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Suboxone

buprenorphine hydrochloride, naloxone hydrochloride · Film, Soluble

Prescription NDA Schedule CIII TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Suboxone
Generic name
buprenorphine hydrochloride, naloxone hydrochloride
Dosage form
Film, Soluble
Route
Buccal
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
INDIVIOR INC.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
CIII
Active ingredients
8
NDC product codes
4
Packages
4
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride 12 mg/1 351264 View
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride 2 mg/1 351264 View
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride 4 mg/1 351264 View
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride 8 mg/1 351264 View
Naloxone Hydrochloride .5 mg/1 1191250 View
Naloxone Hydrochloride 1 mg/1 1191250 View
Naloxone Hydrochloride 2 mg/1 1191250 View
Naloxone Hydrochloride 3 mg/1 1191250 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Film, Soluble
Route of administration
Buccal
Presentations
8

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Opioid Antagonist [EPC] EPC All 19 members
Opioid Antagonists [MoA] MoA All 19 members
Partial Opioid Agonist [EPC] EPC All 19 members
Partial Opioid Agonists [MoA] MoA All 25 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
022410
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
August 30, 2010
Sponsor
INDIVIOR
Products on application
4
Submissions recorded
41
Products approved under application 022410.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
022410-001 SUBOXONE FILM BUPRENORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE; NALOXONE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD
022410-002 SUBOXONE FILM BUPRENORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE; NALOXONE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD
022410-003 SUBOXONE FILM BUPRENORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE; NALOXONE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD
022410-004 SUBOXONE FILM BUPRENORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE; NALOXONE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
9687454 August 7, 2029 001 No U-1464 July 14, 2017
11135216 August 7, 2029 001 No U-3111 October 21, 2021
9687454 August 7, 2029 002 No U-1464 July 14, 2017
11135216 August 7, 2029 002 No U-3111 October 21, 2021
9687454 August 7, 2029 003 No U-1464 July 14, 2017
11135216 August 7, 2029 003 No U-3111 October 21, 2021
9687454 August 7, 2029 004 No U-1464 July 14, 2017
11135216 August 7, 2029 004 No U-3111 October 21, 2021
8475832 March 26, 2030 001 No U-1411 July 3, 2013
8475832 March 26, 2030 002 No U-1411 —
8475832 March 26, 2030 003 No U-1411 —
8475832 March 26, 2030 004 No U-1411 —

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 022410.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 58 REMS Approved August 14, 2026 N/A
Supplement 57 Labeling Approved December 22, 2025 Standard
Supplement 56 Labeling Approved May 19, 2025 Standard
Supplement 55 REMS Approved February 21, 2025 N/A
Supplement 50 REMS Approved March 20, 2024 N/A
Supplement 52 Labeling Approved December 15, 2023 Standard
Supplement 49 Labeling Approved March 13, 2023 Standard
Supplement 48 REMS Approved December 16, 2022 N/A
Supplement 47 Labeling Approved June 17, 2022 Standard
Supplement 46 Labeling Approved June 17, 2022 Standard
Supplement 45 REMS Approved May 3, 2022 N/A
Supplement 44 REMS Approved November 19, 2021 N/A
Supplement 42 Labeling Approved March 4, 2021 Standard
Supplement 39 REMS Approved March 2, 2020 N/A
Supplement 34 Labeling Approved October 31, 2019 Standard
Supplement 38 Labeling Approved October 7, 2019 Standard
Supplement 35 REMS Approved October 26, 2018 N/A
Supplement 33 REMS Approved June 11, 2018 N/A
Supplement 31 Labeling Approved February 1, 2018 Standard
Supplement 30 REMS Approved September 19, 2017 N/A
Supplement 29 REMS Approved September 19, 2017 Standard
Supplement 23 Efficacy Approved February 13, 2017 Standard
Supplement 28 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 12, 2017 Standard
Supplement 27 Labeling Approved December 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved December 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 25 REMS Approved July 7, 2016 N/A
Supplement 24 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 15, 2016 Standard
Supplement 22 REMS Approved September 22, 2015 N/A
Supplement 20 Efficacy Approved September 22, 2015 Standard
Supplement 21 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 23, 2015 Standard
Supplement 19 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 12, 2014 Standard
Supplement 16 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 5, 2014 Standard
Supplement 18 Efficacy Approved April 28, 2014 Standard
Supplement 17 Labeling Approved April 28, 2014 Unknown
Supplement 4 Efficacy Approved April 28, 2014 Standard
Supplement 14 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 12, 2014 Standard
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved November 22, 2013 Standard
Supplement 11 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 8, 2013 Standard
Supplement 7 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 10, 2012 Standard
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 10, 2012 Standard
Original application 1 Type 4 - New Combination Approved August 30, 2010 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · August 18, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · December 31, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · December 29, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · May 21, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · May 19, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · February 25, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · March 21, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · December 18, 2023
  • 0 · Original application · November 6, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · March 14, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · March 14, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · June 21, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · June 21, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · June 21, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · June 21, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · June 21, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · May 4, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · November 23, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · March 8, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · March 8, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · March 8, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · March 4, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · November 1, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · October 9, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · October 9, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · October 29, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · June 20, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · June 19, 2018

