What Does Buprenorphine Look Like?

Buprenorphine appears in different forms. Orange rectangular films with imprints like ‘N2’, and orange hexagonal or round tablets marked ‘N8’ or ‘93 222’ are common. If you’re wondering what does buprenorphine look like, generic versions vary in shape and imprints. This guide helps you identify these differences.

Key Takeaways

• Buprenorphine is available in various forms, including sublingual tablets, films, and injections, each with distinct colors, shapes, and imprints for identification purposes.
• Suboxone, Subutex, and Sublocade are the common brands of buprenorphine, with Suboxone film being orange and rectangular, while Subutex tablets are generally orange and either hexagonal or round.
• Correct identification of buprenorphine is essential to avoid medication errors and ensure effective treatment for opioid use disorder, necessitating the verification of imprint codes and packaging.

What does buprenorphine look like?

Buprenorphine is available in several forms, each with distinct visual characteristics. The most common forms include sublingual tablets, films, and injections, each designed for specific administration methods. For instance, Suboxone, a popular combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is available as an orange, rectangular sublingual film. These films are designed to dissolve under the tongue and are marked with imprints indicating their dosage, such as ‘N2’ for 2 mg.

Buprenorphine tablets, such as those in the Subutex brand, are typically orange and can be either hexagonal or round in shape. These tablets often come in specific strengths, such as 2 mg and 8 mg, and include imprints like ‘N8’ for the 8 mg hexagonal tablet or ‘93 222’ for a 2 mg round pill from generic manufacturers. This helps in distinguishing them from other medications and ensuring correct dosing.

Additionally, generic versions of buprenorphine may share similar colors but vary in shape and imprint codes depending on the manufacturer. For example, some generic buprenorphine tablets are round and orange with specific imprints that indicate their origin and strength, making it easier to identify them correctly.

What are the common forms and brands of buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a versatile medication available in several formulations designed to treat opioid addiction and manage severe pain. These include sublingual films, tablets, and extended-release injections. Each form has unique characteristics that cater to different patient needs and preferences.

Common brands of buprenorphine include Suboxone, Subutex, and Sublocade. In addition to these, there are numerous generic suboxone versions that provide cost-effective alternatives to brand-name tablets and films. Understanding the differences in appearance and packaging among these options is essential for ensuring proper use and avoiding confusion.

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) film

Suboxone film is a widely used formulation that combines buprenorphine with naloxone to treat opioid addiction. Key characteristics include:

• Typically orange and rectangular in shape
• Designed to dissolve under the tongue for efficient absorption
• Each film is marked with dosage imprints such as ‘N2’ for 2 mg, making it easy to identify the correct strength.

One of the advantages of Suboxone film is its discreet and convenient packaging, which often comes in individual foil wrappers. The combination of buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride in Suboxone helps prevent misuse by causing withdrawal symptoms if injected, enhancing its safety profile.

Subutex (buprenorphine only) tablet

Subutex tablets contain only buprenorphine and are primarily used for treating opioid dependence. To understand how it differs from Suboxone, read our comparison on suboxone vs subutex. These tablets are typically round or oval, white in color, and marked with alphanumeric identifiers such as ‘B8’ for the 8 mg strength. This makes it easy to distinguish Subutex from other medications.

Subutex is usually prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and psychosocial support. Its specific formulation as a sublingual tablet allows for effective administration and absorption under the tongue, providing relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Generic buprenorphine tablets and films

Generic versions of buprenorphine offer more affordable options for patients and come in both tablet and film forms. These generics can vary significantly in appearance, including differences in size, shape, and color. For example, a generic buprenorphine tablet from Amneal Pharmaceuticals might be round and orange with the imprint ‘AN 415’ for the 2 mg/0.5 mg formulation in a generic form.

Other manufacturers, like Teva Pharmaceuticals, produce round, orange pills marked ‘93 222’ for the same dosage. Generic Subutex tablets also vary, with some being white oval and featuring distinct imprints to indicate their strength, such as ‘B2’ for 2 mg, and are manufactured in various forms, including generic tablets.

These variations help in identifying the specific combined generic commonly and ensuring proper use.

Sublocade (extended-release injection)

Sublocade is an extended-release injectable form of buprenorphine designed for monthly administration. Key features include:

• Comes as a clear liquid in a prefilled syringe with an orange label
• Meant to be administered subcutaneously by a healthcare professional
• Solidifies into a gel within the body
• Allows for a controlled release of buprenorphine over the month

This treatment is suitable for adults with moderate to severe opioid addiction who have stabilized on oral buprenorphine. To explore how it compares to other forms like Suboxone, see our guide on sublocade vs suboxone. Due to the risk of serious harm from self-injection, Sublocade is available only through a restricted program and must be administered in a clinical setting as part of addiction treatment.

How to identify buprenorphine by imprint and packaging

Correctly identifying buprenorphine is essential for ensuring proper treatment and safety. The FDA requires all prescription drugs to have unique imprint codes, which are alphanumeric markings on the surface of the medication. These codes help in distinguishing between different formulations and strengths, making it easier to verify the medication.

