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.
