Zubsolv (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) for Opioid Detox
Learn how Zubsolv is used at Keystone Health Group as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid withdrawal and detox in Los Angeles, California.
Zubsolv is an FDA-approved sublingual tablet containing buprenorphine and naloxone, used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. Like Suboxone, Zubsolv combines a partial opioid agonist (buprenorphine) with an opioid antagonist (naloxone) to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while discouraging misuse. At Keystone Health Group, Zubsolv may be used during medical detox to help manage opioid withdrawal safely and comfortably.
What Is Zubsolv?
Zubsolv (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a sublingual tablet formulation of the same active ingredients found in Suboxone film. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Zubsolv dissolves under the tongue and is absorbed through the mucous membranes. The buprenorphine component partially activates opioid receptors, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The naloxone component is included to deter injection misuse — if injected, naloxone precipitates immediate withdrawal.
Buprenorphine: The Active Ingredient
Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor — meaning it activates opioid receptors but with a ceiling effect, producing less euphoria and respiratory depression than full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone. This ceiling effect makes buprenorphine significantly safer than full agonists in terms of overdose risk. Buprenorphine's long half-life (24–72 hours) also means it provides stable, sustained relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings with once-daily dosing.
Zubsolv vs. Suboxone
Zubsolv and Suboxone contain the same active ingredients (buprenorphine and naloxone) but differ in their formulation. Zubsolv is a sublingual tablet with higher bioavailability than Suboxone film, meaning a lower dose of Zubsolv delivers the same amount of buprenorphine. Zubsolv also has a menthol flavor that some patients prefer. The choice between Zubsolv and Suboxone is made by our physicians based on clinical factors and patient preference.
Zubsolv During Detox vs. Maintenance
Zubsolv can be used in two contexts: during acute opioid detox (to manage withdrawal symptoms over days to weeks) and as ongoing maintenance therapy (to prevent relapse over months to years). At Keystone Health Group, our physicians discuss both options with each patient. Some patients use Zubsolv only during the detox phase and then taper off; others transition to longer-term buprenorphine maintenance as part of their recovery plan.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
How We Treat It
Frequently Asked Questions
When can Zubsolv be started during opioid detox?
Zubsolv (buprenorphine) must be started when a patient is already in mild to moderate opioid withdrawal — typically 12–24 hours after the last short-acting opioid use. Starting buprenorphine too early (before sufficient withdrawal) can precipitate sudden, severe withdrawal. Our physicians carefully time the induction to ensure safety.
Is Zubsolv the same as Suboxone?
Zubsolv and Suboxone contain the same active ingredients (buprenorphine and naloxone) but are different formulations. Zubsolv is a sublingual tablet with higher bioavailability, meaning a lower dose delivers the same effect. Both are FDA-approved for opioid use disorder treatment.
Will I become dependent on Zubsolv?
Physical dependence on buprenorphine can develop with regular use. However, buprenorphine dependence is significantly easier to manage than dependence on full opioid agonists. When it is time to discontinue Zubsolv, our physicians design a gradual taper to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Does insurance cover Zubsolv?
Most major insurance plans cover Zubsolv under pharmacy benefits and/or behavioral health benefits. Coverage varies by plan. Our admissions team verifies your benefits before admission.
Can Zubsolv be used for fentanyl withdrawal?
Yes, but fentanyl's long tissue half-life requires careful timing of buprenorphine induction. Our physicians are experienced in managing buprenorphine induction for fentanyl-dependent patients, which requires a longer wait after the last fentanyl use to avoid precipitated withdrawal.
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