What Is Buprenorphine/Naloxone? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Buprenorphine/Naloxone is a prescription combination medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the full euphoric effects of opioids.

If you or someone you know has been prescribed this medication — or you're just trying to understand what it is — this guide covers everything you need to know in 2026, including how it works, how it's taken, what it costs, and who should avoid it.

What Is Buprenorphine/Naloxone?

Buprenorphine/Naloxone is a combination of two drugs:

• Buprenorphine — a partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors that reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Naloxone — an opioid antagonist included to discourage misuse by injection. When taken under the tongue as directed, Naloxone has minimal effect.

It's classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the DEA, meaning it has accepted medical use but can still be misused.

Brand Names and Formulations

Buprenorphine/Naloxone is available under several brand names:

• Suboxone — sublingual film, manufactured by Indivior
• Zubsolv — sublingual tablet, manufactured by Orexo
• Bunavail — buccal film, manufactured by BioDelivery Sciences

Generic versions of sublingual films and tablets are also widely available, which are significantly less expensive than brand-name options.

FDA Approval

The FDA first approved Buprenorphine/Naloxone (as Suboxone) in 2002 for the treatment of opioid dependence. It was one of the first medications that could be prescribed in a doctor's office for OUD, rather than requiring daily visits to a methadone clinic. As of 2023, the X-waiver requirement was removed, meaning any provider with a DEA license can now prescribe it.

What Is Buprenorphine/Naloxone Used For?

Buprenorphine/Naloxone is FDA-approved for:

• Treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD)
• Opioid detoxification
• Maintenance treatment for opioid dependence

It is sometimes used off-label for chronic pain management (the Buprenorphine component) and in certain clinical settings for neonatal abstinence syndrome.

For a detailed look at how this medication works in your body, see our guide on how Buprenorphine/Naloxone works.

How Is Buprenorphine/Naloxone Taken?

Buprenorphine/Naloxone comes in three forms:

1. Sublingual film — placed under the tongue until it dissolves completely
2. Sublingual tablet — placed under the tongue until it dissolves completely
3. Buccal film — placed against the inside of the cheek until it dissolves

Important instructions:

• Do not chew, swallow, or cut the film or tablet
• Let it dissolve completely (usually 5 to 10 minutes)
• Do not eat or drink until the medication has fully dissolved
• Take it at the same time each day

Typical Dosage

Induction (starting dose): 2mg/0.5mg to 8mg/2mg on Day 1. Your doctor will start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually.

Maintenance dose: 4mg/1mg to 24mg/6mg daily. The most common maintenance dose is 16mg/4mg per day.

Critical timing: You must wait at least 12 hours after your last opioid use before taking the first dose of Buprenorphine/Naloxone. Taking it too soon can trigger precipitated withdrawal, which causes intense withdrawal symptoms to come on suddenly.

Who Should Not Take Buprenorphine/Naloxone?

Buprenorphine/Naloxone is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• A known allergy to Buprenorphine or Naloxone
• Severe liver disease (hepatic impairment)
• Acute alcohol intoxication with risk of respiratory depression

Use with caution if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have mild to moderate liver disease, or are over 65. It is not approved for patients under 16 years of age.

Always tell your doctor about all other medications you're taking. Buprenorphine/Naloxone has significant drug interactions, especially with benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other CNS depressants.

How Much Does Buprenorphine/Naloxone Cost?

Cost varies significantly depending on whether you use brand-name or generic, your insurance, and your pharmacy:

• Brand-name Suboxone Film: $100 to $600 per month without insurance
• Generic sublingual tablets: $40 to $80 for 30 tablets (8mg/2mg) with a discount card
• Generic sublingual films: $36 to $150 for 30 films with a coupon

Insurance Coverage

Most commercial insurance plans and Medicaid cover generic Buprenorphine/Naloxone. Medicare Part D also covers it. However, prior authorization is commonly required, and some plans have quantity limits or step therapy requirements.

Savings Programs

If cost is a barrier, several options can help:

• Indivior INSUPPORT Savings Card — up to $75/month copay assistance for commercially insured patients on brand Suboxone Film
• Discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, and others can reduce generic prices significantly
• Patient assistance programs through Indivior, RxHope, and NeedyMeds for uninsured or underinsured patients
• SAMHSA treatment locator (findtreatment.gov) connects patients to free or low-cost treatment programs

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Buprenorphine/Naloxone.

Final Thoughts

Buprenorphine/Naloxone has been a game-changer for opioid use disorder treatment since its approval in 2002. It allows people to manage their recovery from a doctor's office or even through telehealth, without the daily clinic visits required by Methadone. With generic options now widely available and the X-waiver eliminated, access to this medication is better than ever in 2026.

If you have a prescription and need help finding it at a pharmacy, Medfinder can help you check stock near you. For information on side effects to watch for, see our dedicated guide.