Suboxone®, also known as buprenorphine-naloxone, is a medication used in the treatment of opioid dependence. The length of time Suboxone stays in your body depends on several factors, including your metabolism and the medication’s formulation. Buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Suboxone, has a half-life that ranges between 24-48 hours. This is the time it takes for half of the medication to be cleared from your body. This suggests that it may take about 7 days for prescription doses to be undetectable in your body. However, research shows that many people have a different metabolism for Suboxone, and that impacts how long it lasts in their bodies 1
If you feel you or a loved one wants to stop taking or using Suboxone, Nurture Nexus Recovery can help. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or schedule an appointment!
Breaking Down How Long Suboxone® Lasts
Unlike other opioids, Suboxone has a relatively long elimination half-life, which means it stays in the body for longer. On average, in a healthy body, the drug has a half-life of 37 hours. This can extend to over 48 hours if the patient is unwell or has a generally slow metabolism.
However, even when Suboxone is metabolized in the liver, it breaks down into metabolites that remain in the body for a longer period than the drug itself. Most modern drug tests detect these metabolites, which can cause someone to test positive for Suboxone use up to a few weeks after the last dose and several months for the long-acting injection.3
How Long Does Suboxone® Stay In Your Urine?
Suboxone can stay in a user’s urine for up to 7-10 days if they regularly take the drug. For frequent users who have been using Suboxone for months, it may extend to 14 days.
How Long Does Suboxone® Stay In Your Blood?
Based on its half-life, Suboxone stays in your blood for about 8 days. However, liver health and metabolism can impact this estimate.4
How Long Does Suboxone® Stay In Your Saliva?
Suboxone can be easily detected in a patient’s saliva if the last dose was taken recently. According to studies, it is detectable orally up to five days.5
How Long Does Suboxone® Stay In Your Hair?
Although hair testing is uncommon due to its high cost, it generally has a larger window for detecting Suboxone. Depending on the length of the hair sample and other factors, it can be detected up to 90 days after the last dose.6
5 Factors That Affect How Long Suboxone® Stays in Your Body
The breakdown of any drug, especially Suboxone, is highly dependent on the body’s metabolism and functions. Some factors that impact how long Suboxone stays in your body include:
1. Age
Age plays a crucial role in the successful metabolism of buprenorphine in the body. The younger the patient is, the greater the chances of the drug half-life window being within the 24-37 hour range. Older individuals tend to metabolize it for 48 hours or more.
2. Weight
A healthy weight and being moderately active make your body eliminate Suboxone more easily.
3. Liver Health
Since the chemical buprenorphine is metabolized in the liver, having a healthy liver impacts how quickly your body can get rid of the drug. People with impaired liver function are at risk of overdose due to the drug not being broken down and excreted properly.7
4. Metabolism
The patient’s general metabolism rate affects the excretion of Suboxone. Since the drug undergoes enterohepatic circulation in the body, it can remain for a longer period if not metabolized properly.8 This also impacts positive results on drug tests even after the usual excretion period has passed.
5. Dosage
Using Suboxone as prescribed as part of a comprehensive drug addiction treatment program makes its metabolism predictable. However, if you use larger doses than are typically prescribed, its metabolism may be affected and it may stay longer in your body.
Suboxone® Metabolism & How It Works
As discussed previously, after sublingual or subcutaneous absorption, Buprenorphine is metabolized in the liver via cytochrome CYP3A4 enzymes into the active metabolite norbuprenorphine. This metabolite has a longer half-life and also binds to opioid receptors, although with less efficacy than buprenorphine itself.
Both the parent compound and its metabolite are then processed through biliary excretion into the intestines and may undergo enterohepatic recirculation, prolonging their presence in the body. Since it binds to the mu-opioid receptors for longer, it can remain active in the body more than many short-acting opioids.
The side effects of Suboxone on the body include:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Will Suboxone® Show Up On A Drug Test?
Suboxone doesn’t typically show up on the standard five-panel drug test unless you’re actively looking for it. There are specialized tests used to detect suboxone and its metabolite in the saliva, blood, urine, and hair of an individual. As discussed above, each of these tests has a distinct detection window period.
Although they aren’t common in workplace scenarios and obligation testing, you might come across them if you’re in recovery. Buprenorphine-specific tests are increasingly used in treatment programs and by probation officers to confirm compliance with prescribed medication regimens or to monitor for abuse.
Does Suboxone® Have a Potential for Abuse?
Suboxone was specially formulated to reduce the chances of abuse. It is made of 80% buprenorphine and 20% naloxone.9 Naloxone in Suboxone is inactive. When activated, it blocks the opioid receptors, rendering the buprenorphine ineffective. Naloxone becomes activated if the medication is crushed and injected, thereby rendering the Buprenorphine ineffective, which serves as a deterrent to abuse as well as a safety mechanism.
The FDA has considered the potential for Suboxone abuse, but at the same time emphasized its efficacy in treating opioid dependence.
Most treatment centers offer intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs in which Suboxone is offered as medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Tips For Removing Suboxone® From Your Body Effectively
If you’re looking to get rid of Suboxone from your body, following these tips can help:
- Consider Medical Supervision
In cases of buprenorphine dependence, consult with a medical professional. They can help you safely taper off the medication in a way to minimize discomfort and relapse.
- Keep Up With Nutrition & Hydration
Having the right diet and a sufficient amount of water helps promote liver function and facilitates the breakdown of Suboxone for better excretion.
- Use Prescription Doses Only
If you are using Suboxone for comprehensive addiction treatment, stick to the prescribed dosage and follow dosage timings. This will help your body metabolize the medication properly.
- Sign Up For Supportive Therapies
Engage in counselling/psychotherapies like CBT, and support groups to support you in the process.
Discover The Best Suboxone® Addiction Treatment in Texas
Suboxone is a breakthrough comprehensive treatment for opioid dependence. With the proper medical supervision in the use of Suboxone and accompanying psychotherapeutic support, you can easily overcome opioid use disorder. Nurture Nexus Recovery offers evidence-based opioid addiction treatment near you in Texas to help you live a healthy life. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to get the help you need.
FAQs — How Long Does Suboxone® Stay in Your System?
What Is the Washout Period for Suboxone?
The washout period of Suboxone is usually between 1 week and 3 months, depending on the formulation (sublingual or subcutaneous), dosage, and frequency of use.
How Long Do Suboxone Strips Stay in Your System?
Suboxone strips have the same half-life and detox period as the pill form of the medication.
When Does Suboxone Withdrawal Peak?
Suboxone withdrawal tends to peak around 36-48 hours after the last dose. During this period, the side effects and withdrawal symptoms are felt at their maximum intensity.
