Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication, used to treat Opioid Use Disorder. The medication is available in both branded versions, and generic versions.
Although both versions of the medication contain the same active ingredients, their price tags differ.
It is important to consider the difference between both versions of the medication before choosing the best course of action.
In this guide, we will cover:
- The differences between generic and brand names of Suboxone inducing:
- The difference in cost
- How insurance coverage may differ
- The forms and dosages of both versions
Let’s get into it.
What is the Generic Name of Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid withdrawal and drug cravings in people who struggle with Opioid Use Disorder.
Suboxone contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine (an opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist, or blocker).
Generic versions of the medication have the same two active ingredients as the original branded Suboxone, only without the price tag.
Generic versions are available as both tablets and films. They are sold under various names such as Dr. Reddy’s, Alvogen, Sandoz, and Mylan.
What is Brand-Name Suboxone?
Brand-name Suboxone refers to Suboxone that is manufactured by Indivior, the company that originally formulated the medication.
Once their license or patent for the medication ran out, other companies were able to start using the same ingredients to make cheaper generic versions.
When Was Generic Suboxone Approved?
Generic versions of sublingual Suboxone tablets have been FDA-approved since 2002. Sublingual films have been approved since 2018.
Generic vs. Brand-Name Suboxone
Cost
It is usually the case that generic drugs are cheaper than brand name versions. This is also true for Suboxone.
Brand names of Suboxone are typically more expensive than generic versions of the medication due to the fact that they faced large costs associated with research and development of the ingredients used in the medication.
Insurance Coverage
Because generic versions of Suboxone are cheaper, insurance companies are more likely to pay for the whole cost of the medication. On the other hand, insurance providers are more likely to require copayments for more expensive medications such as branded Suboxone.
It is important to consult your insurance provider in order to estimate what out-of-pocket costs may be required.
Forms
Both generic and brand names of Suboxone are available as sublingual films and sublingual tablets.
Sublingual films are placed under your tongue and are designed to slowly dissolve. The medication is then absorbed through blood vessels under your tongue.
Similarly, sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue, where they will dissolve and enter the bloodstream.
Dosage
Both generic and brand names of Suboxone are available in different doses. Your healthcare physician will work alongside you, assess your needs, and prescribe you the right dose to reduce physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Common dosage strengths that are available in both generic and brand-name Suboxone sublingual film or tablet include:
- 2 milligrams of buprenorphine and 0.5 milligrams of naloxone (2 mg/0.5 mg)
- 4 milligrams of buprenorphine and 1 milligram of naloxone (4 mg/1 mg)
- 8 milligrams of buprenorphine and 2 milligrams of naloxone (8 mg/2 mg)
- 12 milligrams of buprenorphine and 3 milligrams of naloxone (12 mg/3 mg).
Suboxone Strips vs. Generic Strips
Generic films and brand names of Suboxone strips are designed with the same active ingredients.
They are prescribed medications that are placed under the tongue and slowly dissolve, alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms.
The main difference is who makes the films and how much they cost. Brand Suboxone is made by Indivior Inc., the company that first designed the medication.
Because they invested a large sum of money into the research process, they charge a high price for their product – even if their films are essentially the same as generic versions.
Suboxone Tablets vs. Generic Tablets
The same basic idea is true for Suboxone sublingual tablets. Like Suboxone films, the tablet is placed under the tongue and is designed to dissolve and be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Again, the price of brand Suboxone tablets are higher than generic versions. The formulations, however, are practically identical.
Conclusion
Suboxone is a tool used as part of Medication Assisted Treatment for the treatment of opioid dependence, designed to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal.
The FDA-approved medication can be purchased as branded or generic versions.
If you think Suboxone could help you overcome your addiction, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. A doctor can help you find the right dose and look out for any adverse effects associated with the use of the medication.
