Compare Suboxone vs. Fentanyl
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail) and fentanyl (Duragesic) are both used to manage opioid-related conditions, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Buprenorphine/naloxone is a combination medication used to treat opioid dependence. It works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms through a mix of a partial opioid agonist (buprenorphine) and an opioid antagonist (naloxone). This medication is available in various forms, such as sublingual films and tablets, and requires careful dosing adjustments. On the other hand, fentanyl is a potent opioid used to manage severe, long-term pain, especially in individuals who are already opioid-tolerant. It is administered through a transdermal patch that provides continuous pain relief over 72 hours. Fentanyl has a higher risk of addiction, misuse, and overdose compared to buprenorphine/naloxone and is not suitable for short-term or mild pain. Both medications require special monitoring and are part of the REMS program due to their potential for serious side effects and misuse.
- Suboxone tablets (buprenorphine / naloxone)Fentanyl patch
- Suboxone tablets (buprenorphine / naloxone)Fentanyl patch
Summary of Suboxone vs. Fentanyl
Summary for Opioid partial agonist / Opioid antagonistPrescription onlySuboxone tablets (buprenorphine / naloxone) are used for the maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in adults. This medication-assisted treatment is given along with counseling and social and emotional support. It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone is an opioid antagonist. The tablets are taken sublingually once per day (they're placed under the tongue where they dissolve). The dosage depends on each person's situation. Side effects include headache, pain, and nausea. It's a controlled substance because it has a risk of being addictive and being misused. <br> Note: The Suboxone brand name for the sublingual tablets is discontinued, but there are generic versions available. Buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets are also available under the brand name Zubsolv.
Summary for OpioidPrescription onlyThe fentanyl transdermal patch, previously known by the brand name Duragesic, is an opioid. It's a patch that's applied on the skin every 3 days to manage severe, long-term or chronic pain. The fentanyl patch is only approved for people who are "opioid tolerant" whose pain isn't controlled well enough with other treatment options. Fentanyl is a very powerful opioid, so the medication can be especially dangerous for those who aren't opioid tolerant because of their high risk for extremely slowed breathing and overdose. Some side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.
Indications of Suboxone vs. Fentanyl
Indications for•Maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in adults (together with counseling and therapy)Indications forPros and Cons of Suboxone vs. Fentanyl
Pros and Const for Opioid partial agonist / Opioid antagonistPros•Available as a lower-cost generic•Comes as a tablet that's dissolved under the tongue•Causes milder withdrawal symptoms than other common opioids if stopped suddenlyCons•Can cause bothersome side effects, such as headache, trouble sleeping, and nausea•Has a risk for misuse and dependency•Is a controlled substance, so there are special requirements for filling a prescriptionPros and Const for OpioidPros•A possible option for severe, chronic pain if you've already tried other treatments and they don't work well enough for you•A possible choice if you have trouble swallowing pills•Replaced on the skin every 3 daysCons•Only approved for people who are already taking opioids around-the-clock (opioid tolerant)•Not intended to use as needed, for short-term pain, or for mild painCommon Side Effects of Suboxone vs. Fentanyl
Common Side Effects for•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%)Common Side Effects for•Nausea (41%)•Vomiting (26%)•Sleepiness (19%)•Dizziness (10%)•Trouble sleeping (10%)•Constipation (9%)•A lot of sweating (6%)•Tiredness (6%)•Feeling cold (6%)Warnings of Suboxone vs. Fentanyl
Common Side Effects for•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 beforeCommon Side Effects for•Potential for misuse and addiction•Life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)•Risk for opioid overdose•Life-threatening risks with accidental exposure•Life-threatening risks with patch exposure to high temperatures (e.g., heat, high fever)•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Physical dependence and withdrawal•Harm to newborn babies•Drug interactions•Serotonin syndrome•Low blood pressure and slow heart rate•Low adrenal hormone levels•SeizuresPrices with our coupons for Suboxone vs. Fentanyl
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