Suboxone Strips vs Suboxone Pills

Suboxone Pills vs. Suboxone Strips: What's the Difference?

While both Suboxone tablets and strips serve the same goal, there are certain variations between the two that may impact a new Suboxone user's decision.

Pills Are Less Expensive

Suboxone strips can cost anywhere from $40 to $60 for 14 2 mg/0.5 mg strips, and closer to $220 for 12 mg/3 mg strips.

Suboxone pills are less expensive, with 14 2 mg (milligrams)/0.5 mg tablets costing between $25 and $45 and the 8 mg/2 mg tablets costing between $40 and $100.

Strips have a higher absorption rate.

Suboxone pills take longer than Suboxone strips to dissolve under the tongue. Strips are preferred by many Suboxone users because they absorb easier.

Strips are thinner and dissolve faster, making them more pleasant than holding a pill in place for an extended amount of time.

Pills Are More Discreet: Stigma

Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction is a positive and necessary step toward recovery. Some people, however, may still find it difficult to tell others about their recovery. In this regard, pills are more discrete and stigma-free than strips. A person who is just starting Suboxone therapy may prefer to take a pill rather than a strip.

Some People Prefer Pills

Suboxone's active components have a harsh flavor and a terrible aftertaste

While both tablets and strips have this flavor, many people prefer the taste of pills over strips, according to studies.

The disadvantage is that tablets take longer to dissolve, therefore the bitter taste will linger longer in the tongue.

Is one better than the other in terms of effectiveness?

Suboxone pills and strips are both effective treatments for opioid withdrawal symptoms. They are both equally effective, although the naloxone exposure differs slightly. Suboxone strips have a higher absorption rate in the mouth, which can lead to increased naloxone exposure. Some doctors may advise taking the pill form in order to reduce the amount of naloxone the patient is exposed to.

Suboxone Pills And Strips: How To Take Them

Here are some pointers on how to use Suboxone pills and strips.

The medication should not be crushed or cut.

Suboxone pills and strips must be completely dissolved in the mouth before they can be used. Some people smash Suboxone tablets or cut the strips to reduce the amount and taper off the drug, but this should only be done if the prescribing doctor directs it. Use the medication as directed and wait for it to completely dissolve before moving it, eating, drinking, or doing anything else that could affect its effectiveness.

To begin, drink plenty of water.

It's preferable to drink a few sips of water before placing Suboxone tablets or strips under the tongue or in the cheek. This will help the Suboxone tablet or strip dissolve and absorb faster, increasing the medication's effectiveness. When using Suboxone tablets, this is especially crucial because they take longer to dissolve and require more moisture.