Suboxone Film: How Are Suboxone Strips Used?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on July 14, 2021

Suboxone films can be used under the tongue or inside of the cheek, then held in place until fully dissolved. The strips should not be crushed, chewed, or swallowed, and are most effective when left to fully dissolve for five to 10 minutes.

How To Use Suboxone Strips - Proper Way To Take Suboxone Film

Suboxone strips are used by placing the film under the tongue and holding it there until it is completely dissolved.

These strips contain a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which are used to treat the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Suboxone comes in tablet and strip forms, and the more popular choice among the two is the strip version. This is a common treatment method used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Learn more about how to properly take Suboxone

Step-By-Step Guide On Using Suboxone Strips

Using Suboxone films is simple. It can either be administered sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (in the cheek).

If you’re using it for the first time, or have a loved one who’s taking Suboxone strips, use this step-by-step guide on how to administer it.

Using The Suboxone Sublingual Film

Here is how to administer Suboxone films under the tongue:

  • Place the film under the tongue close to the base or on the left or right side.
  • If your doctor has directed you to take two films at once, place the other film on the other side and avoid overlap as much as possible.
  • Hold the film in place under the tongue until it is completely dissolved.
  • If your doctor has directed you to take a third film, wait until the first two have dissolved, then place the third film under your tongue and repeat the process.

Using The Suboxone Buccal Film

Here is how to administer Suboxone Buccal films in the cheek:

  • Place the film on the inside of the right or left cheek.
  • If your doctor has directed you to take two films at once, place the other film on the inside of the other cheek.
  • Hold the film in place until it has completely dissolved.
  • If your doctor has directed you to take a third film, wait until the first two have dissolved, then place the third film on the inside of either cheek and wait until it dissolves.

With both sublingual and buccal film administration, do not eat or drink while the film is in the mouth, and do not chew or swallow it. Do not move the film at all once it’s in place.

Tips For Taking Suboxone Strips

There are a few important things to keep in mind when using Suboxone strips.

Use this medication as directed by a medical professional, and ask for their recommendations on how to use Suboxone.

Drink Water First

Before taking Suboxone, it’s a good idea to drink water or some other liquid first.

This will help to moisten the mouth so the medication can fully dissolve. It will also cut down the time it takes for the strip to dissolve.

Strips usually take five to 10 minutes to dissolve completely.

Avoid Drinking Or Eating While Taking Suboxone

While it’s helpful to drink water before taking Suboxone, avoid drinking or eating anything while the film is in place. This will make the medication less effective.

Do not crush, chew, or swallow Suboxone strips. Altering the medication in any way will also make it less effective.

Can I Take Suboxone At Home?

Suboxone strips can be administered under clinical supervision or at home.

For those just beginning their stages of recovery from substance abuse, Suboxone may be the most effective in an addiction treatment setting, such as medical detox or MAT.

For others who want to remain at home, are unable to participate in an addiction treatment program, or have strong existing social support, Suboxone may be administered at home.

Clinical supervision versus home treatment will depend on the healthcare provider’s evaluation.

Suboxone is subject to abuse, so frequent clinic visits are often required in order to continue to assess each individual’s circumstances and use of Suboxone.

Get Suboxone Treatment For Opioid Abuse

You don’t have to go through opioid withdrawal alone. Suboxone treatment is available at varying levels of care so that each recovering individual can find the help they need to succeed.

If you’d like to learn more about your options in addiction treatment, reach out to our helpline and speak to one of our trained representatives today.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on July 14, 2021
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