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Butrans vs. Suboxone Film

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Buprenorphine patch

(Butrans)

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Suboxone film

(buprenorphine / naloxone)

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Summary for Butrans

Prescription only

Buprenorphine patch, also known by its brand name Butrans, treats people with severe chronic (long-term) pain that isn't relieved with other treatment options. It works as an opioid partial agonist to help with pain. Buprenorphine patch (Butrans) is applied onto the skin once per week. This transdermal patch comes in many strengths. The pain specialist will decide on the dosage based on how severe your pain is and whether you were taking opioid pain medication before starting buprenorphine patch (Butrans). Side effects include nausea, dizziness, and headache.

Indications for Butrans

Pros and Cons for Butrans

Pros

  • Applied on the skin once per week
  • An option for people who can't swallow pills

Cons

Common Side Effects for Butrans

  • Nausea (21%)
  • Itching at the application site (15%)
  • Dizziness (15%)
  • Headache (14%)
  • Sleepiness (13%)
  • Constipation (13%)
  • Vomiting (9%)

Warnings for Butrans

  • Potential for addiction and misuse
  • Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Risk for opioid overdose
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Harm to newborns when taken during pregnancy
  • Serious risks with patch exposure to high temperatures (e.g., heat, high fever)
  • Low adrenal hormone levels
  • Low blood pressure
  • Liver damage
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Seizures
  • Life-threatening heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)

Summary for Suboxone Film

Prescription only

Suboxone film (buprenorphine / naloxone) is used for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) in adults. This medication-assisted treatment is given along with counseling and social and emotional support. Suboxone film is a combination of two medications: buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist). The films are dissolved either under the tongue (sublingually) or against the inside of the cheek (buccally). The medication is taken once per day. Side effects include numbness in the mouth and headache. It's a controlled substance because it has a risk of being addictive and being misused.

Indications for Suboxone Film

Pros and Cons for Suboxone Film

Pros

  • Comes as a film that's placed under the tongue or against the inside of the cheek and dissolved
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Has a risk of addiction and misuse (even though it helps treat opioid use disorder)
  • Is a controlled substance, so there are special requirements for filling a prescription

Common Side Effects for Suboxone Film

  • Headache (36%)
  • Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, goosebumps, stomach discomfort, irritability, cold sweat, joint pain, and watery eyes (25%)
  • General pain (22%)
  • Nausea (15%)
  • Sweating (14%)
  • Trouble sleeping (14%)
  • Constipation (12%)
  • Stomach pain (11%)

Warnings for Suboxone Film

  • Potential for addiction and misuse
  • Potentially life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Risk for opioid overdose
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Harm to newborn babies
  • Low adrenal hormone levels
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Liver damage
  • Dental problems
  • Life-threatening heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Not for use for pain or for people who haven't taken opioids before

Prices with our coupons for Butrans vs. Suboxone Film

Price Card Drug Icon
Buprenorphine1 carton / 4 patches of 10mcg
$78.64$279.10
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Price Card Drug Icon
Buprenorphine/Naloxone14 films / 8mg/2mg
$32.34-
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