Suboxone and Zubsolv are two brand-name medications that contain buprenorphine and naloxone and are approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). While they contain the same medications and are used for the same purposes, there are several key differences between these medications.
Understanding Buprenorphine and Naloxone: The Active Ingredients in Suboxone and Zubsolv
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that functions by attaching to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, effectively easing withdrawal symptoms without causing the same intense high as opioids like oxycodone or heroin. Buprenorphine’s role is to control cravings and alleviate discomfort during opioid withdrawal.
Buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, which means that in higher doses, it loses its ability to activate opioid receptors. This mechanism prevents people from abusing buprenorphine, resulting in a lower potential for abuse than other medications like methadone.
Naloxone, on the other hand, serves as an antagonist, blocking the effects of opioids. When combined with buprenorphine, it discourages misuse by triggering withdrawal symptoms if the medication is tampered with and taken in ways other than prescribed. This is thought to deter people from misusing buprenorphine medications or mixing them with other opioids. However, when taken as directed, naloxone remains ineffective.
Products that contain buprenorphine and naloxone can be taken during detoxification, with the first dose being consumed at least 12-24 hours after the last dose of opioids. Taking buprenorphine/naloxone too early while opioids are still in the system can result in precipitated withdrawal.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a brand-name medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It was approved by the FDA in October 2002 and is one of the most popular medications used to treat opioid addiction.
Suboxone comes in the form of a sublingual film or a tablet. They are placed under the tongue and left to dissolve for at least 5 minutes.
Suboxone is available in four different strengths, each of which has a buprenorphine-to-naloxone ratio of 4:1. Suboxone strengths are:
- 2 mg buprenorphine/0.5 mg naloxone
- 4 mg buprenorphine/1 mg naloxone
- 8 mg buprenorphine/2 mg naloxone
- 12 mg buprenorphine/3 mg naloxone
Side Effects of Suboxone
Suboxone can cause side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Sleeping problems
- Tingling in the mouth
- Poor taste in the mouth
- Mouth/tongue numbness
What is Zubsolv?
Zubsolv is another brand-name prescription medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone. It was approved by the FDA in July 2013, more than 10 years after Suboxone’s approval.
Zubsolv comes in the form of a sublingual pill that dissolves when it is placed under the tongue. Similar to Suboxone, it is available in several different strengths with a 4:1 buprenorphine-to-naloxone ratio.
Zubsolv is available in six different strengths. The different strengths have unique tablet shapes:
- 0.7 mg buprenorphine/0.18 mg naloxone (oval)
- 1.4 mg buprenorphine/0.36 mg naloxone (triangle)
- 2.9 mg buprenorphine/0.71 mg naloxone (D-shape)
- 5.7 mg buprenorphine/1.4 mg naloxone (round)
- 8.6 mg buprenorphine/2.1 mg naloxone (diamond)
- 11.4 mg buprenorphine/2.9 mg naloxone (capsule)
What is Suboxone Used For?
Suboxone is primarily used to treat opioid addiction, specifically for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. It can also be used for detoxification during the early stages of recovery.
Aside from treating addiction, Suboxone is also sometimes prescribed for chronic pain management. However, this use is not as common and should only be done under close supervision from a medical professional.
Side Effects of Zubsolv
Zubsolv causes many of the same side effects as Suboxone, such as:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Mouth, tongue, or throat pain
- Tingling sensation in the mouth
Comparing Zubsolv vs Suboxone
In terms of effectiveness, both medications have similar success rates with minimal abuse risk. However, people often report that Suboxone tastes worse than Zubsolv, producing more side effects in the mouth. With a milder taste and lower potential for oral side effects, some people tolerate Zubsolv better than Suboxone.
Although Suboxone and Zubsolv contain the same medications, buprenorphine and naloxone, Zubsolv is available in more doses. Since it is available in different strengths with more options, Zubsolv allows doctors to tailor treatment plans for the individual’s needs more so than they can with limited Suboxone strengths.
When it comes to formulation, Suboxone comes in a film or tablet while Zubsolv only comes in tablet form. Suboxone can also be sold as a generic, offering a more cost-effective option than brand-name drugs.
Both medications are taken on a daily basis and are used to treat opioid addiction. Individuals must wait 12-24 hours before starting Suboxone or Zubsolv. When taken for extended periods of time, the buprenorphine in these drugs can be habit-forming, so healthcare professionals usually advise gradually reducing the dose rather than stopping altogether.
Is Zubsolv the Same as Suboxone?
Suboxone and Zubsolv are two very similar medications. Key differences include:
- Many patients report that Zubsolv has a more tolerable taste
- The two medications come in different strengths
- Suboxone comes as a film or tablet, while Zubsolv only comes in tablet form
- Suboxone is available in generic form, but Zubsolv is not
- Suboxone is prescribed more often due to provider preference and reputation
Can You Take Zubsolv and Suboxone Together?
It is not recommended to take Zubsolv and Suboxone together without consulting a healthcare professional first. Both medications contain buprenorphine and naloxone, which can interact with each other and potentially cause adverse effects. It is important to discuss any potential medication interactions with your doctor before starting a new treatment plan. Additionally, taking multiple doses of buprenorphine at the same time can increase the risk of overdose. If you are currently taking either Zubsolv or Suboxone and are considering adding the other medication to your regimen, it is crucial to speak with your doctor about proper dosage and potential risks. Your doctor may be able to adjust your current treatment plan.
Find Help Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, it’s important to know that there are effective treatments available. You don’t have to fear withdrawal when you partner with a trusted detox center as medical professionals can prescribe medications like Suboxone or Zubsolv to alleviate your discomfort.
At Cobb Outpatient Detox, we provide safe and effective detox services at our modern outpatient detox facility. With medications, medical guidance, and therapeutic support, you can detox with comfort and ease.
To learn more about our detox programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): What is Buprenorphine? Retrieved December 2023 from https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): What is Naloxone? Retrieved December 2023 from https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naloxone
- National Library of Medicine: Suboxone: Rationale, Science, Misconceptions, Retrieved December 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855417/
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Zubsolv Prescribing Information, Retrieved December 2023 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/204242s009lbl.pdf