Published: June 5, 2024 | Updated: April 3, 2026

How Are Suboxone Strips Taken Correctly?

Written by QuickMD Publications Team

2 minutes

Woman smiling after using Suboxone strips correctly

Suboxone strips, like Suboxone tablets, consist of buprenorphine and naloxone, medications designed to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). A Suboxone prescription is delivered in small films that dissolve sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (against the inside of the cheek).

Do I Need to Refrigerate My Suboxone Strips?

No, there is no need to refrigerate this medication. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Should I Eat Before Taking Suboxone Strips?

It is best to eat something about 15 to 30 minutes before taking the film to avoid an upset stomach.

Do Suboxone Strips Have a Taste?

Many patients find the flavor of Suboxone strips somewhat unpleasant but usually learn to tolerate it over time.

How Do I Take Suboxone Strips Correctly?

  1. Remove the Strip: Carefully remove the strip from the package, ensuring it does not break or dissolve the film.
  2. Prepare Your Mouth: Wet your mouth with a bit of water so that the film will dissolve easily.
  3. Position the Strip: Sit up and place the film under your tongue. Do not talk, chew, suck, or swallow the film to allow the medication to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the stomach.
  4. Dissolve Completely: Wait until the film is entirely dissolved, then either swallow or spit out your saliva.
  5. Rinse and Swallow: Swish water around your mouth and swallow.
  6. Oral Hygiene: After 30 minutes, brush your teeth to avoid cavities.
  7. Wait to Eat: Wait at least an hour before eating to allow the medication to circulate through your system unhindered by nutrients.

How Long Before the Medication Starts to Work?

The effects of a Suboxone strip will start about 10 to 30 minutes after dissolving.

Get Professional Advice on Suboxone with QuickMD

For personalized advice and support in managing opioid use disorder, QuickMD’s telemedicine online opioid addiction services are here to help. Consult with a QuickMD provider today to ensure you take Suboxone correctly and effectively.

Need guidance on taking Suboxone strips? Visit QuickMD today to schedule your telemedicine appointment and get expert advice on managing your Suboxone medication and treatment plan.

Disclaimer

Articles on this website are meant for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do not delay care because of the content on this site. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call your doctor immediately or call 911 (if within the United States). This blog and its content are the intellectual property of QuickMD LLC and may not be copied or used without permission.

QuickMD has strict referencing policies and relies on reputable sources, including peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, medical organizations, and government and public health agencies, among others. Learn more about how we ensure accuracy in our content by reading our editorial guidelines.

Same day visits.
No insurance required.

Book Now
Bald man smiling

Similar blogs you might enjoy

How to build your addiction recovery community

If you had a bad day tomorrow, who would you tell? Whether...

April 7, 2026

Group of friends laughing and talking outside a café, representing building a supportive recovery community with help from telehealth care like QuickMD.

Does kratom show up on a drug test?

In recent years, kratom has become a substance that has gained attention...

April 3, 2026

Patient in a medical exam room receiving a urine sample cup from a clinician, illustrating drug testing for substances like kratom.

Guide to dating in recovery for opioid use disorder

You’ve got your routine down pat. You’re keeping your appointments, taking your...

March 31, 2026

Man smiling and talking with a woman over coffee at a café, representing social connection and dating during recovery from opioid use disorder with support from telehealth care like QuickMD.