The difference between Subutex and Suboxone is the addition of naloxone. Both medications contain the opioid agonist, buprenorphine, but only Suboxone contains naloxone as well.
Buprenorphine is extremely beneficial for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). This medication can lessen cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, decrease the risk of relapse, and help people to focus on recovery.
Combining the opioid antagonist, naloxone, with buprenorphine is a safety measure. If people take too much Suboxone, naloxone will activate and prevent overdose. It also serves as a misuse deterrent, because if someone takes too much or attempts to misuse it intranasally or intravenously, they will go into precipitated withdrawal, which is distressing.
Key Facts About Subutex & Suboxone
Key Facts
- Subutex was discontinued in 2011. Company executives heard that the buprenorphine-only pills were too easy to misuse, so they stopped making the drug for safety reasons.[1]
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared in 2015 that Subutex wasn’t withdrawn for official safety or effectiveness reasons. That decision allowed other companies to make generic forms of Subutex.[2]
- Suboxone was FDA-approved in 2002, and researchers found the film version of the drug was just as effective as the pill form of buprenorphine.[1]
- In a head-to-head study, researchers found people with OUD were less likely to self-administer products with buprenorphine/naloxone (like Suboxone) than products with buprenorphine alone (like Subutex). They also rated liking buprenorphine/naloxone less than products with buprenorphine alone. This type of study suggests that buprenorphine/naloxone has a lower potential for misuse than buprenorphine alone.[3]
What Is the Difference Between Subutex & Suboxone?
Two major differences between Subutex and Suboxone exist. One involves ingredients, and the other involves availability.
Both Subutex and Suboxone are prescription medications for OUD. Both contain buprenorphine — a key ingredient that addresses drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms. But only Suboxone includes naloxone as a misuse deterrent and as a preventative for overdose.
Suboxone is widely available in brand-name and generic formulations. But Subutex is no longer available as a brand-name drug, as the manufacturer voluntarily stopped making it in 2011.[1] However, generic forms of Subutex are still available.
| Subutex | Suboxone | |
| Brand name available? | No | Yes |
| Generic available? | Yes | Yes |
| Sold as | Tablets | Strips and tablets |
| Buprenorphine doses | 4–24 mg | 2–12 mg |
| Includes abuse deterrent? | No | Yes |
What Is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is FDA-approved for OUD treatment. It’s the first medication the FDA approved for at-home use.[4] Before buprenorphine products were created, patients were required to visit in-person methadone clinics every day to get the help they needed to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it weakly binds to receptors used by drugs like heroin. When taken as directed, it can reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and ease drug cravings. Some people take buprenorphine indefinitely, as it helps them maintain sobriety despite their triggers and challenges.
Buprenorphine vs. Suboxone
Buprenorphine refers to one of the two active ingredients in Suboxone. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and another medication (naloxone). Together, buprenorphine/naloxone is sold under the brand name Suboxone, although it is also sold in a generic form.
Buprenorphine vs. Subutex
Subutex was the brand name for tablets containing only buprenorphine. While the brand name no longer exists, generic forms are widely available.
Subutex vs. Suboxone in Pregnancy
Buprenorphine products are safe for women to use during pregnancy. The decision between Subutex and Suboxone during pregnancy is personal, and you should make the choice with your doctor.
In the past, women were asked to switch to buprenorphine-only products like Subutex when they were pregnant. That’s been changing, as research suggests naloxone is safe for both pregnant people and their babies.[4] Your doctor can tell you more.
Taking Buprenorphine (Subutex) & Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone)
Your doctor will explain how these prescription medications work, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions before you get started. But here’s what you need to know about how Suboxone strips, Suboxone tablets, and generic Subutex tablets work.
Buprenorphine must enter the bloodstream through your mucosal membranes. The drug is not easily absorbed through the digestive system, so it shouldn’t be swallowed. Whether you use strips or tablets, they will dissolve in your mouth.
The following steps are involved when taking Subutex or Suboxone:
- Wash your hands: Make sure your hands are clean and dry before you get started.
- Place the product: Put your prescribed strips or tablets under your tongue.
- Wait to dissolve: Don’t chew, swallow, or talk until your products are completely dissolved.
- Rinse with water: Take a swallow of water and rinse it through your mouth. Swallow that solution.
Which Is Better for Treating OUD: Subutex or Suboxone?
Buprenorphine is the important ingredient in treating OUD. Both Subutex and Suboxone contain this element, so both can be crucial in helping with sobriety.
Suboxone therapy for OUD includes naloxone as a deterrent to misuse. This ingredient remains inactive if your medication is used as prescribed. But it works as guardrails to ensure you stay on course with your recovery.
How Bicycle Health Can Help With OUD
Bicycle Health uses telemedicine techniques to bring help to people in need. Meet with a qualified Suboxone doctor via phone or your computer. Discuss your opioid use disorder, your health, and your recovery. Then, if you qualify, pick up your prescription at a pharmacy near you.
Find out more about why you should choose Bicycle Health for MAT.
Subutex vs. Suboxone FAQs
We’ve compiled common questions and answers about Subutex vs. Suboxone.
Bicycle Health provides Suboxone therapy, but does not prescribe Subutex.
No. Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex contains buprenorphine only.
Generic drugs are named after the ingredients they contain. Generic Subutex is simply called buprenorphine as a result.
The manufacturer pulled brand-name Subutex due to concerns about buprenorphine misuse. Generic versions are still available.
Reviewed By Peter Manza, PhD
Peter Manza, PhD received his BA in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester and his PhD in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He is currently working as a research scientist in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the role ... Read More
- Buprenorphine and Its Formulations: A Comprehensive Review. Health Psychology Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9392838/. August 2022. Accessed May 2023.
- Determination That Subutex (Buprenorphine Hydrochloride) Sublingual Tablets, Equivalent 2 Milligrams Base and Equivalent 8 Milligrams Base, Were Not Withdrawn from Sale for Reasons of Safety or Effectiveness. Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/02/13/2015-03001/determination-that-subutex-buprenorphine-hydrochloride-sublingual-tablets-equivalent-2-milligrams. February 2015. Accessed May 2023.
- Abuse Liability of Intravenous Buprenorphine/Naloxone and Buprenorphine Alone in Buprenorphine-Maintained Intravenous Heroin Abusers. Addiction. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20403021/. April 2010. Accessed May 2023.
- Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/08/opioid-use-and-opioid-use-disorder-in-pregnancy. August 2017. Accessed May 2023.
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