Suboxone® for Opioid Use Disorder: Uses, Dosing, Safety, and Cost

What Suboxone® Is and How It Works

Suboxone® combines buprenorphine and naloxone to treat opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings with a ceiling effect that lowers overdose risk compared with full agonists. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist added to deter misuse by injection. If injected, naloxone can trigger withdrawal. Many people compare suboxone price when deciding where to fill their prescription, and some prefer to get suboxone online for convenience and privacy.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications, a broad selection, and affordable pricing.

Suboxone® is available as sublingual films (often called suboxone strips) and sublingual tablets. Common strengths include 2 mg/0.5 mg and 8 mg/2 mg (often referred to as “Suboxone 8mg”). The medicine is typically taken once daily. The film or tablet is placed under the tongue or against the inside cheek until fully dissolved. Your prescriber determines induction and maintenance dosing as part of a structured suboxone program.

Dosage and Usage

• Induction: Treatment usually starts when moderate withdrawal begins. Initial buprenorphine dose may start low and increase in divided doses on day 1.
• Titration: Dose is increased over days to reach control of withdrawal and cravings. Many stabilize between 8 mg and 16 mg buprenorphine daily.
• Maintenance: Once stable, a single daily dose is common. Some patients require higher or lower doses to maintain control.
• Missed dose: Take the missed dose when remembered the same day. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
• Suboxone film (suboxone strips): With clean, dry hands, place the film under the tongue or against the cheek. Do not cut, chew, or swallow. Do not eat or drink until completely dissolved. If taking two films, place them on opposite sides, avoiding overlap.
• Suboxone tablets: Place the tablet under the tongue to dissolve fully. Do not crush, chew, or swallow whole. Avoid food or drink until dissolved.
• Oral care: Rinse gently with water after the film dissolves. Wait at least one hour before brushing teeth.
• Interactions: Combining Suboxone® with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other sedatives increases risk of respiratory depression. Discuss all medicines and supplements with your clinician.

• Storage: Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F). Keep films in their sealed foil pouch until use. Protect from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Travel: Keep your medicine in carry-on luggage with the pharmacy label and a copy of your prescription. Use the original, child-resistant packaging. Do not leave doses in a hot or cold car. Follow local regulations when crossing borders.
• Handling: Dispose of used pouches and any unneeded films or tablets securely per local guidance. Never share your medication with others.

Benefits and Savings

Suboxone® reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings so patients can focus on recovery. Once-daily dosing supports adherence. The naloxone component discourages misuse by injection. The film format is discreet and portable, and both films and tablets are available in multiple strengths for flexible dosing. Many patients report stabilization within the first one to two weeks.

Buying Suboxone online lets you compare suboxone cost across pharmacies and choose the format you prefer. Typical savings are 60–80% versus common US retail prices when you order at Canadian rates. You can review suboxone cost per month across strengths, including the popular 8 mg/2 mg sublingual film. Some patients also ask about suboxone 8mg film price or suboxone strips price to plan their budget.

If you are looking for promotions, see current suboxone coupons to view available deals.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, sweating, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, dry mouth, oral numbness or irritation (with films), insomnia.
• Other possible effects: palpitations, peripheral edema, rash or itching, mood changes, back pain, tooth or gum issues, blurred vision.
• Driving: Suboxone® can cause sedation. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Drug interactions: Increased risks with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedatives, or other CNS depressants. Some antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV medicines can affect buprenorphine levels.

Serious risks are uncommon but include respiratory depression (especially with sedatives or alcohol), severe allergic reactions, liver injury, low blood pressure, and adrenal insufficiency. Starting too soon after a full opioid agonist can cause precipitated withdrawal. Use during pregnancy may lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Seek urgent care for severe breathing problems, fainting, severe dizziness, or signs of liver trouble (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine).

Onset Time

Relief of withdrawal symptoms usually begins 30–60 minutes after the first dose and continues to build over several hours. Cravings often improve within the first few days as dosing is titrated. Most patients reach a stable maintenance dose within one to two weeks. Ongoing improvements in functioning and reduced opioid use typically continue over several weeks with consistent therapy and support.

Compare With Alternatives

Methadone is a full opioid agonist dispensed through specialized clinics. It can be effective for patients who do not stabilize on buprenorphine, but it requires supervised dosing and carries higher overdose risk if misused. Some patients switch from methadone to Suboxone® during recovery, following a careful transition plan.

Naltrexone (oral or monthly injection, such as extended-release formulations) is an opioid antagonist. It blocks opioid effects but does not treat withdrawal. Candidates must be fully detoxed before starting, which can be challenging for many.

Other buprenorphine options include buprenorphine-only tablets and different buprenorphine/naloxone formulations with varying bioavailability. These can be considered if taste, mouth irritation, or dose flexibility is an issue. Discuss any suboxone alternative with your clinician to align treatment with goals and access.

Combination Therapy

• Counseling and behavioral therapies: Combine medication with counseling, peer support, and case management for best outcomes.
• Overdose rescue: Keep naloxone nasal spray available. Educate household members on when and how to use it.
• Induction supports: Adjuncts such as antiemetics, antidiarrheals, or clonidine/lofexidine may be used under supervision during initiation.
• Mood or sleep medicines: If prescribed, clinicians may start at low doses and monitor closely to minimize sedation risks.
• Pain management: Prefer non-opioid options. If opioids are needed, specialist coordination is essential.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Suboxone® is intended for adults diagnosed with opioid use disorder who can participate in a treatment plan. It may not be suitable for patients with severe liver impairment, significant breathing problems, known allergy to buprenorphine or naloxone, or those taking certain interacting medicines. Use caution with benzodiazepines, sedatives, or alcohol. Induction should start when withdrawal is present to reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized planning. Buprenorphine can be used in pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks, but neonatal monitoring is important. Discuss risks and benefits with your obstetric and addiction-care teams. Avoid abrupt discontinuation.

To manage cost, compare strengths and pack sizes. Generic buprenorphine/naloxone may lower your suboxone cost. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions can reduce suboxone cost per month. You can turn on reorder reminders in your account so you do not run out. Many patients prefer the films, but sublingual tablets (often called suboxone pills and commonly orange in color) are available in similar strengths, including suboxone pills 8mg.

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer information for Suboxone (Indivior)

FDA Prescribing Information: Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Buprenorphine/Naloxone

Order Suboxone® from Youdrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient information that comes with your medication.