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What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It contains buprenorphine, which reduces withdrawal and cravings, and naloxone, which helps prevent misuse. It is taken daily and allows patients to function normally without opioid withdrawal.
The medication
Suboxone contains two active ingredients.
Suboxone is a brand-name medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The two components serve different roles — buprenorphine is the active treatment agent, and naloxone is included primarily to deter injection misuse.
Buprenorphine
A partial opioid agonist. It activates opioid receptors in the brain, but to a much lesser degree than full agonists like oxycodone, heroin, or fentanyl. This reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings and has a lower euphoric effect than full agonists at therapeutic doses. It also has high receptor binding affinity, which means it can displace other opioids from receptors.
Naloxone
An opioid antagonist added to Suboxone as a deterrent against injection misuse. When Suboxone is taken as prescribed (dissolved under the tongue or in the cheek), the naloxone component is poorly absorbed and has minimal effect. If the medication is injected, the naloxone becomes more clinically relevant and may precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals.
Forms and generics
Available formulations and equivalent medications.
Suboxone is available in two forms — sublingual film (dissolved under the tongue) and sublingual tablet. The film formulation is more commonly prescribed. Both contain the same active ingredients at the same ratios.
Generic buprenorphine/naloxone
Generic versions of Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual film and tablets) are available and FDA-approved as therapeutically equivalent. Generics are substantially less expensive than brand-name Suboxone and are widely used.
Subutex (buprenorphine-only)
Subutex was the original buprenorphine-only formulation — without naloxone. It is less commonly prescribed now and has been discontinued as a brand, though generic buprenorphine-only tablets remain available in selected clinical situations, including pregnancy and some naloxone-related contraindications.
Sublocade and Brixadi
Extended-release injectable buprenorphine formulations administered monthly or weekly by a clinician. These do not contain naloxone. See our page on Suboxone and Sublocade for more.
Film vs tablet
Suboxone film vs Suboxone tablet.
Suboxone is available as a sublingual film and a sublingual tablet. Both contain the same active ingredients — buprenorphine and naloxone — at the same ratios. Both are dissolved under the tongue.
The choice between them is usually not clinical. It is based on preference, cost, and availability.
Film (strips)
The sublingual film — often called a "strip" — is the more commonly prescribed form. It is a thin film placed under the tongue, where it dissolves over several minutes.
Brand-name Suboxone film and generic buprenorphine/naloxone film are both widely available, and most pharmacies stock this form.
Some patients prefer the film because it adheres to the tissue and feels more consistent as it dissolves.
Tablet (pills)
The sublingual tablet is the original formulation. It dissolves more slowly and has a different texture.
Generic buprenorphine/naloxone tablets are widely available and are often less expensive than film, though some pharmacies may not stock them as consistently.
Some patients prefer tablets based on taste or familiarity.
What the difference means
The medication is the same. The dose strengths are the same. The clinical effect is the same.
The difference is the physical form — how it feels under the tongue, how it dissolves, and how patients experience taking it.
Both film and tablet forms have been associated with dental problems in some patients, including cavities and tooth damage. This is uncommon but important. Letting the medication dissolve fully, avoiding brushing immediately afterward, and maintaining regular dental care can reduce risk.
If one form does not feel right, your physician can prescribe the other.
How it differs from other treatments
Suboxone vs. methadone vs. naltrexone.
All three are FDA-approved for opioid use disorder, but they work differently and have different access requirements.
vs. Methadone
Methadone for opioid use disorder is a full opioid agonist and is generally dispensed through federally regulated opioid treatment programs (OTPs), where patients often begin with frequent clinic visits. Buprenorphine can be prescribed in office-based settings and dispensed through retail pharmacies, subject to current federal and state rules. Full comparison →
vs. Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist — it blocks opioid receptors entirely and requires complete opioid detoxification before starting. Buprenorphine does not require detoxification first and can be started while a patient is still opioid-dependent.
Sources
Where this information comes from.
FDA: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Official FDA overview of all approved medications including buprenorphine and naloxone components.
Federal overview of buprenorphine treatment, prescribing, and patient eligibility.
ASAM National Practice Guideline (2020)
The US standard of care for OUD — formulations, dosing, and patient management.
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Common questions
Frequently asked
Can Suboxone be taken once a day?
Buprenorphine is dosed once or twice daily depending on the individual. Once-daily dosing is common, but some patients do better splitting the dose. Your physician will determine what works for you.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Missing a single dose is unlikely to cause severe withdrawal, but you may notice increased discomfort. Take your next dose as scheduled and let your physician know if you are missing doses regularly.
Does Suboxone build up in your system over time?
Buprenorphine accumulates to a steady state over the first few days of treatment. After that, levels stabilize with consistent daily dosing.
