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Compare Subutex vs. Vivitrol

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

Key takeaways

Buprenorphine (Subutex) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are both used to treat opioid use disorder, but they work in different ways and have different forms. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that helps ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, but it can still cause dependence and misuse. It is taken as a sublingual tablet that dissolves under your tongue. On the other hand, Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, preventing the feel-good effects of opioids and alcohol. It is given as a monthly injection by a healthcare professional and does not have a risk of dependence or misuse. Buprenorphine is available as a lower-cost generic, while Vivitrol is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of buprenorphine include headache and nausea, whereas Vivitrol can cause injection site reactions and nausea. Buprenorphine is a controlled substance, but Vivitrol is not.

  • Buprenorphine
    Vivitrol
  • Buprenorphine
    Vivitrol

  • Summary of Subutex vs. Vivitrol

    Summary for Opioid partial agonist
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for Opioid antagonist
    Prescription only

    Vivitrol is an extended-release naltrexone injection. It's an opioid antagonist that's used to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder in adults. Vivitrol is prescribed as part of a holistic treatment plan that also includes therapy and support groups. This medication is given as a deep gluteal injection into the muscle on the buttock, typically once a month by a healthcare professional. Some common side effects of Vivitrol include pain or tenderness at the injection site, nausea, and headache. Vivitrol is brand name only and not available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Subutex vs. Vivitrol

    Indications for
    •Opioid use disorder in adults (in addition to counseling and therapy programs)
    Indications for
    •Alcohol use disorder
    •Opioid use disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Subutex vs. Vivitrol

    Pros and Const for Opioid partial agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to treat opioid use disorder when used with counseling and other therapy programs
    •Taken once per day
    •Easy to take since tablets are dissolved under the tongue
    •Dose can be adjusted based on response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Has a lot of potential risks and side effects, such as breathing problems and sleepiness
    •Can't stop the medication suddenly because of possible withdrawal symptoms
    •Risk of misuse and dependence
    •Is a controlled substance, so there are special requirements to getting a prescription filled
    •Hasn't been studied in children under 18 years old
    Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist
    Pros
    •Lowers opioid and alcohol cravings
    •Given once per month
    •Better option for people who don't want to take naltrexone tablets everyday
    Cons
    •Need to go to clinic or HCP's office to receive the injections
    •Must be given by injection into the buttock muscle
    •Can cause bothersome injection site reactions, such as pain and swelling

  • Common Side Effects of Subutex vs. Vivitrol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (29%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (21%)
    •General pain (18%)
    •Opioid withdrawal symptoms (18%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Sweating (13%)
    •Stomach pain (12%)
    •Infection (12%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Alcohol use disorder

    •Tenderness, pain, swelling at injection site (up to 45%)
    •Nausea (33%)
    •Headache (25%)
    •Fatigue, tiredness (23%)
    •Low appetite (14%)
    •Trouble falling asleep (14%)
    •Vomiting (14%)
    •Diarrhea (13%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Anxiety (12%)
    •Joint pain or stiffness (12%)
    •Stomach pain (11%)
    •Sore throat (11%)

    Opioid use disorder

    •Higher liver enzymes (13%)
    •Common cold, flu (up to 7%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (6%)
    •High blood pressure (5%)
    •Injection site pain (5%)

  • Warnings of Subutex vs. Vivitrol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Harm to newborns when taken during pregnancy
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Liver damage
    •Not for use for pain or in people who haven't taken opioids before
    •Dental (teeth) problems
    •Life-threatening heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    Common Side Effects for
    •More sensitive to opioids (risk of opioid overdose)
    •Opioid withdrawal
    •Liver injury
    •Risk of depression and suicidal thoughts
    •Injection site reactions
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Subutex vs. Vivitrol

    Learn more about Buprenorphine
    Learn more about Vivitrol

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