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251222). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251222

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) 12/2025 Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) 05/2025 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 ) 12/2025

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SUBOXONE sublingual film is indicated for treatment of opioid dependence. SUBOXONE sublingual film should be used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. SUBOXONE® sublingual film contains buprenorphine, a partial‐opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, and is indicated for treatment of opioid dependence. ( 1 ) SUBOXONE sublingual film should be used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer SUBOXONE sublingual film as a single daily dose. ( 2.1 ) Strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) at the time SUBOXONE sublingual film is initiated or renewed because patients being treated for opioid use disorder have the potential for relapse, putting them at risk for opioid overdose. ( 2.2 ) To avoid precipitating withdrawal, induction with SUBOXONE sublingual film should be undertaken when objective and clear signs of withdrawal are evident and SUBOXONE sublingual film should be administered in divided doses when used as initial treatment. ( 2.3 ) For patients dependent on short‐acting opioid products who are in opioid withdrawal; on Day 1, administer up to 8 mg/2 mg SUBOXONE sublingual film (in divided doses). On Day 2, administer up to 16 mg/4 mg of SUBOXONE sublingual film as a single dose. ( 2.3 ) For patients dependent on methadone or long‐acting opioid products, induction onto sublingual buprenorphine monotherapy is recommended on Days 1 and 2 of treatment. ( 2.3 ) The maintenance dose of SUBOXONE sublingual film is generally in the range of 4 mg/1 mg to 24 mg/6 mg per day and should be based on clinical response. ( 2.4 ) Sublingual Administration: Place one film under the tongue, close to the base on the left or right side, and allow to completely dissolve. Buccal Administration: Place one film on the inside of the left or right cheek and allow to completely dissolve. ( 2.5 ) SUBOXONE sublingual film must be administered whole. Do not cut, chew, or swallow SUBOXONE sublingual film ( 2.5 ) When discontinuing treatment, gradually taper to avoid signs and symptoms of withdrawal. ( 2.8 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information SUBOXONE sublingual film is administered sublingually or buccally as a single daily dose. Medication should be prescribed in consideration of the frequency of visits. Provision of multiple refills is not advised early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow‐up visits. 2.2 Patient Access to an Opioid Overdose Reversal Agent for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose Inform patients and caregivers about opioid overdose reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) and discuss the importance of having access to an opioid overdose reversal agent. Because patients being treated for opioid use disorder have the potential for relapse, putting them at risk for opioid overdose, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an overdose reversal agent for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose, both when initiating and renewing treatment with SUBOXONE sublingual film. Also consider recommending or prescribing such an agent if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or opioid overdose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid overdose reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . There are important differences among the opioid overdose reversal agents, such as route of administration, product strength, approved patient age range, and pharmacokinetics. Be familiar with these differences, as outlined in the approved labeling for those products, prior to recommending or prescribing such an agent. Advise patients and caregivers that opioid overdose reversal agents, such as naloxone or nalmefene, may also be administered for a known or suspected overdose with buprenorphine itself. Higher than normal doses and repeated administration of an opioid overdose reversal agent may be necessary due to the long duration of action of buprenorphineand its affinity for the mu-opioid receptor [see Overdosage ( 10 )] . 2.3 Induction Prior to induction, consideration should be given to the type of opioid dependence (i.e., long‐ or short‐acting opioid products), the time since last opioid use, an …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS SUBOXONE sublingual film is supplied as an orange rectangular film with a white printed logo in four dosage strengths: Buprenorphine 2 mg/naloxone 0.5 mg, Buprenorphine 4 mg/naloxone 1 mg, Buprenorphine 8 mg/naloxone 2 mg and Buprenorphine 12 mg/naloxone 3 mg Sublingual film: buprenorphine 2 mg/ naloxone 0.5 mg, buprenorphine 4 mg/ naloxone 1 mg, buprenorphine 8 mg/ naloxone 2 mg and buprenorphine 12 mg/ naloxone 3 mg. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SUBOXONE sublingual film is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or naloxone as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] . Hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or naloxone. