Overview
Suboxone sublingual film is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid dependence, which is a form of opioid use disorder. It should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program including counseling and psychosocial support. Suboxone is also known by its drug names, buprenorphine and naloxone.

Suboxone combines a partial opioid agonist (buprenorphine) and an opioid antagonist (naloxone). Buprenorphine activates opioid receptors to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while producing less euphoria than full opioids. Naloxone helps prevent misuse by blocking opioid effects if the medication is injected or misused.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Suboxone is taken once daily as a sublingual film placed under the tongue or as a buccal film placed inside the cheek, where it dissolves completely. It must be administered whole without cutting, chewing, or swallowing. Initial dosing is carefully managed to avoid precipitating withdrawal, usually starting with divided doses and adjusting based on clinical response. The maintenance dose varies from person to person. When discontinuing treatment, doses should be tapered gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Side effects
Common side effects of Suboxone include oral hypoesthesia (numbness), glossodynia (tongue pain), oral mucosal erythema (redness of the mouth lining), headache, nausea, vomiting, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), constipation, withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, pain, and peripheral edema (swelling of limbs).

Rare but serious side effects may include life-threatening respiratory depression (slow or difficult breathing), addiction or misuse behaviors, adrenal insufficiency (inadequate hormone production), opioid withdrawal if treatment is stopped abruptly, and risk of overdose in people who have not previously used opioids.

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Label: Suboxone — Buprenorphine Hydrochloride, Naloxone Hydrochloride Film, Soluble — DailyMed