Buprenorphine Is a Partial Opioid Agonist Used to Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Pain

Buprenorphine is a prescription medication classified as a partial opioid agonist. It's one of the most widely prescribed treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) and is also used to manage chronic pain. As a Schedule III controlled substance, it has a lower potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs like Oxycodone or Fentanyl.

If you or someone you know takes Buprenorphine — or is considering it — this guide covers everything you need to know in 2026, from how it works to how much it costs.

Brand Names, Generic, and Formulations

Buprenorphine is available under many brand names and in several different forms:

• Suboxone — sublingual film (Buprenorphine/Naloxone), the most commonly prescribed form for OUD
• Subutex — sublingual tablets (Buprenorphine only), often used in pregnancy
• Zubsolv — sublingual tablets (Buprenorphine/Naloxone)
• Bunavail — buccal film (Buprenorphine/Naloxone)
• Sublocade — monthly extended-release subcutaneous injection
• Brixadi — weekly or monthly extended-release subcutaneous injection (FDA-approved 2023)
• Probuphine — subdermal implant lasting 6 months
• Butrans — transdermal patch for chronic pain (worn for 7 days)
• Belbuca — buccal film for chronic pain
• Buprenex — injectable solution for acute pain

Generic versions of Buprenorphine sublingual tablets and Buprenorphine/Naloxone films are widely available, making the medication significantly more affordable.

Major manufacturers include Indivior (Suboxone, Sublocade), Braeburn (Brixadi), Collegium (Belbuca), and multiple generic manufacturers.

What Is Buprenorphine Used For?

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Buprenorphine is one of three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, alongside Methadone and Naltrexone. It reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of euphoria as full opioid agonists. This makes it a cornerstone of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Unlike Methadone, which requires daily visits to a certified clinic, Buprenorphine can be prescribed by any DEA-licensed provider and filled at a regular pharmacy — making it far more accessible for most patients.

Chronic Pain

Certain Buprenorphine formulations are approved specifically for chronic pain management:

• Butrans patches (5-20 mcg/hr) — applied weekly for around-the-clock pain relief
• Belbuca buccal films (75-900 mcg twice daily) — for patients who need continuous opioid therapy

These formulations are typically prescribed for opioid-tolerant patients who haven't found adequate relief from other treatments.

Off-Label Uses

Some providers use low-dose Buprenorphine off-label for treatment-resistant depression and neonatal abstinence syndrome, though these uses are less common.

How Is Buprenorphine Taken?

How you take Buprenorphine depends on your formulation:

• Sublingual tablets and films: Place under the tongue and let dissolve completely (5-10 minutes). Do not chew, swallow, or cut them.
• Buccal films (Belbuca, Bunavail): Place inside the cheek and let dissolve.
• Transdermal patch (Butrans): Apply to clean, dry skin. Wear for 7 days, then replace.
• Injections (Sublocade, Brixadi): Administered by a healthcare provider — monthly or weekly depending on the product.
• Implant (Probuphine): Surgically placed under the skin of the upper arm. Lasts 6 months.

Important for OUD patients: You must be in mild-to-moderate opioid withdrawal before your first Buprenorphine dose. Taking it too soon after using a full opioid agonist can trigger precipitated withdrawal — a sudden and severe onset of withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will guide you on the correct timing.

Typical OUD dosing starts at 2-8 mg on day one, with maintenance doses of 8-24 mg per day sublingually.

Who Should Not Take Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Buprenorphine if you have:

• A known allergy to Buprenorphine or any ingredient in the formulation
• Significant respiratory depression
• Severe, unmonitored bronchial asthma
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction (for oral forms)
• Severe liver impairment (for some formulations)

Tell your doctor about all medications you take, especially benzodiazepines, other opioids, alcohol, and serotonergic drugs. For a complete list, see our Buprenorphine drug interactions guide.

How Much Does Buprenorphine Cost?

Cost varies significantly by formulation:

• Generic sublingual tablets: $45-$130/month with discount coupons
• Brand Suboxone film: $400-$600/month
• Butrans patch: $200-$500/month
• Sublocade injection: $1,500-$1,900/month

Insurance coverage: Most insurance plans and Medicaid cover generic Buprenorphine. Prior authorization is commonly required. Many states mandate Medicaid coverage for all FDA-approved OUD medications with no copay. Medicare Part D also covers Buprenorphine products.

If cost is a barrier, there are options. Manufacturer savings programs (like Indivior's INSUPPORT program), discount cards from GoodRx and SingleCare, and patient assistance programs through NeedyMeds and RxAssist can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Read our full guide on how to save money on Buprenorphine.

Final Thoughts

Buprenorphine is a proven, effective medication that has helped millions of people manage opioid use disorder and chronic pain. With generic options widely available, expanded telehealth prescribing, and the removal of the X-waiver requirement, access is better than ever in 2026 — though pharmacy stocking issues can still make it hard to find.

If you need help locating a pharmacy with Buprenorphine in stock, try Medfinder. And if you're looking for a prescriber, check out our guide on finding a Buprenorphine doctor near you.