Is There A Generic For Subutex?

Buprenorphine is the generic version of Subutex, which is the brand name for a drug used to treat opioid dependence and opioid use disorder.

Buprenorphine is the primary ingredient in Subutex. Generic versions of Subutex, produced by multiple drug manufacturers, can be just as effective for treating opioid addiction and may be cheaper in cost.

Learn more about Subutex

Is Generic Buprenorphine As Effective As Subutex

Yes. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration, which approves drugs for use in the United States, states that generic drugs have the same quality as brand-name drugs.

Generic drugs like buprenorphine are rigorously tested and evaluated for their effectiveness. If they’re found to be significantly less effective or unsafe, they will not be approved for use.

Differences Between Generic And Subutex

Generic buprenorphine and Subutex are largely the same. However, there are some minor differences between the two medications.

If you or a loved one is taking Subutex or is addicted to opioids, it might be helpful to be aware of these differences.

Uses: Generic Vs. Subutex

Subutex is a medication that is solely used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms and opioid use disorder as a maintenance medication. Buprenorphine is similarly prescribed for these purposes.

Unlike Subutex, buprenorphine is also prescribed under different brand names (e.g. Butrans) to treat chronic, severe pain caused by fibromyalgia, cancer, or other chronic medical conditions.

What both Subutex and its generic can do:

• prevent/treat opioid withdrawal symptoms
• curb opioid cravings
• increase safety in case of an opioid overdose
• help prevent relapse to opioid drug use

Cost Of Generic Subutex

Generally, generic drugs are cheaper in cost than brand-name drugs like Subutex. This is especially true for people without prescription drug coverage or health insurance.

For this reason, the generic form of Subutex may be more cost-effective for some people. In addition, it’s possible that some health insurance providers may cover one, but not the other.

Read more about the cost of Subutex

Availability Of The Generic For Subutex

Not all eligible buprenorphine treatment providers, including general physicians, may prescribe Subutex. They may only prescribe the generic version.

The availability of brand-name versus generic drugs can vary according to where you live, the preferences of a treatment provider, and the pharmacy or treatment location.

Appearance Of The Medications

Both generic buprenorphine and Subutex come in the form of sublingual, dissolvable tablets that are taken by mouth and applied under the tongue.

Subutex is white in color and oval-shaped. Buprenorphine can be white or orange in color and may be oval-shaped or round.

Finding Buprenorphine Treatment For Drug Addiction Near You

Both Subutex and its generic equivalent can be effective for treating opioid addiction and helping people maintain lifelong addiction recovery.

If you or a loved one is addicted to opioids, we can help you find an addiction treatment program that meets your needs.

Call our helpline today to learn more about generic Subutex and to find buprenorphine treatment for yourself or a loved one at a rehab center near you.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff