At the moment, there’s no way to get a prescription for Subutex specifically because this brand is discontinued. Generic versions may be available, and sometimes people call them by the Subutex brand name. There are also some alternatives to consider. Suboxone is a popular medication that combines buprenorphine (the ingredient in Subutex) with naloxone. For most people, this helps improve treatment results. It discourages people from injecting or snorting their medication or using other opioids. This will trigger sudden withdrawal symptoms. Most buprenorphine-only medications are extended-release formats, at least for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Brixadi and Sublocade are both injections, and these are given weekly or monthly.
You should always work closely with a qualified prescriber when seeking MOUD. Tell them about your medical history and any other medications you’re taking. Your provider can help you assess different options and choose one that’s best for you. Let them know about any side effects or reactions you experience. If necessary, they can help you transition to something else.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about why Subutex was discontinued and how you can access generics or similar medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Why was Subutex discontinued?
Subutex was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2011 due to concern about people snorting or injecting their medication to get “high.” This doesn’t happen as much with the alternative Suboxone. Because it contains a small amount of naloxone, snorting or injecting it will cause sudden, intense withdrawal symptoms.
Some people can’t take naloxone because of an allergy or side effects. These individuals should talk with their prescriber about other alternatives. Since Subutex was discontinued, generic versions and other types of buprenorphine without naloxone have become available for OUD treatment.
What are my alternatives to Subutex?
Suboxone is the most popular alternative to Subutex. It’s also sold under the brand names Zubsolv, Bunavail, and Cassipa. These all contain both buprenorphine and naloxone. You can also ask your provider about generic versions. With oral buprenorphine treatments, there’s some risk of dental problems, though this is rare.
Extended-release buprenorphine injections are sold under the brand names Sublocade and Brixadi. Injections must be given by a qualified provider, so people are less likely to take them in excess. These medications are given only once a week or once a month, which may be more convenient than daily Subutex. They also don’t come with the same risk of dental problems that films and tablets can sometimes cause.
Methadone is another MOUD that doesn’t include naloxone. Since methadone has more potential for misuse, it’s usually only available at daily clinics.
As with any opioid, there’s always some risk of respiratory depression and other side effects. Buprenorphine doesn’t cause respiratory depression nearly as often as other MOUD. It has a ceiling effect, which means this side effect doesn’t increase at high doses. It also doesn’t cause a significant “high” like methadone can.
Here are some things to keep in mind when considering different MOUD:
- Your recovery goals
- Your medical history and health conditions
- Other medications and potential interactions
- Potential risks and side effects
- Your experience and physical response
- Dosing frequency and delivery method
- Insurance coverage or cost
4 ways to get a prescription for generic Subutex or alternatives
MOUD are helpful for reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you seek treatment. Opioid use can impact virtually every area of your life in ways that are unique to you. With the help of a licensed counselor and a support group, you can start to understand how opioid use has affected you. Uncovering the person you want to become is an important part of recovery. Once you have a new sense of direction, you can make positive changes and learn the skills you’ll need to build the life you want.
At Groups, we provide counseling and support groups along with MOUD to help you build a solid foundation for recovery. We believe in educating our members so they can have a say in their own treatment decisions. We don’t judge people or punish them for using during treatment. Instead, we help our members understand what other support they need to meet their recovery goals.
Try the following four ways to get a safe and legal prescription for generic Subutex or alternatives:
- Find an OUD treatment center — Professionals who specialize in OUD treatment will be your best guides for medication management. They may combine medication with counseling and other forms of treatment. Different treatment centers may prioritize different MOUD. We mostly prescribe Suboxone at Groups. However, we can help you explore other options if there’s a reason why you can’t take it.
- Ask your primary care physician for a prescription — Your primary care physician may be able to write a prescription for generic Subutex or a similar medication. In some cases, they may want to see you in person first. You may have to wait until their next available appointment. OUD treatment centers like Groups can provide more specialized care than primary care physicians. You’ll get counseling in a group setting with a licensed counselor. You’ll also be able to give and receive support with other people who are in recovery.
- See a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner — In 2018, a law was passed to give physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners the authority to prescribe buprenorphine for OUD. In some places, these care providers may be more accessible than doctors. Some OUD treatment clinics hire these professionals to provide medication management.
- Find an online treatment program — Many OUD treatment centers offer virtual appointments to make comprehensive support more accessible. Virtual sessions may be a better option if you live in a rural area, if you don’t have reliable transportation, or if you have a health condition that limits your mobility. Groups offers medication management both online and in person. Find out if we have a location in your state or contact us at (888) 858-1723 for more information.
Learn about alternatives to Subutex for OUD treatment
MOUD is a critical part of the recovery process for people who want to stop taking opioids. People who receive medication are much less likely to use again in the short and long term. Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms so you can focus on your recovery. It doesn’t cause a significant high, and the risk of overdose is very low. It’s often combined with naloxone to keep people from snorting or injecting their medication. This ingredient triggers precipitated withdrawal when there’s too much of an opioid in the system.
Those who can’t take naloxone for medical reasons may benefit from buprenorphine-only medications. These are mostly extended-release brands like Sublocade and Brixadi. These may be more convenient than a daily version. There may be generic versions of Subutex available for daily use.
Working with a qualified prescriber can help you make the best decision and navigate MOUD treatment safely. For the best long-term results, consider seeing a licensed counselor or going to a support group. At Groups, we combine these three treatments in one comprehensive program. We get to know our members on a personal level so we can provide personalized treatments and help you live the life you want to live.
Are you looking for help finding an alternative to Subutex? Contact us. Let’s talk about your options.
We provide treatment across the country—and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
