What is ZUBSOLV prescribed for? Understanding its Role in Opioid Use Disorder

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic condition affecting millions globally. ZUBSOLV is a prescription medication designed to address this crisis, and understanding what is ZUBSOLV prescribed for is the first step in exploring this evidence-based treatment option.

Quick Summary

ZUBSOLV is a sublingual tablet containing buprenorphine and naloxone, prescribed for opioid use disorder (OUD) as part of a complete treatment program involving counseling and behavioral therapy.

Key Points

Opioid Use Disorder Treatment: ZUBSOLV is specifically for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) in adults, not pain.
Combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone: It uses buprenorphine to reduce cravings and naloxone to prevent misuse if injected.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): ZUBSOLV is most effective as part of a plan with counseling and support.
Induction and Maintenance Phases: Treatment involves an initial supervised induction phase and a long-term maintenance phase.
ZUBSOLV vs. Suboxone: ZUBSOLV is a sublingual tablet with higher bioavailability than the Suboxone film, meaning a lower dose can be as effective.
Common Side Effects: Frequent side effects include headache, nausea, and constipation. Serious risks like respiratory depression are possible, especially with misuse.
Important Health Monitoring: Monitoring liver function and addressing potential dental problems are necessary during treatment.

ZUBSOLV's Primary Indication: Treating Opioid Use Disorder

ZUBSOLV is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) in adults. It is not approved for pain. ZUBSOLV is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapy. It helps manage opioid dependence by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, supporting patients in avoiding illicit opioids.

How ZUBSOLV Works: A Combination Therapy

ZUBSOLV contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors, lessening cravings and withdrawal without causing an intense "high". This partial activation provides a "ceiling effect," limiting respiratory depression risk. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist intended to deter misuse. If injected, naloxone becomes active and triggers withdrawal, blocking the effects of buprenorphine and other opioids.

The ZUBSOLV Treatment Process

Treatment with ZUBSOLV typically includes induction and maintenance phases.

Induction Phase

This phase starts when a patient experiences moderate opioid withdrawal. Taking ZUBSOLV too soon after using a full opioid can cause precipitated withdrawal. Healthcare providers determine the right time to start based on the type of opioid used and withdrawal severity. Initial doses may be given in a clinic to monitor for reactions.

Maintenance Phase

Following induction, patients usually transition to once-daily dosing at home. The dose is adjusted to control cravings and withdrawal. The duration varies, with some needing long-term therapy. Regular follow-ups and continued counseling are vital during this phase.

Considerations for ZUBSOLV Use

A healthcare provider will assess a patient's history before prescribing ZUBSOLV, as it's not suitable for everyone. Important considerations include:

Other Medications: Using ZUBSOLV with CNS depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol increases the risk of severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and death.
Liver Function: Liver problems can affect how the body processes buprenorphine and naloxone. ZUBSOLV is not advised for severe liver impairment, and liver function is monitored.
Oral Health: Sublingual products can cause dental issues like decay and cavities. Good oral hygiene and informing your dentist are recommended.
Bioavailability: ZUBSOLV's bioavailability differs from other buprenorphine/naloxone products, meaning tablet strengths are not interchangeable. Dosage adjustments are needed when switching products.

ZUBSOLV vs. Suboxone: A Comparison

Both ZUBSOLV and Suboxone contain buprenorphine and naloxone for OUD, but they have different formulations and characteristics.


Feature	ZUBSOLV	Suboxone
Formulation	Sublingual tablet	Sublingual film or tablet
Bioavailability	Higher; delivers the same effect at a lower dose	Lower than ZUBSOLV; a higher dose is needed for equivalent effect
Taste	Generally reported to have a less bitter, minty taste	Can have an unpleasant orange taste and cause a tingly mouth sensation
Generic Availability	No generic version available	Generic versions of the sublingual film and tablet are available
Dosage Strengths	Wide range of strengths (6 total)	Several different strengths (4 total)

Conclusion: ZUBSOLV as Part of a Comprehensive Recovery Plan

ZUBSOLV is a vital tool in addressing the opioid crisis by offering effective treatment for OUD through the combined action of buprenorphine and naloxone. It's crucial to remember that its effectiveness is maximized within a comprehensive treatment plan including counseling and therapy to address all aspects of addiction. The choice between ZUBSOLV and other similar medications should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual needs and preferences.

Common Side Effects of ZUBSOLV

ZUBSOLV can cause side effects. Common ones include headache, nausea, constipation, sweating, insomnia, dizziness, and mouth pain or numbness.

Frequently Asked Questions

ZUBSOLV is primarily prescribed for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in adults, as part of a comprehensive program that includes counseling and behavioral therapy.

No, ZUBSOLV is not approved for use as a pain medication. The buprenorphine component is a partial opioid agonist and is not sufficient for treating pain, especially in opioid-naïve patients.

ZUBSOLV works with two ingredients: buprenorphine, which partially activates opioid receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal, and naloxone, which is added to block the effects and prevent misuse if the medication is injected.

Yes, ZUBSOLV is often used for long-term maintenance treatment. There is no maximum recommended duration, and patients can continue taking it as long as it is beneficial for their recovery.

If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Both contain buprenorphine and naloxone, but ZUBSOLV is a sublingual tablet, while Suboxone is a sublingual film or tablet. ZUBSOLV has higher bioavailability and a different taste profile than Suboxone.

The most common side effects of ZUBSOLV include headache, nausea, constipation, vomiting, increased sweating, insomnia, and dizziness.

You should avoid using alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants. You should also not chew or swallow the tablet, as it will reduce its effectiveness and could trigger withdrawal symptoms.