Differences Between Subutex and Suboxone
Subutex and Suboxone are both medications that are used to treat opioid dependence. While they have similar purposes, there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we will explore what Subutex and Suboxone are, their uses, and highlight the distinctions between them.
What is Subutex?
Subutex is the brand name for the medication buprenorphine. It is an opioid partial agonist, which means it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but produces milder effects. Subutex is typically used during the initial stages of opioid dependence treatment.
Examples of Subutex
Subutex comes in the form of sublingual tablets and is available in various strengths, such as 2mg and 8mg tablets.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination medication containing both buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. Suboxone is primarily used for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence.
Examples of Suboxone
Suboxone also comes in the form of sublingual tablets and is available in different strengths, including 2mg/0.5mg, 8mg/2mg, and 12mg/3mg tablets.
Differences between Subutex and Suboxone
| Difference Area | Subutex | Suboxone |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Treatment during induction and stabilization phase | Maintenance treatment |
| Composition | Contains only buprenorphine | Combination of buprenorphine and naloxone |
| Drug Testing | Does not usually trigger a positive result for opioids | May cause a positive result for opioids |
| Administration | Taken once daily | Taken once daily |
| Cost | Generally less expensive | Usually more expensive |
| Child Safety | Does not contain a child-resistant packaging | Contains child-resistant packaging |
| Tablet Strengths Available | 2mg and 8mg | 2mg/0.5mg, 8mg/2mg, and 12mg/3mg |
| Brand Name | Subutex | Suboxone |
| Treatment Phase | Induction and stabilization | Maintenance |
| Availability | Can be prescribed by any healthcare provider licensed to prescribe medication | Can only be prescribed by physicians with a Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) waiver |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Subutex and Suboxone are used to treat opioid dependence, there are several important differences between them. Subutex is primarily used during the induction and stabilization phase, while Suboxone is used for maintenance treatment. Subutex contains only buprenorphine, while Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone. Additionally, Subutex is generally less expensive and does not trigger a positive result for opioids in drug tests.
Knowledge Check
Test your knowledge with the following questions:
- True or False: Subutex is used for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence.
- Which medication contains both buprenorphine and naloxone?
- What is the primary difference between Subutex and Suboxone in terms of composition?
- Does Suboxone usually trigger a positive result for opioids in drug tests?
- Which medication is generally less expensive?
- True or False: Subutex contains child-resistant packaging.
- What are the tablet strengths available for Suboxone?
- Which medication can be prescribed by any healthcare provider licensed to prescribe medication?
- Which medication is used during the induction and stabilization phase?
- Which physicians can prescribe Suboxone?
False
Suboxone
Subutex contains only buprenorphine, while Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone.
Yes
Subutex
False
2mg/0.5mg, 8mg/2mg, and 12mg/3mg
Subutex
Subutex
Physicians with a Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) waiver
Related Topics
- Comparison between buprenorphine and methadone for opioid dependence treatment
- Different types of opioid addiction treatment programs
- Common side effects of Subutex and Suboxone
- Long-term effects of buprenorphine treatment