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Buprenorphine can be abused in a similar manner to other opioids. Monitor patients for conditions indicative of diversion or progression of opioid dependence and addictive behaviors. Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits. ( 5.1 ) Respiratory Depression: Life-threatening respiratory depression and death have occurred in association with buprenorphine use. Warn patients of the potential danger of self-administration of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants while under treatment with SUBOXONE sublingual film. ( 5.2 , 5.3 ) Unintentional Pediatric Exposure: Store SUBOXONE sublingual film safely out of the sight and reach of children. Buprenorphine can cause severe, possibly fatal, respiratory depression in children. ( 5.4 ) Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is an expected and treatable outcome of prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy ( 5.5 ) Adrenal Insufficiency: If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. ( 5.6 ) Risk of Opioid Withdrawal with Abrupt Discontinuation: If treatment is temporarily interrupted or discontinued, monitor patients for withdrawal and treat appropriately. ( 5.7 ) Risk of Hepatitis, Hepatic Events: Monitor liver function tests prior to initiation and during treatment and evaluate suspected hepatic events. ( 5.8 ) Precipitation of Opioid Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms: An opioid withdrawal syndrome is likely to occur with parenteral misuse of SUBOXONE sublingual film by individuals physically dependent on full opioid agonists, or by sublingual or buccal administration before the agonist effects of other opioids have subsided. ( 5.10 ) Risk of Overdose in Opioid‐Naïve Patients : SUBOXONE sublingual film is not appropriate as an analgesic. There have been reported deaths of opioid naïve individuals who received a 2 mg sublingual dose. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse SUBOXONE sublingual film contains buprenorphine, a schedule III controlled substance that can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids, legal or illicit. Prescribe and dispense buprenorphine with appropriate precautions to minimize risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, and ensure appropriate protection from theft, including in the home. Clinical monitoring appropriate to the patient's level of stability is essential. Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow‐up visits [see Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.2 )] . 5.2 Risk of Life-Threatening Respiratory and Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression Buprenorphine has been associated with life‐threatening respiratory depression and death. Many, but not all, postmarketing reports regarding coma and death involved misuse by self‐injection or were associated with the concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol. Warn patients of the potential danger of self‐administration of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants while under treatment with SUBOXONE sublingual film [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. Use SUBOXONE sublingual film with caution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cor pulmonale, decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression). Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression and emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help right away in the event of a known or suspected overdose [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )] . Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decre …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Respiratory and CNS Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), ( 5.3 )] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Opioid Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.10 )] Hepatitis, Hepatic Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Orthostatic Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] Elevation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.17 )] Elevation of Intracholedochal Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.18 )] Adverse events commonly observed with the sublingual/buccal administration of the SUBOXONE sublingual film are oral hypoesthesia, glossodynia, oral mucosal erythema, headache, nausea, vomiting, hyperhidrosis, constipation, signs and symptoms of withdrawal, insomnia, pain, and peripheral edema. