What Are Suboxone Strips?

Suboxone strips are used for the FDA-approved indication of opioid use disorder (OUD). They help limit cravings and symptoms of withdrawal in individuals dependent on opioids. In addition, Suboxone strips or films are used off-label for the management of chronic pain in certain patients.

Suboxone primarily comes in two forms: strips (films) and tablets (pills). Suboxone strips are dissolvable strips that contain a combination of two medications: the opioids “buprenorphine” and “naloxone”. The strips/films can be administered sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (inside the cheek) where they rapidly dissolve.

Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) can also be taken in tablet/pill form, which you can learn more about here: How to Take Suboxone Tablets.

Why Does Suboxone Come in a Sublingual Film/Tablet Form Instead of as a Pill That Is Swallowed?

Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is best absorbed under the tongue or sometimes inside the cheek because it is more “bioavailable”. This means that more of the medication can enter the system by dissolving through the tissues of the mouth than it can by being digested in our acidic stomachs.

Because most patients are used to swallowing pills, starting to take a sublingual film or tablet can take some getting used to. This article will walk you through exactly how to administer a Suboxone strip.

Suboxone Film vs. Tablet

The two forms of buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), strips (films) and tablets, both work equally well to treat opioid use disorder. Oftentimes, a patient will receive either the strip or the tablet depending on what their local pharmacy has available or what their insurance plan will cover. The strips are probably the most common form available and are usually what patients start with.

There are some subtle differences between the two formulations. Some patients feel that either the strips or tablets have a less bitter taste and might prefer one over the other for that reason.

On average, the tablets take slightly longer to dissolve than the strips. However, both formulations work equally well when administered properly. If you have tried one or the other and prefer to try a different formulation, talk to your doctor.

How Do I Take Suboxone Strips? 

Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) strips come in packets. The strip itself is in the form of a yellow rectangle.

1. Store the strips/films in a cool and dry place. They do not need to be refrigerated.
2. Make sure you have eaten something fifteen minutes to a half an hour before taking your film, particularly when you are first starting buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). This is to avoid any stomach upset or nausea.
3. Before taking your dose make sure your mouth is empty of food.
4. It can be helpful to moisten your mouth with some water before using the strip to help it dissolve.
5. When you are ready to take your dose, open the packet, and grab the strip by the corners as much as possible to avoid tearing or dissolving the strip.
6. Place the tablet under the tongue and keep it there.
7. Try not to talk or move the strip in your mouth until it is fully dissolved. This takes anywhere from two to five minutes on average.
8. Do not chew, suck or swallow the strip, as it will not get maximally absorbed this way.
9. Once the strip is fully dissolved, you can either spit out any saliva that has accumulated in the mouth or swallow it. Some people prefer to spit out the saliva because they dislike the taste. However, if you are going to do this, make sure you do so after the strip itself is fully dissolved and only saliva remains.
10. Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) can have a minty/sour taste that can be bothersome, at least at first. Most people quickly get used to the taste.