Hope Integrative Medicine · Medication guide
Suboxone film: what to expect
A film that dissolves under the tongue once a day, easing opioid withdrawal and cravings as part of a plan that includes counseling.
At a glance
- Form
- Film that dissolves under the tongue or inside the cheek
- How often
- Once a day
- Given by
- You, as prescribed
What it is
Suboxone combines two medicines. Buprenorphine eases opioid withdrawal and cravings. Naloxone is added to discourage misuse.
It is approved by the FDA to treat opioid dependence and is a Schedule III controlled medication.
Who it is for
Adults with opioid use disorder, as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and support.
How it is taken
Place one film under your tongue, close to the base on the left or right side, or on the inside of your cheek. Let it dissolve completely.
- Do not cut, chew or swallow the film.
- Take it exactly as prescribed.
How often
Once a day. Your dose is adjusted during the first days of treatment, then most people stay on a steady daily dose.
Getting started
Treatment begins with an in-person visit in our West Ashley office. The first dose is taken once clear signs of moderate withdrawal appear, which the label says is not less than 6 hours after the last opioid use.
- If you have been taking a long-acting opioid, buprenorphine without naloxone may be used for the first doses.
- The dose is adjusted over the first days until withdrawal and cravings are under control.
Ready for the first step?
New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment.
Your visits
Treatment typically begins with an in-person assessment, followed by weekly in-person or virtual visits before moving to a monthly schedule. Each plan is tailored to the patient and their situation.
If problems come up, visits become more frequent again until things are steady.
- A withdrawal check at every visit, using the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS).
- A urine drug test at every visit: a point-of-care test in our West Ashley office or a test at a local lab near you, with confirmatory lab testing when a result needs it.
- A urinalysis when needed. Some people have trouble urinating while taking buprenorphine, so we check for urinary retention or a urinary tract infection when symptoms point to it.
- Screening for depression and anxiety at every visit.
- Monthly counseling, alongside your medication visits.
- A review of how you are doing, side effects and your goals.
Safety
- At a stable prescribed dose, buprenorphine does not cause a high, and its overdose risk is much lower than illicit opioids. It can still be dangerous with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives, and it must be locked away from children.
- Taking it too soon after other opioids can bring on sudden withdrawal.
- Tell your provider about every medicine you take, especially benzodiazepines or other sedatives.
- Dental problems, including cavities and tooth loss, have been reported. Keep up regular dental visits.
Common Questions
At a stable prescribed dose, buprenorphine does not cause a high. It eases withdrawal and cravings so you can focus on recovery.
Treatment typically begins with an in-person assessment, followed by weekly in-person or virtual visits before moving to a monthly schedule. Each plan is tailored to the patient and their situation.
There is no set time limit for buprenorphine treatment. Some people stay on it long term; others choose to taper off. A taper is slow, usually over several months, with close follow-up, and you decide on it together with your provider.
Often, yes. People on a steady daily dose of buprenorphine can be switched to a long-acting injection such as Sublocade or Brixadi. Insurance plans often require prior authorization first.
Opioid use disorder treatment, step by step
This article is general information, not medical advice, and does not create a patient–provider relationship. Every situation is different, so see a provider who can evaluate yours and develop a plan of care. Any medication discussed here may not be right for you: the right choice depends on your diagnoses, other health conditions and current medicines, so take medication only as directed by the provider managing your care. If you are ever in doubt about an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.