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Indivior Inc. at 1-877-782-6966 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of SUBOXONE sublingual film is supported by clinical trials using SUBUTEX® (buprenorphine) sublingual tablets and SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets, and other trials using buprenorphine sublingual solutions, as well as an open-label study in 194 patients treated with SUBOXONE sublingual film administered sublingually and 188 patients treated with the film administered buccally. In total, safety data from clinical studies are available from over 3000 opioid-dependent subjects exposed to buprenorphine at doses in the range used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Few differences in the adverse event profile were noted with regard to sublingually and bucally administered SUBOXONE sublingual film, SUBOXONE sublingual tablets, SUBUTEX sublingual tablets and a buprenorphine ethanolic sublingual solution. The most common adverse event (> 1%) associated with the sublingual administration of the SUBOXONE sublingual film was oral hypoesthesia. Other adverse events were constipation, glossodynia, oral mucosal erythema, vomiting, intoxication, disturbance in attention, palpitations, insomnia, withdrawal syndrome, hyperhidrosis, and blurred vision. The most common adverse events associated with the buccal administration were similar to those observed with sublingual administration of the film. Other adverse event data were derived from larger, controlled studies of SUBOXONE sublingual tablets and SUBUTEX sublingual tablets and of buprenorphine sublingual solution. In a comparative study of SUBOXONE sublingual tablets and SUBUTEX sublingual tablets, adverse event profiles were similar for subjects treated with 16 mg/4 mg SUBOXONE sublingual tablets or 16 mg SUBUTEX sublingual tablets. The following adverse events were reported to occur by at least 5% of patients in a 4 week study of SUBOXONE sublingual tablets and SUBUTEX sublingual tablets. Table 2. Adverse Events (≥ 5%) by Body System and Treatment Group in a 4 Week Study Abbreviations: COSTART = Coding Symbols for Thesaurus of Adverse Reaction Terms. Body System/ Adverse Event (COSTART Terminology) SUBOXONE sublingual tablets 16 mg/4 mg/day N = 107 n (%) SUBUTEX sublingual tablets 16 mg/day N = 103 n (%) Placebo N = 107 n (%) Body as a Whole Asthenia 7 (6.5%) 5 (4.9%) 7 (6.5%) Chills 8 (7.5%) 8 (7.8%) 8 (7.5%) Headache 39 (36.4%) 30 (29.1%) 24 (22.4%) Infection 6 (5.6%) 12 (11.7%) 7 (6.5%) Pain 24 (22.4%) 19 (18.4%) 20 (18.7%) Pain abdomen 12 (11.2%) …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 4 includes clinically significant drug interactions with SUBOXONE. Table 4. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effects, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, increases the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Cessation of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants is preferred in most cases of concomitant use. In some cases, monitoring in a higher level of care for taper may be appropriate. In others, gradually tapering a patient off of a prescribed benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant or decreasing to the lowest effective dose may be appropriate. Before co-prescribing benzodiazepines for anxiety or insomnia, ensure that patients are appropriately diagnosed and consider alternative medications and non-pharmacologic treatments [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 )] . If concomitant use is warranted, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent, as is recommended for all patients on buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), and other opioids. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of buprenorphine and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of buprenorphine, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of SUBOXONE sublingual film is achieved. After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the buprenorphine plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , potentially resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to buprenorphine. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of SUBOXONE sublingual film until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the SUBOXONE sublingual film dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of buprenorphine and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of buprenorphine [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , potentially resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to buprenorphine. After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the buprenorphine plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which could increase or prolong both therapeutic effects and adverse reactions and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the SUBOXONE sublingual film dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider SUBOXONE sublingual film dosage reduction and monitor for signs of respiratory depression. Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin Antiretrovirals: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) Clinical Impact: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are metabolized principally by CYP3A4. Efavirenz, nevirapine, and etravirine are known CYP3A inducers, whereas delavirdine is a CYP3A inhibitor. Significant pharmacokinetic interactions between NNRTIs (e.g., efavirenz and delavirdine) and bupre …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Buprenorphine passes into mother's milk. ( 8.2 ) Geriatric Patients: Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. ( 8.5 ) Moderate or Severe Hepatic Impairment: Buprenorphine/naloxone products are not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment and may not be appropriate for patients with moderate hepatic impairment. ( 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The data on use of buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in SUBOXONE sublingual film, in pregnancy, are