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Published: June 6, 2024 Updated: April 23, 2026

What Is Subutex? Understanding Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder

Written by QuickMD Publications Team
2 minutes
What Is Subutex? Understanding Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder
Subutex is a brand name used for buprenorphine monoproduct (buprenorphine without naloxone). Although buprenorphine is no longer sold under the name Subutex, the public still commonly refers to this medication as Subutex. Buprenorphine is designed to treat opioid use disorder. It works by attaching itself to opioid receptors, blocking opioids and thus preventing overdoses while simultaneously stopping the brain’s craving for more opioids.

Commonly Used Opioids

A list of commonly used opioids includes:
  • Codeine
  • Heroin
  • Opium
  • Morphine
  • Oxycontin
  • Roxicodone
  • Oxecta
  • Oxaydo
  • Xtampza
  • Percodan
  • Targino
  • Xartemis XR
The primary difference between Subutex and Suboxone is that Suboxone includes naloxone (buprenorphine-naloxone). Naloxone is a complete anti-opioid (opioid antagonist). When taken as directed, it does not get absorbed by the body in sufficient amounts to cause significant effects. Naloxone (Narcan) is added to Suboxone to prevent people from crushing up the medication and injecting it. Although it is difficult to get “high” off buprenorphine due to its partial anti-opioid effect, many states limit the prescriptions of Subutex due to this risk. Therefore, Subutex is generally reserved for a small subset of patients who cannot tolerate Suboxone and is rarely prescribed as the initial medication due to government scrutiny.

What is Subutex? Conclusion

Understanding the difference between Subutex and Suboxone is essential for those undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, professional help is available. QuickMD offers online addiction treatment tailored to your needs. Get Online Addiction Treatment at QuickMD

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