Is Suboxone safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Research and national guidelines from ACOG, CDC, and SAMHSA show Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is safe and effective for treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy when medically supervised.

What happens if I stop Suboxone while pregnant?

Stopping suddenly can cause opioid withdrawal, which may lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, or relapse. Always talk to your doctor before making any medication changes.

What is Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)?

NOWS is a temporary condition in which babies experience mild withdrawal after birth. Symptoms usually appear within a few days and resolve in 1–2 weeks with medical support.

What's the difference between NAS and NOWS?

Both describe newborn withdrawal, but NOWS is specific to opioid exposure, while NAS may refer to withdrawal from other substances as well.

Can I breastfeed while taking Suboxone?

Usually yes. Only tiny amounts of buprenorphine pass into breast milk, and breastfeeding can actually help reduce NOWS severity.

What are the side effects of Suboxone during pregnancy?

Most patients tolerate Suboxone well. Possible side effects include mild nausea, headache, or constipation, which usually improve over time.

Can I deliver vaginally while on Suboxone?

Yes. Suboxone does not interfere with your ability to deliver vaginally or with pain management during labor. Always inform your care team about your medication.

How long does NOWS last?

Most babies recover within one to two weeks, though some require brief observation or supportive care in the hospital.

What if I relapse during pregnancy?

You're not alone. Relapse can happen. CleanSlate offers immediate support, medication adjustments, and therapy to help you regain stability safely.

Is Subutex safer than Suboxone during pregnancy?

Both are safe. Some providers may prescribe Subutex (buprenorphine without naloxone) during pregnancy, though Suboxone is increasingly supported by research as safe and effective.

Can Suboxone be started late in pregnancy?

Yes. It's never too late to start treatment. Even beginning MAT in the third trimester can improve outcomes and reduce NOWS.

Can Suboxone affect labor pain management?

It can slightly reduce the effectiveness of some pain medications, so your medical team may adjust your labor plan accordingly. Always inform your doctors about your treatment.

How does CleanSlate coordinate with my OB-GYN?

CleanSlate works closely with your prenatal care provider to ensure safe dosing, fetal monitoring, and delivery planning. Collaboration is central to our care model.

Can I take Suboxone while breastfeeding?

Yes. It's considered compatible with breastfeeding, and most infants show no adverse effects.

Why choose CleanSlate for OUD treatment during pregnancy?

Because you deserve compassionate, evidence-based care. CleanSlate offers outpatient Suboxone treatment, behavioral therapy, prenatal coordination, and long-term support to keep you and your baby safe—before, during, and after birth.

What is the best treatment for opioid use disorder in pregnancy?

The safest and most effective treatment is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone or buprenorphine-only medication, combined with behavioral therapy and prenatal care.

Can you switch from methadone to Suboxone during pregnancy?

Yes, but only under close medical supervision. Transitioning improperly can cause withdrawal for both mother and baby.

Can Suboxone help prevent NOWS?

Yes. Studies show babies born to mothers on Suboxone have milder and shorter NOWS symptoms than those exposed to methadone or illicit opioids.

Does Suboxone cause birth defects?

No. Studies show no increased risk of birth defects in babies exposed to Suboxone during pregnancy compared to the general population.

Can Suboxone cause miscarriage?

No. In fact, staying on treatment helps prevent miscarriage by stabilizing maternal health and avoiding dangerous withdrawal.

What happens to babies after birth if the mother takes Suboxone?

Babies may be monitored for NOWS symptoms such as fussiness, tremors, or difficulty feeding—but these are temporary and resolve with care.

Will my baby go through withdrawal if I take Suboxone?

Possibly, but symptoms are generally mild and short-lived. Medical teams are experienced in managing this safely.

Does Suboxone affect breastfeeding or milk supply?

No. Suboxone does not reduce milk production, and breastfeeding is often encouraged.

Can I take other medications with Suboxone while pregnant?

Always consult your provider. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines or sleep aids, can be dangerous when combined with opioids.

What should I avoid while on Suboxone during pregnancy?

Avoid alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and tobacco. These substances increase the risk of complications for you and your baby.

How long should I stay on Suboxone after giving birth?

There's no fixed timeline. Many women continue treatment for months or years. Staying on Suboxone postpartum helps prevent relapse during this high-risk period.

What are the signs of opioid withdrawal in pregnancy?

Symptoms include cramping, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. Withdrawal should never be managed alone—seek medical help immediately.

What's the first step to start treatment at CleanSlate?