limited; however, these data do not indicate an increased risk of major malformations specifically due to buprenorphine exposure. There are limited data from randomized clinical trials in women maintained on buprenorphine that were not designed appropriately to assess the risk of major malformations [see Data ]. Observational studies have reported on congenital malformations among buprenorphine-exposed pregnancies, but were also not designed appropriately to assess the risk of congenital malformations specifically due to buprenorphine exposure [ see Data ]. The extremely limited data on sublingual naloxone exposure in pregnancy are not sufficient to evaluate a drug-associated risk. Reproductive and developmental studies in rats and rabbits identified adverse events at clinically relevant and higher doses. Embryofetal death was observed in both rats and rabbits administered buprenorphine during the period of organogenesis at doses approximately 6 and 0.3 times, respectively, the human sublingual dose of 16 mg/day of buprenorphine. Pre-and postnatal development studies in rats demonstrated increased neonatal deaths at 0.3 times and above and dystocia at approximately 3 times the human sublingual dose of 16 mg/day of buprenorphine. No clear teratogenic effects were seen when buprenorphine was administered during organogenesis with a range of doses equivalent to or greater than the human sublingual dose of 16 mg/day of buprenorphine. However, increases in skeletal abnormalities were noted in rats and rabbits administered buprenorphine daily during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.6 and approximately equal to the human sublingual dose of 16 mg/day of buprenorphine, respectively. In a few studies, some events such as acephalus and omphalocele were also observed but these findings were not clearly treatment-related [see Data ]. Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease - associated maternal and embryo - fetal risk Untreated opioid addiction in pregnancy is associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and fetal death. In addition, untreated opioid addiction often results in continued or relapsing illicit opioid use. Dose Adjustment during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period Dosage adjustments of buprenorphine, such as using higher doses, may be required during pregnancy, even if the patient was maintained on a stable dose prior to pregnancy. Dosing should be based on individual response, and withdrawal signs and symptoms should be monitored closely and the dose adjusted as necessary. Fetal/neonatal adverse reactions Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may occur in newborn infants of mothers who are receiving treatment with SUBOXONE sublingual film. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or failure to gain weight. Signs of neonatal withdrawal usually occur in the first days after birth. The duration and severity of neonatal opioid wit …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action SUBOXONE sublingual film contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and an antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor. Naloxone is a potent antagonist at mu opioid receptors and produces opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms in individuals physically dependent on full opioid agonists when administered parenterally.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION SUBOXONE® (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film is an orange film, imprinted with a logo identifying the product and strength in white ink. It contains buprenorphine HCl, a mu-opioid receptor partial agonist, and a kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, and naloxone HCl dihydrate, an opioid antagonist, at a ratio of 4:1 (ratio of free bases). It is intended for sublingual or buccal administration and is available in four dosage strengths, 2 mg buprenorphine with 0.5 mg naloxone, 4 mg buprenorphine with 1 mg naloxone, 8 mg buprenorphine with 2 mg naloxone and 12 mg buprenorphine with 3 mg naloxone. Each film also contains polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltitol, acesulfame potassium, lime flavor, citric acid, sodium citrate, FD&C yellow #6, and white ink. Chemically, buprenorphine HCl is (2S)-2-[17-Cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxy-3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-6α,14- ethano-14α-morphinan-7α-yl]-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol hydrochloride. It has the following chemical structure: Buprenorphine HCl has the molecular formula C 29 H 41 NO 4 • HCl and the molecular weight is 504.10. It is a white or off-white crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water, freely soluble in methanol, soluble in alcohol, and practically insoluble in cyclohexane. Chemically, naloxone HCl dihydrate is 17-Allyl-4,5 α -epoxy-3, 14-dihydroxymorphinan-6-one hydrochloride dihydrate. It has the following chemical structure: Naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate has the molecular formula C 19 H 21 NO 4 • HCl • 2H 2 O and the molecular weight is 399.87. It is a white to slightly off-white powder and is freely soluble in water, soluble in alcohol, and practically insoluble in toluene and ether. Figure Figure

