How is SUBOXONE different from SUBUTEX?
Both SUBOXONE and SUBUTEX feature buprenorphine—a partial opioid agonist that suppresses opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings—as the primary active ingredient. (For more about buprenorphine, see Treatment Advantages of a Partial Opioid Agonist.) However, SUBOXONE also contains naloxone, an opioid antagonist, to help deter diversion and misuse (the ratio of buprenorphine to naloxone in SUBOXONE is 4:1). When SUBOXONE is taken sublingually as prescribed, the naloxone is not absorbed into the bloodstream sufficiently to have any effect. However, if the tablet is crushed and injected by someone who either has recently used or is dependent on a full opioid agonist (eg, morphine, methadone, or heroin), the naloxone will cause that person to experience opioid withdrawal symptoms. SUBUTEX does not contain naloxone. In the United States, SUBOXONE is the principal formulation of buprenorphine.
