Zubsolv and Suboxone are two of the most commonly prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (OUD). But what sets them apart, and which is the better fit for your recovery journey? Read More
Author
Better Life Partners Team
Medically reviewed by
David de Gijsel, MD, MSc, MPH
Table of Contents
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Zubsolv and Suboxone are two brand names for the most commonly prescribed medication for opioid use disorder (OUD). Both treatments are FDA-approved, contain the same active ingredients called buprenorphine and are taken sublingually (under the tongue) for maximum effect. But what sets them apart, and which is the better fit for your recovery journey?
If you or someone you care about is exploring treatment options for opioid addiction, this guide will break down the key differences, benefits, and strengths of each medication to help you understand your options.
Zubsolv and Suboxone: how are they similar?
Think of Zubsolv and Suboxone as two sides of the same coin, both designed to treat OUD, just in slightly different forms. Zubsolv comes as a dissolvable tablet, while Suboxone is taken as a dissolvable film.
It is important to note that Suboxone is also available as a generic combination of buprenorphine/naloxone, usually as a dissolvable tablet.
These medications share similarities that support recovery, such as:
They both contain buprenorphine as the main active ingredient
As the main active in Zublov and Suboxone, buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist. This means it mimics the actions of opioids, but in a much safer way than with full agonists like heroin and without causing a high.
This action helps the brain gently reset its response to opioids by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Zubsolv and Suboxone share buprenorphine’s ceiling effect
When taken, buprenorphine provides a “ceiling effect”— a safety mechanism that puts a cap on the level of opioid activity it produces. This means even if a person has more than a prescribed dose of the medication, it won’t lead to a full-blown high, helping to keep you safe.
Buprenorphine also eases withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, insomnia, plus hot flashes that can come after reducing or stopping opioid use.
Naloxone in both medications prevents misuse
Both Suboxone and Zubsolv are combination products of buprenorphine and naloxone. When taking Suboxone or Zubsolv as directed under the tongue, the naloxone does not get absorbed and is therefore not active. But if someone attempts to misuse Zubsolv or Suboxone by injecting it, the naloxone blocks the effect of the buprenorphine, potentially triggering withdrawal symptoms.
This built-in safeguard is intended to prevent misuse, especially for anyone with a history of intravenous opioid use.
They’re part of a medication-assisted treatment plan
Zubzlov and Suboxone are often combined with counseling and behavioral therapies in a holistic approach to recovery called medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
MAT is an evidence-based approach that pairs medication with therapy. Group therapy can be an important part of building a supportive community, aiding in recovery and addressing causes of addiction like trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Together with these therapies, Zubsolv and Suboxone transform the treatment of OUD, making recovery more manageable and lowering the risk of overdose.
How are they different?
Zubsolv and Suboxone are taken the same way and have similar effects in treating opioid addiction, but a few differences that set them apart:
Zubsolv and Suboxone come in different strengths
Zubsolv and Suboxone are available in multiple strengths, making it easier to customize treatment for specific needs. This way, you or your loved one can get the right dosage to stay on track and feel better.
Zubsolv tablets have six strengths, starting from buprenorphine 0.7 mg/naloxone 0.18 mg and going up to buprenorphine 11.4 mg/naloxone 2.9 mg. Suboxone, on the other hand, is available as a film or tablet in four doses from buprenorphine 2 mg/naloxone 0.5 mg to buprenorphine 12 mg/naloxone 3 mg.
Both medications are absorbed differently
How much buprenorphine and naloxone make it into the bloodstream can determine how well either medication works. This process is called bioavailability, and it determines the amount of each drug the body can absorb.
Zubsolv has higher bioavailability than Suboxone, meaning it’s absorbed more efficiently and delivers the same effect at a lower dose. Therefore, to get the same effect, the dosage of Zubsolv or Buprenorphine is different. For example, an 8 mg film of Suboxone is as strong as a 5.7 mg tablet of Zubsolv.
Potential costs
Another key difference is availability. Zubsolv only comes as a brand-name medication, while Suboxone has a generic version (buprenorphine-naloxone). This generic option can make Suboxone more affordable and accessible for some patients.
Side effects of Zubsolv and Suboxone
Both medications may produce similar side effects. The most common include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headache
Memory loss
Sweating
Dry mouth
If either of these drugs is misused, their naloxone content can trigger withdrawal, which can cause anxiety, aggression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a runny nose.
Where to find Medication Assisted Treatment
At Better Life Partners, our medical providers will work with you to help you understand your medication options. Whether you’re aiming to cut back or abstain, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, accessible care for opioid use disorder.
To keep care within reach, we accept Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance plans, and offer a sliding scale for those paying out of pocket—because cost should never stand in the way of recovery.
Ready to move beyond addiction? Call or text (866) 679-0831, or request a callback. We’re right here, ready whenever you are.
