Opioid use disorder is characterized as having a problematic pattern of opioid use, leading to problems or distress.
Opioid drugs can include heroin, as well as prescription pain drugs such as oxycodone and morphine.
However, a few key differences set them apart.
Getty Images /Baltimore Sun/ Contributor
Getty Images /Baltimore Sun/ Contributor
Zubsolv and Suboxone: How Are They the Same?
Zubsolv andSuboxoneare both formulations of the ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone.
They are used to treat individuals withopioid dependence.
Can Zubsolv and Suboxone Be Used for Pain Relief?
In the past few years, healthcare providers may have prescribed these medications off-label for pain relief.
Buprenorphine controls the mu-opioid and kappareceptors.These receptors are responsible for the pain signals in the body.
Buprenorphine partially activates the mu-opioid receptor while blocking kappa-opioid receptor activation.
Naloxone works by binding to the opioid receptors in the body without activating them.
By preventing the activation of these opioid receptors, it provides an anti-overdose effect.
This alleviates withdrawal symptoms, helping you feel more comfortable after stopping the use of opioids.
Side Effects
Zubsolv and Suboxone both share the same common side effects.
Side effects that one may experience while on either medication include:
Are Zubsolv and Suboxone Addictive?
Zubsolv and Suboxone both contain buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine has the potential risk of misuse and dependence, which can lead to addiction.
This is because buprenorphine can produce moderate withdrawal symptoms upon abruptly stopping it.
This ceiling effect prevents you from feeling any added effects from taking higher doses.
Since Zubsolv is an orally disintegrating tablet, it works fairly quickly.
It should take effect within 60 minutes of first taking the dose and may even take effect earlier.
This means it can take five to nine days for the buprenorphine to be completely cleared from the body.
Similar to Zubsolv, Suboxone is orally disintegrating and works fairly quickly.
Suboxone begins to work within 20 to 60 minutes of the first dose.
Since it also contains buprenorphine, it has the same half-life of 24 to 42 hours.
What Does “Half-Life” Mean?
Drugs can have different half-lives, with some ranging from a few hours to days.
How Are They Different?
There are certain characteristics of each medication that set them apart from each other.
In addition, more dosage strengths of Zubsolv are available.
Other differences include the drugs' bioavailability and cost considerations.
Dosage and Delivery
Zubsolv is only given as an orally disintegrating tablet.
It was developed withsucraloseand menthol, which are used as sweeteners to mask the taste of the bitter ingredients.
Both the film and tablet should not be moved after the initial placement.
As the tablet/film dissolves in the mouth, the medication slowly enters the bodys bloodstream by the mucous membranes.
The bioavailability of each drug can explain how much is entering the body.
Because both medications are orally disintegrating, they work faster than a traditional tablet that you would swallow.
Zubsolv and Suboxone both have different levels of bioavailability.
Due to its formulation, Zubsolv has a significantly greater bioavailability than Suboxone.
Therefore, you would need a higher dose of Suboxone to equal the same dose of Zubsolv.
Cost and Coverage
Zubsolv is currently only available as a brand name, with no generic option.
Being a newer drug, Zubsolv tends to be more expensive than Suboxone.
Suboxone is similarly priced, though, around $168 for a one-month supply of the lowest dose.
The prices increase with higher strengths of the medication.
Which One Should I Take?
However, Zubsolv does not have a generic alternative available.
Suboxone film is available in a generic version.
If cost concerns you, a generic can be a more affordable option.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your provider to determine which suits you better.
MAT for Opioid Use Disorder
Zubsolv and Suboxone decrease the risk ofoverdoseand treat opioid addiction in adults.
While they play an important role in treatment, they are part of a complete treatment program.
This program includes counseling and behavioral therapy.
While medication for opioid use disorder is first-line treatment, individuals can benefit from additional psychosocial therapy and support.
In some cases, MAT can be long-term.
The decision regarding the duration of MAT is made collaboratively between the patient and their healthcare provider.
Understanding the differences and benefits of these medications is essential when navigating treatment and recovery.
Overall, Zubsolv and Suboxone are both effective options.
They contain the same active ingredients and work in the same way.
Also, because of its formulation, it tastes less bitter.
The author would like to recognize and thank Sakina Yasmin Naqvi for contributing to this article.
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Drugs.com.Suboxone prices, coupons, and patient assistance programs.
Drugs.com.Buprenorphine/naloxone prices, coupons, and patient assistance programs.
American Health Care Cost Containment System.Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
