In June of 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first generic version of Suboxone in film strip form, which is a medication for treating opioid use disorder.
Generic versions of Suboxone, containing buprenorphine and naloxone, come in the form of a sublingual film or tablet that are applied under the tongue.
Learn more about using Suboxone to overcome opioid addiction
Generic Suboxone Vs. Name-Brand Suboxone
Like name-brand Suboxone products, the generic version of Suboxone contains the same two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.
According to the generic version’s manufacturer, the dosing for generic Suboxone is equivalent to the brand name version—i.e. 8 mg of buprenorphine, 2 mg of naloxone.
Both generic and brand-name Suboxone are partial opioid agonists approved for the treatment of opioid dependence, in conjunction with counseling.
Generic Suboxone Effectiveness
Generic forms of Suboxone are dose-equivalent, meaning they contain the same ingredients as the brand-name forms of Suboxone. For this reason, they should be just as effective.
Generic buprenorphine/naloxone film strips and tablets may effectively relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and curb opioid cravings.
What Form Does Generic Suboxone Come In?
Generic versions of Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) are available in the form of a sublingual film. This is a film applied under the tongue, to be dissolved.
A generic version of buprenorphine/naloxone in tablet form also exists. The dosage amounts for film and tablet versions of generic Suboxone vary.
Benefits Of Generic Suboxone
Typically, the greatest benefit of approving a generic version of a drug is cost-effectiveness. Generic drugs are less expensive than brand-name drugs, on average.
Generic entry of brand-name drugs like Suboxone can help promote increased access to these medications, particularly for people who lack health insurance or pharmacy benefits.
Side Effects Of Generic Suboxone
Side effects can occur while taking generic Suboxone. Side effects of generic buprenorphine/naloxone can be expected to be the same as those of brand-name Suboxone.
Side effects may include:
- drowsiness
- headache
- stomach pain
- constipation
- blurred vision
- back pain
- tongue pain
- difficulty falling or staying asleep
- redness or numbness of the mouth
Serious adverse reactions to buprenorphine/naloxone can occur. If someone is experiencing serious side effects after taking generic Suboxone, contact their doctor right away.
Read more about the side effects of Suboxone
Where To Get Generic Suboxone
Generic versions of Suboxone can be filled with a prescription at most pharmacies, including chain drug-stores such as Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, and Publix.
Generic buprenorphine/naloxone may also be administered at SAMHSA-certified opioid treatment programs, and by eligible physicians and medical personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Generic Suboxone
Having questions about generic forms of brand-name drugs is common. Find answers here to the most frequently asked questions about generic Suboxone.
❓ Does Insurance Cover Generic Suboxone?
✔️ Generic buprenorphine/naloxone is covered by many insurance plans, including health plans available with military insurance, private insurance, or insurance through an employer.
Prior authorization, co-pays, and deductible requirements for receiving drug coverage may apply. Not all health insurance plans may offer the same level of coverage for this drug.
❓ Does Medicare Cover The Generic Equivalent of Suboxone?
✔️ Some Medicare health plans offer drug coverage for generic buprenorphine/naloxone. This may be covered by Medicare Part D drug coverage or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C).
Co-pays for generic buprenorphine/naloxone with Medicare coverage may apply.
❓ How Much Is A 30-Day Supply Of Generic Buprenorphine/Naloxone?
✔️ A 30-day supply of buprenorphine/naloxone costs:
- generic sublingual tablets: $42 to $91
- generic sublingual films: $74 to $90
These estimates are based on buprenorphine/naloxone products containing 8 mg buprenorphine and 2 mg naloxone.
The cost of other dosage amounts may vary. The cost of a 30-day supply will depend on how often someone takes this drug each day and the pharmacy at which the drug is purchased.
❓ Is Generic Suboxone Different From Generic Subutex?
✔️ Yes. Generic Suboxone is a medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Generic Subutex on the other hand only contains buprenorphine.
Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal drug that is added to generic and brand-name Suboxone products to help prevent drug misuse and decrease the likelihood of diversion.
❓ Is Buprenorphine/Naloxone Prescribed For Pain?
✔️ Buprenorphine/naloxone combination products are prescribed exclusively for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms and opioid dependence.
Buprenorphine without naloxone may be prescribed in other generic forms for the treatment of ongoing, severe pain resulting from a chronic pain condition.
Call Today To Find Suboxone Treatment For Opioid Addiction Near You
If you’re looking for opioid addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, we can help you find generic Suboxone treatment options near you.
Call our helpline today for more information about the generic equivalent of Suboxone or to find a rehab center that offers generic Suboxone treatment.
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- GoodRX—Suboxone Film Prices, Coupons, & Savings Tips
https://www.goodrx.com/suboxone-film - GoodRX—Suboxone Tablet Prices, Coupons, & Savings Tips
https://www.goodrx.com/suboxone-tablet?dosage=8mg-2mg&form=sublingual&label_override=buprenorphine+%2F+naloxone&quantity=30&sort_type=popularity - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Buprenorphine
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine - U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services—Costs for Medicare drug coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage - U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services—How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/medicare-advantage-plans/how-do-medicare-advantage-plans-work - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—FDA approves first generic versions of Suboxone sublingual film, which may increase access to treatment for opioid dependence
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-generic-versions-suboxone-sublingual-film-which-may-increase-access-treatment
