Suboxone and Zubsolv are FDA-approved medications used to treat opioid use disorder as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Both contain the same active ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, and both are considered equally effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies.1
While they work the same way in the body, Suboxone and Zubsolv differ in important practical ways: how they are taken, how quickly they dissolve, how many dosage options are available, and what they cost. This guide breaks down those differences so you and your provider can determine which medication fits your treatment plan.
Key Facts
Key Points
- Suboxone and Zubsolv both contain buprenorphine and naloxone, and the FDA has approved both for treating opioid use disorder.
- Suboxone is available as a sublingual film or tablet; Zubsolv comes only as a sublingual tablet.
- Zubsolv has higher bioavailability, meaning a smaller dose delivers the same therapeutic effect as a larger Suboxone dose.
- Suboxone has generic versions available, which typically cost less. Zubsolv is only available as a brand-name product.
- Your provider will consider factors like insurance coverage, dosing needs, co-occurring conditions, and your preferences when recommending one over the other.
In This Article:
- Suboxone vs. Zubsolv
- Suboxone and Zubsolv at a Glance
- How Suboxone and Zubsolv Work
- Dosage Options for Suboxone and Zubsolv
- Side Effects of Suboxone and Zubsolv
- Cost, Insurance, and Access
- Choosing Between Suboxone and Zubsolv
- Suboxone vs. Zubsolv FAQs
- Find Treatment Near You
Suboxone vs. Zubsolv
Suboxone and Zubsolv are both prescription medications that combine buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, with naloxone, an opioid blocker. They are FDA-approved for treating opioid use disorder and work by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the intense high associated with opioid misuse.1
What Are Suboxone and Zubsolv & Who Are They For?
Buprenorphine binds to the same receptors in the brain that opioids like heroin and fentanyl target. Because it is a partial agonist, it activates those receptors at a much lower level, easing withdrawal and reducing cravings without producing euphoria. Buprenorphine also has what clinicians call a “ceiling effect”: beyond a certain dose, increasing the amount does not increase opioid activity, which lowers the risk of misuse and overdose.2
Naloxone is included as a safety measure. When the medication is taken sublingually as directed, the naloxone is not significantly absorbed. If someone attempts to inject the medication, the naloxone activates and blocks opioid effects, triggering withdrawal symptoms. This built-in deterrent is designed to discourage diversion and misuse.1
Taking buprenorphine as prescribed within a treatment plan that includes counseling and monitoring is not the same as replacing one addiction with another. Research consistently supports that MAT with buprenorphine/naloxone medications reduces overdose deaths and supports sustained recovery.1
Suboxone and Zubsolv at a Glance
The table below summarizes the key practical differences between Suboxone and Zubsolv. While both medications contain the same active ingredients and are equally effective for opioid use disorder treatment, they differ in formulation, taste, dosing flexibility, and cost.
| Feature | Suboxone | Zubsolv |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Buprenorphine + naloxone | Buprenorphine + naloxone |
| FDA approval | October 2002 | July 2013 |
| Manufacturer | Indivior | Braeburn (Orexo) |
| Formulation | Sublingual film or tablet | Sublingual tablet only |
| Dosage strengths | 4 strengths | 6 strengths |
| Bioavailability | Standard | Higher (smaller dose needed) |
| Dissolution time | 8 to 15 minutes | About 5 minutes |
| Taste | Citrus/orange (often described as bitter) | Menthol/mint |
| Generic available | Yes | No |
| Typical cost | Lower (especially generic) | Higher (brand only) |
| Misuse potential | Minimal | Minimal |
Zubsolv delivers the same therapeutic effect at a lower mg dose than Suboxone because of its higher bioavailability. Dosing conversions should always be managed by a prescriber.
How Suboxone and Zubsolv Work
Suboxone and Zubsolv share the same mechanism of action. Both deliver buprenorphine to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone guards against misuse. The medications can be prescribed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to continue daily responsibilities during treatment.
Both medications are designed to be taken sublingually, meaning you place the film or tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Suboxone offers the choice between a dissolvable film and a tablet, while Zubsolv is available only as a tablet. Zubsolv’s tablet typically dissolves in about 5 minutes, while Suboxone’s film or tablet takes between 8 and 15 minutes. You should not eat, drink, or talk while the medication is dissolving to ensure proper absorption.
Zubsolv has higher bioavailability than Suboxone, which means the body absorbs a greater proportion of the active ingredient.3 In practical terms, this means Zubsolv can achieve the same therapeutic effect at a lower milligram dose. Because of this difference, switching between the two medications requires a dose conversion managed by your prescriber. Do not attempt to adjust doses on your own.
Both medications stay active in the body for 12 hours or more and are typically taken once daily. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double up unless your prescriber specifically instructs you to do so.
Dosage Options for Suboxone and Zubsolv
Suboxone is available in 4 dosage strengths, while Zubsolv offers 6. All formulations maintain a 4:1 ratio of buprenorphine to naloxone. Because Zubsolv has higher bioavailability, its milligram doses are not directly equivalent to Suboxone’s.
Suboxone dosage strengths (buprenorphine/naloxone):
- 2 mg / 0.5 mg
- 4 mg / 1 mg
- 8 mg / 2 mg
- 12 mg / 3 mg
Zubsolv dosage strengths (buprenorphine/naloxone):
- 0.7 mg / 0.18 mg (oval tablet)
- 1.4 mg / 0.36 mg (triangular tablet)
- 2.9 mg / 0.71 mg (D-shaped tablet)
- 5.7 mg / 1.4 mg (round tablet)
- 8.6 mg / 2.1 mg (diamond tablet)
- 11.4 mg / 2.9 mg (capsule-shaped tablet)
Zubsolv’s wider range of strengths gives prescribers more flexibility to tailor doses and make smaller adjustments during treatment. Each Zubsolv strength has a unique tablet shape, which helps with identification.
