Suboxone Strips: Strengths, How to Use Film, and Cost
Learn what Suboxone films contain, available strengths, correct mouth placement, dental precautions, and how film and tablet costs differ.
Medically reviewed by Daniel R. Karlin, MD, MA, Chief Medical OfficerPubMedGoogle Scholar
Suboxone strips are thin films containing buprenorphine and naloxone. They dissolve in the mouth and are prescribed for opioid use disorder. “Strip” is an informal name; the product label calls them films.
They should be taken on the prescribed schedule, not whenever a craving appears without clinical direction.
Available strengths
Suboxone film strengths are written as the amount of buprenorphine followed by naloxone:
- 2 mg/0.5 mg.
- 4 mg/1 mg.
- 8 mg/2 mg.
- 12 mg/3 mg.
A strength is not a recommended daily dose. Your prescription determines the number and strength of films to use. FDA Suboxone prescribing information
Buprenorphine provides the main treatment effect. Naloxone discourages certain forms of misuse but does not block every opioid effect or prevent overdose.
Where does the film go?
Follow the instructions for your prescription and treatment stage. Suboxone film is placed under the tongue or against the inside of the cheek as directed.
The label specifies sublingual use during induction. Maintenance administration may use the approved sublingual or buccal route according to the clinician's instructions.
Use the film whole. Do not cut, chew, or swallow it whole. Allow it to dissolve completely and follow the product directions about eating, drinking, and placement when more than one film is prescribed. FDA Suboxone prescribing information
Protect your teeth
After the film fully dissolves, gently rinse with water and swallow. Wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth.
Arrange regular dental checkups and tell the dentist you use buprenorphine. FDA has identified dental risks with medicines dissolved in the mouth, but emphasizes that treatment benefits generally outweigh those risks. FDA: Dental care with buprenorphine
How do films compare with tablets?
Generic buprenorphine/naloxone is also available as sublingual tablets. Both forms can treat opioid use disorder, but administration, absorption, insurance coverage, and cost can differ.
Do not assume the same number of units gives an interchangeable dose across every product. A prescriber and pharmacist should manage a switch.
Long-acting buprenorphine injections are different products, not injectable Suboxone strips.
What do films cost?
Cost depends on brand versus generic, strength, quantity, pharmacy, and coverage. Clinical visits are separate from medication costs.
See the Suboxone pricing guide for dated advertised film and tablet prices and instructions for getting a matching pharmacy quote. Delivery depends on eligibility and dispensing arrangements.
Starting treatment and using it safely
A clinician decides whether Suboxone is appropriate and provides an initiation plan. Starting too soon after other opioids can cause precipitated withdrawal.
Store films securely away from children, never share them, and avoid alcohol. Report persistent side effects or breakthrough symptoms rather than changing the prescription yourself.
For inability to wake or abnormal breathing, call 911 and give rescue naloxone if available. The naloxone within a film does not replace emergency naloxone. CDC: Responding to an overdose
Start Suboxone treatment online. Recovery Delivered's online Suboxone doctors see patients 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.