When considering different brands of Suboxone, it's important to understand that while the active ingredients are consistent, variations can exist in manufacturing, excipients, and packaging.
What is Suboxone made of?
Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It is a combination of two active pharmaceutical ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone [1]. Buprenorphine is an opioid that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and can prevent misuse [2].
What is the difference between Suboxone film and tablet?
Suboxone was historically available in tablet form, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a film formulation in 2010. The film is designed to dissolve under the tongue [3]. The film formulation is generally preferred by many patients and healthcare providers due to its faster dissolution and absorption characteristics [3].
Who makes generic Suboxone?
Since the patent expiration for the original Suboxone film, several pharmaceutical companies have introduced generic versions. These generics contain the same active ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, in the same dosage strengths as the brand-name Suboxone film [4]. Companies manufacturing generic buprenorphine-naloxone films include Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan (now Viatris), and Actavis (now part of AbbVie) [5].
When does Suboxone patent expire?
The primary patents for Suboxone film have expired, allowing for the introduction of generic alternatives [6]. Information on specific patent expiry dates and any related litigation can often be found on specialized patent tracking websites like DrugPatentWatch.com [7].
How much does generic Suboxone cost?
Generic versions of Suboxone are typically less expensive than the brand-name product. The cost can vary significantly depending on the pharmacy, insurance coverage, and specific dosage. Patients are advised to compare prices at different pharmacies and consult with their insurance providers for the most accurate cost information [4].
Are there other buprenorphine medications available?
Beyond Suboxone, other medications containing buprenorphine are available for the treatment of opioid use disorder. These include Subutex (buprenorphine alone), and various generic buprenorphine tablets and films [1, 8]. Additionally, there are injectable and implantable forms of buprenorphine available, offering different delivery methods for long-term treatment [9].
Sources:
[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
[2] https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/medications/suboxone/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3157014/
[4] https://www.drugs.com/suboxone.html
[5] https://www.goodrx.com/suboxone
[6] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/suboxone
[7] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com
[8] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022440s027,020408s049,020704s047lbl.pdf
[9] https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine-injectable-and-implant