Because of the bioavailability difference, a Zubsolv 5.7 mg/1.4 mg tablet provides a roughly equivalent clinical effect to a Suboxone 8 mg/2 mg dose. Your provider will calculate the correct conversion if switching between medications.3
Side Effects of Suboxone and Zubsolv
Because Suboxone and Zubsolv contain the same active ingredients, their side effect profiles are very similar. Most side effects are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Serious adverse effects are uncommon when the medication is taken as directed under medical supervision.4
Common side effects shared by both medications:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Mouth or tongue numbness or tingling
Some people report that Suboxone’s film has a more unpleasant taste than Zubsolv’s mint-flavored tablet, and Suboxone may cause more mouth irritation. This is a personal tolerance issue and varies by individual.
Less common but serious side effects to discuss with your provider:
- Respiratory depression (especially if combined with other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol)
- Liver problems (signs include dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or upper stomach pain)
- Allergic reactions
- Severe withdrawal symptoms if taken too soon after last opioid use (precipitated withdrawal)
Your provider should evaluate liver function before starting treatment and monitor it periodically. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your provider, as buprenorphine-based medications require careful management during pregnancy.4
Cost, Insurance, and Access
Cost is one of the most significant practical differences between Suboxone and Zubsolv. Generic versions of Suboxone are widely available and typically less expensive, while Zubsolv is only offered as a brand-name product with no generic alternative as of 2026.
The monthly cost of buprenorphine/naloxone treatment varies widely depending on your dose, pharmacy, location, and insurance plan. Generic Suboxone tablets are often the least expensive option. For current pricing details, see our Suboxone cost guide.
Insurance coverage varies between the two medications. Some plans may cover Suboxone but require prior authorization for Zubsolv, or vice versa. Before starting treatment, contact your insurance provider to verify which medications are on your plan’s formulary and what your copay or coinsurance will be. If your plan has restrictions, your prescriber’s office can often submit a prior authorization request.
Not all pharmacies stock both medications. Suboxone is more widely available due to its longer market history and generic options. If your provider prescribes Zubsolv, call ahead to confirm your pharmacy carries it.
Both manufacturers offer patient savings or copay assistance programs that can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Ask your provider or pharmacist about these options, especially if you are uninsured or underinsured.
Choosing Between Suboxone vs. Zubsolv
There is no single “better” medication between Suboxone and Zubsolv. Both are equally effective for treating opioid use disorder. The right choice depends on your clinical situation, insurance coverage, taste and format preferences, and cost considerations.
Your provider will evaluate several factors when recommending one medication over the other:
- Clinical factors: The severity of your opioid use disorder, whether you have co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, and whether you have liver disease or are pregnant. If you need more precise dose titration, Zubsolv’s six strength options may offer an advantage.
- Practical preferences: Some people prefer the quick dissolution and mint flavor of Zubsolv. Others prefer Suboxone’s film format because it feels distinct from a tablet. If you have dental issues that make sublingual tablets uncomfortable, discuss this with your provider.
- Cost and access: If affordability is a primary concern, generic Suboxone is usually the most cost-effective option. If your insurance formulary favors Zubsolv or if a savings program brings the cost down, Zubsolv may be equally affordable for you.
- History of misuse or diversion: Both medications carry minimal misuse risk. If you have a specific history that makes one format preferable (for example, some people find the film format of Suboxone less triggering than a tablet), share that with your provider.
The most important step is to have an open conversation with your treatment team about your needs, your budget, and your daily routine.
Suboxone vs Zubsolv FAQs
Both Suboxone and Zubsolv are considered equally effective and safe when taken as prescribed. Research from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) supports that buprenorphine/naloxone medications, regardless of brand, produce comparable outcomes when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.5 Individual factors like metabolism, other medications, and overall health can affect how you respond, but neither is considered clinically superior.
Yes, but switching must be done under medical supervision. Because Zubsolv has higher bioavailability, a direct milligram-to-milligram swap is not appropriate. Your provider will calculate the correct dose conversion and may monitor you for withdrawal symptoms, sedation, or cravings during the transition. For some people the switch takes a few days; for others it may take longer to stabilize.
Generic Suboxone tablets are generally the least expensive option. Zubsolv is brand-name only, so it tends to cost more at the pharmacy counter. However, manufacturer savings programs may reduce the price of Zubsolv significantly. Check your insurance plan’s formulary, as coverage and copays vary. For more detail on pricing, visit our Suboxone cost page.
No. As of 2026, Zubsolv is available only as a brand-name product. Generic versions of Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film and tablets) are available from multiple manufacturers.
Precipitated withdrawal occurs when a buprenorphine-based medication is taken too soon after the last dose of a full opioid agonist. Because buprenorphine has a high affinity for opioid receptors, it can displace the full agonist and trigger rapid, intense withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this, your provider will instruct you to wait at least 12 to 24 hours after your last opioid use before taking the first dose of either Suboxone or Zubsolv.
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References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Buprenorphine. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options/buprenorphine. Accessed May 5, 2026.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report. NIDA. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview. Published 2021. Accessed May 5, 2026.
- Orexo US, Inc. Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets prescribing information. https://www.zubsolv.com/prescribing-information. Accessed May 5, 2026.
- Indivior Inc. Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film prescribing information. https://www.suboxone.com/prescribing-information. Accessed May 5, 2026.
- American Society of Addiction Medicine. The ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: 2020 Focused Update. J Addict Med. 2020;14(2S):1-91.
