Subutex vs. Suboxone – What’s the Difference?

Subutex and Suboxone are both used in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to address opioid addiction. While they contain the same ingredients, they’re not the same. Before discussing this difference, it’s important to go over what buprenorphine is.
 
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that minimizes withdrawal symptoms and cravings without delivering the same high as full opioid agonists. It is the active ingredient in both Suboxone and Subetex. Subutex only contains buprenorphine.
 
In contrast, Suboxone contains buprenorphine as well as naloxone. As an opioid antagonist, naloxone is included to prevent misuse. If the medication is injected, the naloxone will trigger withdrawal symptoms. So, while both medications are prescribed to manage opioid use disorder (OUD), Suboxone offers an extra layer of protection against misuse due to the presence of naloxone.

The key discrepancy between Subutex and Suboxone is that one contains an opioid antagonist to prevent misuse, while the other does not. In addition, it’s important to note that in recent years, Subutex has been discontinued, while generic versions of buprenorphine-only pills and sublingual medications are available.
 
In terms of fighting the side effects of withdrawal, Suboxone and Subutex function in the same way. However, Suboxone is designed to deter users from misusing the medication. The inclusion of naloxone, which is also the active ingredient in Narcan, makes Suboxone a safer option than buprenorphine-only medications.
 
Typically, Subutex is only used during the detox period of MAT, under close medical supervision. On the other hand, Suboxone may be prescribed long-term and is commonly used in inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

Both Suboxone and Subutex are prescribed by healthcare providers as part of MAT. By managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, these medications help patients diagnosed with OUD focus on the process of recovery. These medications relieve distressing symptoms by satisfying opioid receptors in the brain.
 
Once the physical and psychological distress of opioid withdrawal is alleviated by buprenorphine-based medication, patients can prioritize recovery by attending therapy and meetings. Subutex is used to help patients overcome the discomfort that detoxification from opioid use can bring on, including belly cramps, insomnia, muscle cramps, anxiety, hot and cold flushes, and nausea and vomiting.
 
While buprenorphine-only medication may be administered during the initial detox period, later on in your recovery, the physician supervising your treatment may transition you to Suboxone. Suboxone is not recommended for people who may still have opioids in their system, as it can cause precipitated withdrawal. Suboxone is prescribed for patients affected by OUD to discourage relapses and support recovery after the detoxification period has passed.

One of the most frequently asked questions about OUD treatment is whether Suboxone or Subutex is recommended over the other. The right answer to this question varies on a case-by-case basis and depends on your unique needs on your journey to sobriety.
 
Buprenorphine-only medications are used in the initial stages of treatment to relieve withdrawals and cravings. During detoxification, Subutex is prescribed rather than Suboxone, as naloxone should not be administered if the patient has recently used opioids.
 
In addition, for pregnant women, Subutex is usually recommended over Suboxone. Suboxone is unsafe for pregnant mothers, as it has the potential to cause withdrawal symptoms in the unborn child. On the other hand, buprenorphine-only options are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
 
As for their effectiveness, Subutex and Suboxone are similar. In many cases, Suboxone is the selected approach due to the added layer of safety that naloxone offers. The physician will ask questions and review your medical history to evaluate the risk of abuse when prescribing either Suboxone or Subutex as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
 
If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for OUD, a consultation with an addiction specialist is essential for determining the right treatment approach in your circumstances. To learn more about MAT and how to get on track to sobriety, better wellness, and a better quality of life, schedule an appointment with the compassionate team at Invictus4Core in Lexington, Kentucky. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3150 Custer Dr, Ste 101, Lexington, KY 40517. We serve patients from Lexington KY, Georgetown KY, Nicholasville KY, Picadome KY, Keene KY, Brannon Woods KY, and surrounding areas.