Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It reduces cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms and helps people to focus on long-term abstinence and recovery. Suboxone is widely available and can be prescribed by doctors to take at home, increasing access for countless people.

Suboxone is a brand name for a specific medication: buprenorphine/naloxone. Buprenorphine/naloxone is one of only three FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorder. This medication works in the brain to alleviate dependence on heroin, fentanyl, prescription pain relievers, and other opioids.

Yes, many insurance companies cover Suboxone and Suboxone clinic treatment. This includes Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, UMR, Multi Plan, and Beacon. 

Coverage will differ depending on your policy and the state where your coverage is provided. 

Medicare prescription drug plans typically list buprenorphine / naloxone on Tier 2 of their formulary. Medicare Part D may help cover the cost of Suboxone if your doctor indicates that it is medically necessary.

Buprenorphine, the primary medication in Suboxone, works in the brain by partially activating opioid receptors. (Other opioids—like heroin, fentanyl, and pain pills—fully activate those receptors.) This partial activation allows buprenorphine to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings caused by opioid addiction, with a lowed potential for misuse than other opioids.

Many people say Suboxone and other forms of buprenorphine/naloxone help them get their life back while dealing with an opioid use disorder. This makes it easier for an individual to break their addictive habits without feeling sick or having cravings. 

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence in adults. Suboxone should not be taken by individuals who have been shown to be hypersensitive to buprenorphine or naloxone as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported.

Taking Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) with other opioid medicines, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can cause breathing problems that can lead to coma and death. Other side effects may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, insomnia, pain, increased sweating, sleepiness, dizziness, coordination problems, physical dependence or abuse, and liver problems.

For more information about Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) see Suboxone.com, the full Prescribing Information, and Medication Guide, or talk to your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Any drug, or really anything that affects your brain chemistry, has potential to be addictive. Suboxone’s potential for misuse, or abuse is lower than that of other opioids when taken as directed under medical care and coupled with a program of therapeutic support. When on the right dose of Suboxone (or another buprenorphine/naloxone medication), most individuals find that they no longer have the cravings or obsession which typically defines addiction to other drugs. 

The short answer: It depends on the type of drug test! If it’s a standard 5-panel drug test (like the type an employer might use), buprenorphine medications typically won’t show up on a drug panel. However, if you are being tested as part of your treatment program, they may be testing you specifically to ensure you’re taking the medication that they’re prescribing. In this case, the test will likely be specifically looking for the buprenorphine in Suboxone

The length of your Suboxone treatment is entirely up to you and your medical care team, but the evidence does show that long-term buprenorphine treatment can be beneficial. You should look for a Suboxone doctor who listens to your requests and honors your needs to continue, discontinue, or change your medications. 

Prescriptions Today's clinicians prescribe buprenorphine/naloxone treatment in select states. Our telemedicine Suboxone treatment program is 100% virtual in many states. If you aren’t in our area, learn other strategies for finding a Suboxone Clinic near you. The NAABT also has a directory called Treatment Match which will connect you with providers in your area.