ### Provider visits via phone & video calls Following your appointment with the enrollment coordinator, you’ll be scheduled for your first telehealth visit with your medical provider. During your first medical provider visit, your provider will learn more about you and collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan for your opioid use disorder. Most patients are prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) during their first provider visit. ### Prescription refills Your buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) prescription will be sent electronically to a pharmacy near you. This prescription will be refilled during weekly, biweekly, or monthly telehealth visits with your Bicycle Health provider. ### Behavioral health resources Research shows that treatment for opioid use disorder is most successful in conjunction with mental health supports. Here at Bicycle Health, we offer online support groups, which serve as safe, confidential spaces to meet with others who are also in recovery. Patients also work with dedicated health coaches who assist with behavioral health needs, and our medical providers are trained to prescribe treatment for common mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. ## This page has been medically reviewed by Rebekah L. Rollston, MD, MPH ### Rebekah L. Rollston, MD, MPH Rebekah L. Rollston, MD, MPH, is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician and Head of Research at Bicycle Health. She earned her Medical Degree from East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine (in the Rural Primary Care Track) and her Master of Public Health (MPH) from The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Rollston completed her residency at Tufts University and Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard-affiliated community healthcare system in Greater Boston, with emphases in addiction medicine and sexual & reproductive health. Her professional interests focus on social determinants of health & health equity, addiction medicine, gender-based violence, sexual & reproductive health, rural health, homelessness & supportive housing, and immigrant health. Dr. Rollston has published on these topics in The Lancet, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, American Journal of Health Promotion, Journal of Appalachian Health, and Medical Care. ## Our Mission and Philosophy Our providers are confident, caring, and reliable. We understand that opioid use disorder is a chronic disease of the brain, and together, we strive to break the stigma of addiction.