Packaging also varies by brand and dose strength. For instance, Suboxone films are often individually wrapped in foil to maintain their integrity and prevent contamination. In contrast, generic buprenorphine tablets might come in pill bottles or blister packs, each designed for specific storage and dispensing needs.

Imprint codes and physical identifiers

Imprint codes are crucial for identifying buprenorphine tablets. Common examples include ‘N8’ for an 8 mg hexagonal tablet and ‘B10’ for a white round pill. These codes not only indicate the strength but also help identify the manufacturer, ensuring you are taking the correct medication.

The physical appearance of buprenorphine pills varies significantly. For example, Suboxone tablets are orange and hexagonal, while generic versions might be round or hexagonal with distinct imprints. These identifiers are essential for preventing medication errors and ensuring proper treatment.

Differences in packaging: blister vs. bottle vs. film wrap

Packaging plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and usability of buprenorphine medications. Suboxone films are typically packaged in individual foil wrappers, which protect them from moisture and contamination. This discreet packaging also makes them easy to transport and consume.

On the other hand, generic buprenorphine tablets might come in blister packs or pill bottles. Blister packs offer better protection against moisture compared to bottles, ensuring the medication’s effectiveness over time. The choice of packaging can also influence patient compliance, as some formats are more convenient for everyday use.

Can buprenorphine look different across doses?

Buprenorphine medications can look different depending on their dosage strength. For example, Suboxone strips are color-coded, with the N2 strip being orange and rectangular, while the N8 strip has a different shade and imprint.

Generic buprenorphine tablets vary in appearance based on their strength and manufacturer:

• They may be circular.
• They come in different colors, such as white or orange.
• Each strength of Suboxone has a unique imprint to help differentiate it from other medications, ensuring patients receive the correct dosage and understand how buprenorphine works in the body.

Are there visual differences between Suboxone and other brands?

Visual differences between Suboxone and other brands like Zubsolv and Bunavail can be quite pronounced. Suboxone is typically available as an orange film, while Zubsolv and Bunavail come in different forms and colors.

Understanding these differences helps in correctly identifying the medication and ensuring proper use.

Zubsolv vs. Suboxone

Zubsolv tablets are smaller, round, and mint-flavored, designed to dissolve under the tongue. For more on how these two medications compare, see zubsolv vs suboxone. These tablets are white and embossed with a ‘Z’, making them easily distinguishable from Suboxone’s orange films, which are rectangular and dissolve sublingually.

Both medications contain buprenorphine and naloxone, but Zubsolv is noted for its higher bioavailability, meaning it is absorbed more efficiently by the body. This feature can make Zubsolv a preferable option for some patients.

Bunavail vs. Suboxone

Bunavail is a buccal film that adheres to the inside of the cheek, differing from Suboxone’s sublingual film. This method of delivery can enhance absorption and provide a different patient experience compared to Suboxone.

Despite being discontinued, Bunavail films were designed to dissolve inside the cheek with distinctive shapes and strengths. The differences in formulation and administration methods between Bunavail and Suboxone highlight the importance of correctly identifying each medication to ensure proper treatment.

Why is it important to correctly identify buprenorphine?

Accurate identification of buprenorphine is crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure effective treatment for opioid use disorder. Misidentifying buprenorphine can lead to adverse effects, a bad reaction, ineffective treatment, and an increased risk of overdose.

Correct identification also aids healthcare professionals in monitoring patient adherence to treatment and managing potential misuse. This helps in understanding the pharmacokinetics of the specific formulation and its interactions with other medications.

What should you do if you’re unsure if the medication is buprenorphine?

If you’re unsure whether your medication is buprenorphine, the first step is to consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for clarification. Always check the packaging and label to ensure it matches the prescribed medication.

Using the Pill Identifier tool can also help verify the medication’s identity by matching its imprint and appearance. If you cannot confirm the medication, do not consume it to avoid potential health risks. Safely disposing of unidentified medications is essential to prevent accidental misuse.

Bottom Line: What does buprenorphine look like?

Understanding the appearance of buprenorphine medications is crucial for ensuring correct usage and effective treatment. From identifying different brands to recognizing variations in dosage and packaging, this guide provides comprehensive insights into safely managing buprenorphine. Always verify your medication and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt to avoid potential risks and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

FAQs about buprenorphine appearance

Can buprenorphine be blue?

Buprenorphine is typically orange or white; therefore, if you encounter blue buprenorphine, it may indicate a different medication. Always verify with a healthcare professional in such cases.

What if the imprint is missing?

If the imprint is missing, it is crucial not to consume the medication. Instead, consult a pharmacist or utilize a Pill Identifier tool to confirm its identity.

Does the film taste bitter?

Yes, Suboxone films have a slightly bitter taste due to their active ingredients, although they are flavored to help mask this bitterness.

Are there generic versions of Suboxone?

Yes, generic versions of Suboxone are available, offering equivalent therapeutic effects while varying in appearance.

What if my buprenorphine looks different from the last time?

If your buprenorphine looks different than before, it is essential to verify the imprint code and consult your pharmacist to ensure it is the correct medication. Variations in appearance can happen due to different manufacturers.

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