What Is Suboxone? Uses, How It Works, Side Effects, and Cost

Suboxone is a prescription medicine containing buprenorphine and naloxone. It treats opioid use disorder by helping control withdrawal and cravings as part of ongoing care.

It is not an emergency overdose reversal medicine, and its approved use is not general pain treatment. FDA Suboxone prescribing information

How the ingredients work

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds strongly to opioid receptors and activates them differently from full agonists such as morphine. Its long action can help stabilize symptoms between doses.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist included to discourage certain forms of misuse. It is not the main source of daily craving relief and does not make Suboxone overdose-proof.

People taking Suboxone should still have access to a separate rescue naloxone product.

What forms are available?

Brand-name Suboxone is supplied as film that dissolves in the mouth. Generic buprenorphine/naloxone is available in films and sublingual tablets. Long-acting buprenorphine injections are different products and do not contain naloxone. FDA's list of approved OUD medications

Formulations are not automatically interchangeable. Follow the directions for the product actually prescribed.

Suboxone film should be used whole, not cut, chewed, or swallowed whole. After it dissolves, gently rinse with water and swallow; wait at least one hour before brushing teeth. FDA: Dental care with buprenorphine

What happens when treatment starts?

A clinician assesses opioid use disorder, recent opioid exposure, other medicines, health conditions, and the appropriate setting.

Starting buprenorphine too soon after other opioids can cause precipitated withdrawal. The clinician should explain when to begin and how to respond to symptoms. A fixed waiting-time rule is not reliable for every patient, especially after fentanyl or long-acting opioids. FDA Suboxone prescribing information

Common and serious side effects

Headache, nausea, constipation, sweating, sleep problems, and mouth-related symptoms can occur. Report persistent side effects or excessive tiredness rather than adjusting the dose yourself.

Alcohol and other sedatives can increase respiratory risk. Inability to wake, slow or abnormal breathing, or collapse requires 911 and naloxone if available. CDC: Responding to an overdose

Dental problems, liver issues, and other less common reactions also require appropriate monitoring. Tell the prescriber about your full medication list and medical history.

Is it replacing one addiction with another?

Physical dependence can occur during treatment, but it is not the same as uncontrolled, harmful use. Buprenorphine treatment can reduce overdose and mortality risk and support functioning.

There is no mandatory short treatment course. Counseling and support should be offered, but lack of counseling should not by itself prevent medication treatment. CDC: Treating opioid use disorder

How much does treatment cost?

Separate clinical visit fees from the medication price. Cost depends on the formulation, quantity, pharmacy, insurance, and follow-up schedule.

See the current Suboxone pricing guide for dated advertised prices and questions to ask before paying.

If you are considering care, an assessment can clarify whether Suboxone or another medication fits your needs. A prescription depends on the clinician's evaluation, not simply an online request.

Start Suboxone treatment online. You can see one of our Suboxone doctors online, by video. The first visit is $89. Follow-up visits are $50 weekly, $75 every two weeks or $89 monthly. Visits are cash pay, and medication is priced separately.