Belbuca (buprenorphine) has become an important tool in the battle against opioid addiction. However, it’s important to know the differences between suboxone vs Belbuca.
Buprenorphine has unique characteristics that allow it to deliver analgesia (pain relief) like a normal opioid while reducing the amount of euphoria (the “good feeling”) one can feel upon taking it, making it less likely to trigger the cascade of events that leads so many into opioid use disorder (OUD).
This has caused it to be proven useful to patients trying to stop using more dangerous opioids.
But buprenorphine is also a very effective pain reliever, with fewer negative side effects and a lower risk of tolerance, dependence and addiction than its counterparts, making it an attractive option for patients suffering from chronic pain.
This article discusses and compares two buprenorphine-containing medications: Suboxone (used for OUD) and Belbuca (used for chronic pain).
Key Facts:
- Suboxone and Belbuca are similar, but are not completely interchangeable
- Suboxone is usually prescribed for opioid use disorder (OUD)
- Belbuca is usually prescribed for chronic pain
- Suboxone and Belbuca can have significant side effects and risks
Suboxone vs Belbuca Basics
To better understand the distinctions between Suboxone and Belbuca, it is helpful to understand the ways in which they are alike and different.
How Suboxone and Belbuca are Similar and Different
Both Suboxone and Belbuca contain the active ingredient buprenorphine, and both are taken in the form of dissolvable oral films. In these ways, they are similar.
There are significant differences between these two medications, however.
- Primary uses: Suboxone is designed specifically for opioid use disorder (OUD), while Belbuca is designed for chronic pain.
- Patients seeking to use Suboxone for pain or Belbuca for OUD may have difficulty getting insurance to pay for these medications for these off label uses.
- Naloxone: While Belbuca contains only buprenorphine, Suboxone incorporates an additional medicine called Naloxone.
- Naloxone boosts Suboxone’s safety by discouraging opioid dependent patients from accidentally overdosing on other opioids during treatment and also makes Suboxone unsuitable for inappropriate uses (like “snorting” or IV use).
Matching the Medication to Your Needs
With the differences between Suboxone and Belbuca in mind, we can understand why these two medications are usually prescribed for different conditions.
When Suboxone Is Usually Recommended
Suboxone is usually recommended as a preferred initial option for patients with moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD).
It has been proven to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings and overdose deaths. It is most effective when combined with other treatment modalities, such as individual and group counseling.
When Belbuca (buprenorphine) May Be Appropriate
Belbuca is usually considered a second line treatment for patients with moderate to severe chronic pain who have not achieved adequate pain control with other medications.
The goal with Belbuca treatment is steady pain control, not dependence recovery. Therefore, it is important for providers to carefully establish the prospective patient’s drug use/abuse history and any co-occurring mental health struggles that might increase a patient’s risks.
Safety, Side Effects and Long Term Use of Suboxone vs Belbuca
Like most medications, Suboxone and Belbuca do not come without some risks. Understanding these risks is vital before starting either medication.
Risks, Interactions, and Monitoring
Both Belbuca and Suboxone can cause nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache, sweating, sleep disturbances, liver toxicity and lowered heart rate.
Consistent follow up with the buprenorphine prescriber is essential so that one’s health status can be closely monitored.
The most serious potential side effect of buprenorphine is respiratory depression, which can result in death, especially when buprenorphine is combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Another serious potential risk is “precipitated withdrawal,” which can occur when buprenorphine treatment is initiated too soon, while another opioid is still in one’s system.
It is crucial to consult with a trained clinician before starting buprenorphine, especially if one has been taking other opioids or is using alcohol or benzodiazepines.
FAQs: Suboxone vs Belbuca
While Belbuca could, theoretically, be considered for OUD (in very specific cases), it is not the preferred medication for this condition. Suboxone is the standard of care for these individuals.
Yes. Suboxone can provide analgesia to patients with chronic pain. It is likely safer than many of the other options on the market and it is undoubtedly safer than using illicit opioids for this purpose.
It can be safe to switch between Suboxone and Belbuca. However, because of the significant dose differences between the two medications and the complicated insurance coverage issues, this decision should be made with help from a trained provider.
Find Treatment Near You
To find an experienced buprenorphine provider near you, please feel free to access the Rehab.com directory. You can filter the results by location, level of care, and even by accepted insurance plans and any special programs to meet your personal needs.
Not sure where to start? Call
800-985-8516
( 
Sponsored Helpline )
to talk to someone about your treatment options and to see if your insurance will cover treatment.
Addiction Centers Nearby that Treat Opioid Addiction
Finding facilities near you…
