Compare Suboxone vs. Subutex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail) and buprenorphine (Subutex) are both used to treat opioid dependence, but they have some key differences. Buprenorphine/naloxone is a combination of two medications: buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. This combination helps control opioid cravings and prevents misuse by blocking the effects of opioids. It is available in different forms like sublingual films, buccal films, and sublingual tablets, and is typically used for both initial and maintenance treatment. On the other hand, buprenorphine (Subutex) is used alone, without naloxone, and is primarily used in the induction phase of treatment. It is available as a sublingual tablet and is often used for short-term treatment. Both medications can cause side effects like headache, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. Buprenorphine/naloxone is not interchangeable with its different brand forms, while buprenorphine (Subutex) is no longer available as a brand but can be found in generic form.
Summary of Suboxone vs. Subutex
Suboxone 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.
Buprenorphine is used as medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. It's usually used along with counseling and social and emotional support. Typically, the medication is only used short term in the induction phase of treatment. But, some people might need to use it for a longer period of time. The buprenorphine sublingual tablet dissolves in the mouth when it's placed under the tongue. Common side effects include headache, difficulty sleeping, and nausea. It's a schedule III controlled medication because it has a risk of physical dependence and misuse.
Indications of Suboxone vs. Subutex
Pros and Cons of Suboxone vs. Subutex
Common Side Effects of Suboxone vs. Subutex
Warnings of Suboxone vs. Subutex
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