Suboxone Vs. Subutex Vs. Zubsolv: Which Is Better For Treating Opioid Use Disorder?

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a life-threatening struggle that can be effectively treated with medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines the use of medication and therapy.

Medications approved to treat OUD include:

• methadone
• buprenorphine mono-product (formerly branded as Subutex, generics available)
• buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone, Zubsolv)
• naltrexone

One common question people have is: which medication is best for opioid addiction? All of these treatment medications can be effective for helping people recover from addiction.

Read more about medication-assisted treatment.

Note: The Subutex brand was discontinued in the United States in 2011. Generic buprenorphine-only products remain available and serve the same function. References to “Subutex” on this page refer to buprenorphine mono-product generics.

What Is The Difference Between Suboxone And Subutex?

Although they both contain buprenorphine, there are several differences between Suboxone and Subutex. Namely, their form, ingredients, and potential for abuse.

What Is Subutex?

Subutex was the brand name for buprenorphine, a schedule III controlled substance.

Unlike Suboxone, Subutex does not contain naloxone, a drug capable of blocking the effects of other opioid drugs.

Buprenorphine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat OUD in 2002 and may be offered during detox to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is the brand name for a combination product containing buprenorphine and naloxone. It comes in the form of a sublingual film, whereas Subutex comes in the form of a sublingual tablet.

About Suboxone

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist that is FDA-approved to treat opioid dependence. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that’s FDA-approved to treat and reverse an opioid overdose.

Suboxone was approved by the FDA in 2002 as an alternative to Subutex to treat OUD. The sublingual film formulation then received approval in 2010. It is generally taken daily as a short-term or long-term treatment.

Potential For Abuse

Compared to buprenorphine alone, Suboxone has a lower potential for injection misuse. This is because the naloxone component, while minimally active when taken sublingually as directed, will precipitate withdrawal if the medication is injected. This serves as a deterrent to injection misuse.

The ceiling effect on respiratory depression and euphoria is a property of buprenorphine itself, present in both formulations.

What Is The Difference Between Suboxone And Zubsolv?

Suboxone and Zubsolv are both combination drug products containing buprenorphine and naloxone.

Differences between the two drugs include:

• Form: Suboxone comes in the form of a film. Zubsolv comes in tablet form.
• Cost: Varies depending on insurance coverage and whether generic buprenorphine/naloxone is substituted. Patients should verify current pricing with their pharmacy and insurer.
• Bioavailability: Zubsolv can produce the same effects as Suboxone in smaller doses.
• Taste: Zubsolv has a minty taste, while Suboxone has a citrus taste.

Benefits Of Suboxone, Subutex, and Zubsolv For Opioid Addiction

Despite their differences, all three of these medications can offer significant benefits for people who are struggling with OUD, due to how they work.

Buprenorphine drugs can:

• reduce opioid cravings
• reduce effects of physical dependency (i.e. opioid withdrawal symptoms)
• reduce the risk of fatal overdose
• help keep people in treatment

Treatment providers will prescribe medications for OUD based on each person’s individual needs and other factors, such as cost and drug availability.

Are There Dangers Of Taking Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is safe and effective for opioid addiction when taken as prescribed.

Due to its potential for misuse, the use of buprenorphine alone may be subject to monitoring by your doctor.

Buprenorphine, and its combination products, can also cause some side effects, including constipation and physical dependence.

Can You Overdose On Buprenorphine?

Overdose can occur if you take buprenorphine with other depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids.

This risk is lower with Suboxone and Zubsolv, primarily when these medications are misused by injection, as the naloxone component will precipitate withdrawal and deter injection misuse.

Where Can You Find Buprenorphine Treatment?

Suboxone, Zubsolv, and generic buprenorphine products can be prescribed for home use.

They may also be provided as part of an addiction treatment program for people who misuse prescription painkillers like oxycodone or who use illicit opioids, including fentanyl.

Treatment programs that may offer Suboxone or Subutex include:

• inpatient treatment programs
• residential rehab programs
• partial hospitalization programs
• intensive outpatient treatment
• outpatient treatment programs

Not all rehab centers or doctors offer the same treatments for opioid addiction.

You’ll have to check with the treatment provider beforehand if you’re wondering whether they offer Suboxone or Subutex as a treatment option.

Recovery from OUD is possible. If you’re ready to find treatment for yourself or a loved one addicted to opioids, call our helpline today to find treatment options near you.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff