Suboxone is one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder, and taking it the right way helps every dose work as it should. Follow our step-by-step guide to taking Suboxone film, whether under your tongue or on the inside of your cheek.
Suboxone® is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) (important safety information). It contains buprenorphine and naloxone and is available in sublingual tablet or sublingual film form. "Sublingual" means the medication needs to dissolve underneath your tongue, unlike other oral medications which can be swallowed. Suboxone film can also be taken buccally, which means placing it on the inside of your cheek. The sublingual route of administration allows the medication to be absorbed quickly into your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth. This matters because buprenorphine is poorly absorbed when swallowed, so a film that ends up in your stomach delivers much less medication and tends to cause more side effects. Absorbing it through the lining of your mouth bypasses that breakdown in the liver. In this guide, we'll walk through how to take Suboxone sublingual film, when to take your first dose, and what to avoid so each dose works as intended. Note: In order to get the best treatment outcomes and to avoid any adverse reactions, it is critical that you follow your clinician’s instructions on when to stop using other opioids before your first dose of Suboxone. Taking it too soon can cause a sudden, intense withdrawal called precipitated withdrawal.
How to take Suboxone step by step
You can take Suboxone film under your tongue (sublingual) or on the inside of your cheek (buccal). Buprenorphine-naloxone tablets and Zubsolv are taken the same way, minus holding the dose in place until it sticks. Tablets usually take longer to dissolve than films, and Zubsolv dissolves fastest. Both methods are FDA-approved. Use the one your clinician recommends and stick with it, since taking your medication the same way every time keeps the amount you absorb consistent
How to take Suboxone film under your tongue
- First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water (always a good idea), and dry them. This will help keep you safe by ensuring the medication is not contaminated when you take it. Dry fingers also keep the film from sticking to your skin or starting to dissolve before it’s in your mouth.
- f your mouth tends to be dry, a small sip of water can help the film dissolve. Skip it if you usually have plenty of saliva
- Remove the Suboxone sublingual film from its packaging. Be careful not to break or damage the film. Hold it between two fingers by the outside edges. Some people on higher doses split a film in half and place one half on each side under the tongue. Check with your clinician before changing how you take your dose.
- Place the film under your tongue, as far back as possible and on the right or left side of your mouth. If your dose is two films, let the first one dissolve completely, then place the second one right away. You can also place both at once, one on each side under your tongue without overlapping, but many people find two films at once hard to tolerate. Keep the films flat, not folded, and hold in place until they stick.
- Keep the film under your tongue until it dissolves completely. This usually takes 5–10 minutes, but it can take longer for some people, so don’t rush it.Do not chew, swallow, or move the film around in your mouth. Swallowing the film will reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke anything until the film has completely dissolved. Wait another 15 minutes after that so the medication absorbed into the lining of your mouth has time to make its way into your bloodstream. Avoid talking during this time since this can affect how well the medicine is absorbed. Some people, especially parents, find it easiest to take their dose before getting out of bed in the morning, when they can count on 15 quiet minutes.
- Once the film has fully dissolved, you’ll have a mouthful of saliva mixed with medication. Spit it out rather than swallowing it. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse your mouth, and wait at least an hour from your dose before brushing your teeth. Wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth. These two habits help lower the risk of dental problems linked to buprenorphine medicines that dissolve in the mouth.
How to take Suboxone film inside your cheek
- Wash and dry your hands, then take a small sip of water to moisten your mouth.
- Hold the film between two fingers by the outside edges and place it flat against the inside of your right or left cheek.
- If your dose is two films, place the second one on the inside of the opposite cheek. If your dose is three films, place the third one on either cheek after the first two have fully dissolved.
- Leave the films in place until they have completely dissolved. Do not chew, swallow, or move them, and don’t eat or drink in the meantime.
- After the films have dissolved, wait 15 minutes, then swish a sip of water around your teeth and gums, swallow, and wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth.
Tips for taking Suboxone sublingual film
Suboxone sublingual film takes time to dissolve, so don't rush the process. While waiting for the Suboxone sublingual film to dissolve, it's important to remain patient and avoid engaging in activities that may interfere with the medication's absorption. Here are some recommendations for things to do while waiting for the film to dissolve.
Practice relaxation techniques
Taking deep breaths, practicing meditation, or listening to calming music can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. This can be especially helpful for those in the early stages of treatment, when some withdrawal symptoms may still be lingering. Remember that this is a special time because you are doing something important to save your life.
Read a book
Reading can be an excellent distraction and a great way to pass the time. Choose a book that interests you and take advantage of the quiet time to immerse yourself in a good story. Leaning forward to read can also help minimize any accidental swallowing while the medication absorbs.
Watch a TV show
Watching a TV show is a simple way to distract yourself while waiting for the film to dissolve. Choose something you enjoy to promote positive or relaxed feelings or have been wanting to watch. You could even make a point to find a show with episodes or segments that are 15–20 minutes in length to ensure the Suboxone film has time to dissolve. Just like reading, consider looking at a screen slightly below eye-level.
Build it into your daily routine
Taking Suboxone around the same time each day makes it easier to remember and helps keep withdrawal symptoms and cravings steady. If you take other morning medications, take those first with a sip of water, then place the Suboxone film in your mouth. A phone alarm or a medication reminder app can help on busy days.
Best practices for taking Suboxone
It's important to remember that Suboxone sublingual film is a very effective medication, but it requires care and attention. By staying patient, following the instructions provided, and engaging in healthy activities while waiting for the film to dissolve, you can increase your chances of getting the full benefit from every dose.
There are a few important practices to keep in mind every time you take a dose:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water before and after taking the film can help it dissolve faster and make the process more comfortable. Dehydration can slow down the absorption of the medication.
- Skip drinks around your dose: Drinks such as coffee, energy drinks, orange juice, grapefruit juice, or soda, right before your dose may make it harder for your mouth to absorb Suboxone, and the acidic ones are hard on your teeth. The simplest approach is to skip all drinks around your dose.
- Follow your clinician's instructions: Your clinician will give you specific instructions on how to take Suboxone. Follow them carefully to ensure you get the most benefit from the medication. If you're unsure about anything, ask your care teamor pharmacist for clarification.
- Keep track of your doses: Suboxone should be taken regularly, as prescribed by your clinicain Taking more or less than prescribed can be dangerous and may lead to adverse effects. If you're experiencing any side effects or have any concerns about taking Suboxone, reach out to your care team or pharmacist for advice.
- Protect your teeth: Rinse with water 15 minutes after spitting out the medication and wait an hour before brushing. Tell your dentist you take buprenorphine and keep up with regular checkups. Learn more about Suboxone and oral health.
- Don’t mix Suboxone with alcohol or sedatives: Combining it with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleep medications, or other sedatives can slow your breathing and lead to overdose. Tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone
Taking Suboxone as part of a well-rounded MAT program is one of the most effective ways to treat opioid use disorder, especially when medication is paired with ongoing support from a care team. By following our step-by-step guide and tips, you'll be able to take Suboxone sublingual film with confidence and ease as part of your daily routine.
Ophelia offers online treatment for opioid use disorder that fits into your life, with buprenorphine treatment available as part of its medication-based care. You meet with your care team, which includes a prescribing clinician, a nurse, and a care coordinator, through private video appointments from home. They walk you through your first dose and keep checking in as treatment continues. Ophelia accepts many insurance plans, including Medicaid, and many patients pay less than $10/month for care. See insurance and pricing for details. Schedule a free welcome call today and, if eligible, receive a Suboxone prescription to your local pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions about taking Suboxone
What is the most effective way to take Suboxone?
Take it exactly as prescribed, using the same method every time. Under the tongue and inside the cheek both work, but switching back and forth can change how much medication you absorb. Let each film dissolve fully without chewing, swallowing, or moving it, and don’t eat or drink until 15 minutes after you’ve spit out the saliva.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Suboxone?
In general, take the missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for your next one. Don't take two doses at once to make up for it. If you've missed several doses in a row or aren't sure what to do, message your care team before taking your next film. For more detail on timing and what to expect, see our guide on what happens if you miss a dose of Suboxone.
Can you cut a Suboxone film in half?
Suboxone film is designed to be taken whole, and the FDA label advises against cutting it. That said, it is commonly cut in half in practice, though this can make dosing less precise and some patients notice variability. If your current dose feels too strong or not strong enough, talk to your clinician about adjusting it rather than changing it on your own.
Is Suboxone film the same as a buprenorphine-naloxone tablet?
They contain the same two medications, and both dissolve in your mouth, but they aren't always interchangeable dose for dose. Films can go under the tongue or inside the cheek, while tablets go under the tongue. If you switch forms, your clinician may adjust your dose, so don't switch on your own.
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