From the Guidelines
The 8-2 mg Suboxone film is therapeutically equivalent to the 8-2 mg Suboxone tablet, allowing for a one-to-one conversion between the two formulations. This is based on the fact that both contain the same active ingredients: 8 mg of buprenorphine and 2 mg of naloxone, as indicated in a sample discharge prescription for a 3-day supply 1. The key differences lie in their physical properties and patient preferences rather than their therapeutic effects.
Key Points to Consider:
- Both formulations are used for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
- The choice between film and tablet may depend on patient preference, insurance coverage, or specific clinical considerations.
- A study from the Annals of Emergency Medicine in 2020 1 supports the use of either formulation, with a sample prescription suggesting a dose of 2 tablets or films once daily in the morning, which can be adjusted to twice daily if necessary.
- The main distinction between the two formulations is not in their medication content but in how they are administered and their physical characteristics, such as dissolution time and taste.
- In clinical practice, the decision to use the film or tablet formulation of Suboxone should prioritize patient compliance and preference, given their therapeutic equivalence.
From the Research
Dose Equivalency of Suboxone 8-2 Film to Tablet
- The provided studies do not directly address the dose equivalency of Suboxone 8-2 film to tablet 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily compare the efficacy of buprenorphine and clonidine in opioid detoxification, with varying doses and administration methods 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- There is no specific information on the dose equivalency of Suboxone 8-2 film to tablet in the provided studies.
- The studies suggest that buprenorphine is effective in controlling withdrawal symptoms, but do not provide a direct comparison of film and tablet formulations 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Key Findings
- Buprenorphine is superior to clonidine in alleviating subjective and objective opiate withdrawal symptoms 3.
- Buprenorphine provides more effective early relief of withdrawal symptoms compared to clonidine 5.
- Buprenorphine is as effective as clonidine in controlling withdrawal symptoms, with a greater percentage of patients detoxified by buprenorphine receiving maintenance treatment 6.
- The studies do not provide information on the specific dose equivalency of Suboxone 8-2 film to tablet, and further research would be needed to determine this equivalency 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.