buprenorphine/naloxone

Name: buprenorphine/naloxone — FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Reviewed byPlainmeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team · June 5, 2026

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Brand names: Suboxone

Partial Opioid Agonist / Antagonist Rx

Suboxone film contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat opioid dependence as part of a complete treatment plan.

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$17.24/unit

Generic Available

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

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What it does

Suboxone film is used to treat opioid dependence.

Common side effects

Mouth numbness, Tongue pain, Mouth redness

Key warnings

Buprenorphine can be abused, like other opioids.

How It Works

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it has some opioid effects. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which blocks the effects of opioids. Together, they help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing a strong "high."

How to Take It

Take Suboxone film once a day, as directed by your doctor. Place one film under your tongue or inside your cheek. Let it dissolve completely and do not cut, chew, or swallow the film.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. Using Suboxone during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Buprenorphine passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Storage

Store Suboxone film at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and in a secure place.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 830 FDA adverse event reports.

Feeling sick to your stomach

138

Medicine not working

Throwing up

Reaction at the injection site

Headache

Problem with the medicine being substituted

Withdrawal symptoms

Abusing the medicine

Poisoning from different things

Withdrawal symptoms from the medicine

Serious Warnings

Buprenorphine can be abused, like other opioids. Taking Suboxone with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines can cause serious breathing problems, coma, or death. Keep Suboxone out of the reach of children, as it can cause severe breathing problems and death if they take it. Using opioids for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Known Drug Interactions

minor gabapentin

Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), and other opioids.

Mechanism: These medicines are both sedatives that can slow down your breathing and brain activity. Using them together makes these side effects much stronger and more dangerous.

What to do: Your doctor should monitor you closely for slowed breathing or extreme sleepiness. Avoid this combination unless your doctor says it is necessary.

minor trazodone

Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue).

Mechanism: These drugs both increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Taking them at the same time can cause a dangerous buildup of serotonin in your body.

What to do: Tell your doctor if you feel agitated, sweaty, or have muscle twitches. Your doctor will decide if you should take both medicines.

minor tramadol

Mechanism: Both of these medicines affect serotonin levels and can cause heavy sedation. This increases the risk of a serious reaction called serotonin syndrome and can make you very sleepy.

What to do: Use this combination only if your doctor says it is necessary and monitors you for serious side effects. Watch for signs of confusion or breathing problems.

minor cyclobenzaprine

Mechanism: Both drugs can increase serotonin levels in your brain, which may cause a rare but serious reaction called serotonin syndrome.

What to do: Tell your doctor if you feel very agitated, have a fast heartbeat, or lose coordination while taking these together.

minor pregabalin

Mechanism: These drugs both slow down your brain and breathing, which can make you very sleepy or cause dangerous breathing issues.

What to do: Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how this combination affects you, and use the lowest dose possible.

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Common Questions

Can I cut the film?

No, you must use the film whole.

How often should I take this medicine?

Take Suboxone film once a day.

What should I do if I feel like I'm going to overdose?

Use naloxone if you have it, and call for emergency help right away.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Suboxone?

No, drinking alcohol while taking Suboxone can cause serious side effects, including coma and death.

Will I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Suboxone?

Yes, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Suboxone. Talk to your doctor about slowly stopping the medicine.

Can my child accidentally take this medicine?

Yes, keep this medicine stored in a safe place out of reach of children, because it can cause breathing problems and death.

What if I have liver problems?

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, as Suboxone may not be right for you.

Can I take other medications with Suboxone?

Some medicines can interact with Suboxone. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.

What if I am allergic to buprenorphine or naloxone?

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to buprenorphine or naloxone.

How will I know if the medicine is working?

You should experience reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

What are the common side effects of buprenorphine/naloxone?

The most commonly reported side effects of buprenorphine/naloxone include Mouth numbness, Tongue pain, Mouth redness, Headache, Feeling sick to your stomach. Based on 830 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does buprenorphine/naloxone interact with other medications?

Yes, buprenorphine/naloxone has 19 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include gabapentin, trazodone, tramadol. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is buprenorphine/naloxone?

buprenorphine/naloxone belongs to the Partial Opioid Agonist / Antagonist drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Suboxone film is used to treat opioid dependence.

Is buprenorphine/naloxone safe during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. Using Suboxone during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Related Medications in Partial Opioid Agonist / Antagonist

Other drugs grouped near buprenorphine/naloxone — same-class peers and common alternatives.

acamprosate

Campral

Acamprosate is a medicine that can help you stay away from alcohol if you are alcohol-dependent and have already stopped drinking.