10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation The manifestations of acute buprenorphine overdose include pinpoint pupils, sedation, hypotension, hypoglycemia, respiratory depression, and death. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose In the event of overdose, the respiratory and cardiac status of the patient should be monitored carefully. When respiratory or cardiac functions are depressed, primary attention should be given to the re-establishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Oxygen, IV fluids, vasopressors, and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated. In the case of overdose, the primary management should be the re-establishment of adequate ventilation with mechanical assistance of respiration, if required. An opioid overdose reversal agent may be of value for the management of buprenorphine overdose. Higher than normal doses and repeated administration may be necessary. The long duration of action of SUBOXONE sublingual film should be taken into consideration when determining the length of treatment and medical surveillance needed to reverse the effects of an overdose. Insufficient duration of monitoring may put patients at risk.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED / STORAGE AND HANDLING SUBOXONE sublingual film is supplied as an orange rectangular film with a white printed logo in child-resistant polyester/foil laminated pouches: NDC 12496-1202-3 (buprenorphine 2 mg/naloxone 0.5 mg/film; content expressed in terms of free base, equivalent to 2.16 mg buprenorphine hydrochloride USP and 0.61 mg naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate USP) - 30 films per carton NDC 12496-1204-3 (buprenorphine 4 mg/naloxone 1 mg/film; content expressed in terms of free base, equivalent to 4.32 mg buprenorphine hydrochloride USP and 1.22 mg naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate USP) - 30 films per carton NDC 12496-1208-3 (buprenorphine 8 mg/naloxone 2 mg/film; content expressed in terms of free base, equivalent to 8.64 mg buprenorphine hydrochloride USP and 2.44 mg naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate USP) - 30 films per carton NDC 12496-1212-3 (buprenorphine 12 mg/naloxone 3 mg/film; content expressed in terms of free base, equivalent to 12.96 mg buprenorphine hydrochloride USP and 3.66 mg naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate USP) - 30 films per carton Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store SUBOXONE sublingual film securely and dispose of properly [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )] .

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
33,126
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: BUPRENORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
12496-1202-3 12496-1202 INDIVIOR INC. 30 POUCH in 1 CARTON (12496-1202-3) / 1 FILM, SOLUBLE in 1 POUCH (12496-1202-1) September 13, 2010
12496-1204-3 12496-1204 INDIVIOR INC. 30 POUCH in 1 CARTON (12496-1204-3) / 1 FILM, SOLUBLE in 1 POUCH (12496-1204-1) August 24, 2012
12496-1208-3 12496-1208 INDIVIOR INC. 30 POUCH in 1 CARTON (12496-1208-3) / 1 FILM, SOLUBLE in 1 POUCH (12496-1208-1) September 13, 2010
12496-1212-3 12496-1212 INDIVIOR INC. 30 POUCH in 1 CARTON (12496-1212-3) / 1 FILM, SOLUBLE in 1 POUCH (12496-1212-1) August 24, 2012
12496-1202 12496-1202 INDIVIOR INC. — September 13, 2010
12496-1204 12496-1204 INDIVIOR INC. — August 24, 2012
12496-1208 12496-1208 INDIVIOR INC. — September 13, 2010
12496-1212 12496-1212 INDIVIOR INC. — August 24, 2012

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

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