Call (833) 505-4673 or schedule an appointment online. You'll meet with a provider for an evaluation and a same-day start to treatment in most cases.

Dr. Adeyemi Fatoki, MD, MPH, MA

Regional Medical Director – CleanSlate Centers (Indiana)

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About Dr. Fatoki

Dr. Adeyemi Fatoki serves as Regional Medical Director for CleanSlate Centers in Indiana, providing clinical oversight and leadership across outpatient addiction treatment services. A board-certified physician with more than 35 years of experience, Dr. Fatoki brings deep expertise in family medicine, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

Throughout his career, Dr. Fatoki has worked across private practice, institutional healthcare systems, and correctional settings, with a longstanding focus on opioid use disorder treatment and integrated behavioral healthcare. His leadership experience spans clinical programming, utilization management, accreditation oversight, and multidisciplinary team development

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine (MD) – University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria
Master of Public Health (MPH) – University of Illinois School of Public Health (Health Policy & Administration)
Master of Arts in Addiction Studies – Governors State University
Residency: Family Practice – John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County
Primary Care Psychiatry Fellowship (Train New Trainers Program) – University of California, Irvine

Professional Experience

Dr. Fatoki has held numerous leadership positions, including:

Regional Medical Director – CleanSlate Centers (Indiana)
Administrator & Medical Director – Great Heights OTP & Family Medicine
Senior Regional Medical Director – Wellpath (Correctional Healthcare)
Medical Director – Trinity Hospital Medical Stabilization Unit for Drug Withdrawal
Physician Consultant – Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services

He has also served on multiple utilization management and quality review panels and has provided expert testimony in legal and regulatory matters related to healthcare quality

Areas of Clinical Focus

Dr. Fatoki’s expertise includes:

Outpatient treatment of opioid use disorder
Medication-assisted treatment (including buprenorphine and naltrexone)
Bariatric medicine and weight management
Primary care integration within addiction treatment
Correctional addiction services
Clinical quality, accreditation, and utilization management
Regulatory compliance and healthcare policy alignment

His background in quality oversight and utilization review supports consistent, measurable standards of care across programs.

Executive & Clinical Leadership

As Regional Medical Director at CleanSlate, Dr. Fatoki:

Oversees clinical care and medical operations across Indiana centers
Supports quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and clinical governance
Mentors and supervises providers delivering medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Ensures alignment with evidence-based addiction treatment standards

In addition to his CleanSlate role, Dr. Fatoki is the founder of Great Heights Family Medicine and Great Heights OTP, where he has overseen primary care, bariatric medicine, and addiction treatment services for decades

He currently provides medication-assisted recovery services in correctional settings, including LaSalle County Jail in Illinois, further reflecting his commitment to serving high-risk and underserved populations

Board Certification & Credentials

American Board of Family Medicine
American Board of Addiction Medicine
American Board of Preventive Medicine (Subspecialty in Addiction Medicine)
American Board of Bariatric Medicine
Certified Buprenorphine Prescriber
Licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Florida, and Wisconsin

Academic & Professional Contributions

Dr. Fatoki has presented at state and regional conferences on topics including:

Medication-assisted recovery in correctional systems
Best practices in opioid treatment
Prescribing buprenorphine for opioid dependence

He has authored publications addressing addiction treatment approaches and continues to contribute to professional education initiatives.

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Commitment to Evidence-Based, Coordinated Care

Dr. Fatoki’s career reflects a sustained commitment to improving access to addiction treatment across diverse and underserved populations. His work emphasizes:

• Treating substance use disorder as a chronic medical condition
• Integrating addiction care into primary care and behavioral health systems
• Maintaining rigorous clinical and regulatory standards
• Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration across treatment settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Working With Dr. Fatoki

What is Dr. Fatoki’s role at CleanSlate?

He serves as Regional Medical Director for Indiana, overseeing clinical quality and addiction treatment services.

Does Dr. Fatoki work in correctional healthcare?

Yes. He has extensive experience delivering medication-assisted recovery services in correctional settings.

How can referral partners coordinate care?

Referral partners may contact CleanSlate directly to arrange timely access and continuity of care within Indiana markets.

What types of treatment does he oversee?

He supports office-based treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders, including medication-assisted treatment using evidence-based protocols.

What distinguishes Dr. Fatoki’s leadership?

His combined background in family medicine, addiction medicine, bariatric care, and healthcare quality management strengthens CleanSlate’s commitment to high-standard, compliant care.