How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

Suboxone is a combination drug consisting of buprenorphine and naloxone and is used to treat opioid use disorder. But, how long does Suboxone stay in your system?

How long it remains in your system depends on several factors, including the dose, length of use and your physical and mental health.

Key Facts

• Suboxone is a combination drug consisting of buprenorphine and naloxone
• This drug is used in MAT to reduce opioid cravings
• Suboxone can be detected on drug tests
• How long the drug stays in your system is dependent on several factors

How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

The effects of Suboxone can last for up to 24 hours and remain in your system for an average of 7-10 days.

Effects, Detection Windows and Why Timing Varies

When testing for the presence of Suboxone, the detection windows vary depending on the method of testing, including urine, blood, saliva and hair tests.

• Urine: up to 7 days after last dose
• Blood: 1 to 2 days after last dose
• Saliva: up to 5 days after last dose
• Hair follicle: up to 90 days after last dose

These times are averages. The actual amount of time Suboxone remains detectable in your system depends on individual factors such as dose, physical and mental health and length of use.

What Is Suboxone and How Does Your Body Break It Down?

Suboxone Basics

Suboxone is a combination drug consisting of buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid blocker) that is commonly used in medication assisted treatment (MAT).

It helps individuals who are struggling with OUD by easing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and lowering the risk of overdose. Suboxone is usually taken daily and comes in sublingual films and tablets.

Half Life, Metabolism and Elimination

Because buprenorphine has a long half life, between 24 and 48 hours, it remains in your system for longer than other opioid drugs. The term “half life” refers to the time it takes for the concentration of a substance in the body to decrease by half.

Suboxone is metabolized by the liver and is excreted through urine and stool. For this reason, your liver health and metabolism can affect how long it remains detectable in your body.

Suboxone Drug Test Detection Times by Test Type

The detection times for Suboxone depend on the method of testing.

Urine and Saliva Tests for Suboxone and Buprenorphine

Urine tests are the most commonly used method of drug screening for employment, treatment programs and probation monitoring.

However, many standard “opioid panels” don’t automatically test for buprenorphine unless a specific add on is ordered.

In some cases, saliva may be tested for the presence of the drug. Both urine and saliva can detect recent Suboxone use for several days or longer with chronic use. 

Blood Tests and Short Term Detection

Blood tests have a shorter detection window and are used to detect a recent or current impairment. The timing of the last dose will affect what shows up on a blood screen. 

Buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, meaning that once the drug reaches its maximum effect, increasing the dose will not result in any further benefits or side effects.

For this reason, a blood test result will not always match how “ high” or “normal” a person actually feels. 

Hair Follicle Tests and Long Term Detection

Buprenorphine and its metabolites can be stored in hair over time. Therefore, hair testing can show a more extended history of Suboxone use (weeks to months), not just recent doses.

Some variables, such as hair length, hair treatments and lab cutoffs, can influence results.

Factors That Change How Long Suboxone Stays in Your System

Several factors can influence how long Suboxone stays in your body.

Dose, Length of Treatment and Pattern of Use

Higher daily doses and long term maintenance use can lead to more drug accumulation in the body’s tissues.

For this reason, someone on a stable MAT dose may have different detection windows than someone with inconsistent dosing, skipped doses or recent dose changes.

Individual Health Factors and Other Medications

Certain health factors can influence the detection of Suboxone, such as:

• Age
• Body weight
• Liver function
• Overall health
• Metabolism rate
• Pregnancy
• Acute illness
• Dehydration

Interactions with other medications that use the same liver enzymes for metabolization (e.g., certain antidepressants, HIV meds) can also impact the detection window.

Other Substances, Relapse Risk and Safety

Mixing Suboxone with benzodiazepines, alcohol or other opioids can be dangerous even if your drug levels seem “low.” It is best to speak with a medical professional before using any other medications or substances to help prevent serious interactions.

Trying to “game” drug tests can raise relapse and overdose risk. It is always best to have honest conversations with prescribers or treatment teams about test results, cravings and relapses.

FAQs About How Long Suboxone Stays in Your System

Will Suboxone Show Up On a Standard Drug Screen?

Many basic 5- or 10-panel tests do not automatically detect buprenorphine. Specialized panels or confirmatory lab tests are usually needed to identify the presence of Suboxone or buprenorphine.

Some treatment programs, pain clinics and employers may order buprenorphine specific testing to make sure you are not misusing the drug.

Can I Clear Suboxone From My Body Faster?

There is no safe, proven way to drastically speed up how your body metabolizes Suboxone. Extreme detox methods such as “flush” kits or suddenly stopping the medication without medical guidance can have dangerous side effects and are not recommended.

It is best to work with a clinician on a safe taper plan if Suboxone is no longer needed.

How Long After Stopping Suboxone Can Withdrawal and Cravings Last?

There is a difference between acute Suboxone withdrawal and longer lasting post acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS).

People coming off long term or high dose Suboxone may experience lingering sleep issues, low mood and cravings for weeks. It is important to taper slowly and use counseling and relapse prevention planning for the best outcomes.

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