Maxwell wants community members to know the dangers
(INDIANAPOLIS) – District 43 State Senator Randy Maxwell is warning the community about the dangers of suboxone, following the death of a Dearborn County infant earlier this year.
18-month-old Azana Trentman digested a suboxone pill at a Dearborn County business in September, according to the family.
Suboxone, or buprenorphine, comes as a tablet or a film dissolved in the mouth. A "film" is a thin, rapidly dissolving strip that contains medication, and both are sweetened to improve taste.
A small child who chews, licks or swallows even just part of a tablet may become unresponsive, stop breathing or even die because of the exposure.
Common symptoms of buprenorphine poisoning in children are drowsiness, vomiting, slow breathing, increased heart rate and agitation.
"I strongly encourage residents who may use Suboxone as a treatment for chronic pain or addiction to properly store and dispose of any medication to keep our children safe," Maxwell said.
Anyone who believes their child has been exposed to buprenorphine should call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. For more information or help identifying medication, visit webpoisoncontrol.org.
Maxwell encourages residents of Senate District 43 to contact him with any questions.
