Can Zubsolv be used for pain relief?

A combination of buprenorphine and naloxone prescribed to help treat opioid addiction, Zubsolv may also provide pain relief. This is considered an off-label use at this time.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, but does not activate them as fully as heroin, oxycodone or hydrocodone. Instead, buprenorphine produces enough of a “high” to stave off withdrawal symptoms for people with opioid addiction who are trying to quit. The naloxone is only added to discourage abuse of buprenorphine.

Individuals who are addicted to opioids often start taking them to treat pain, and some evidence suggests that buprenorphine can reduce pain in people with a history of opioid abuse—even those who have a high tolerance to opioids. It may also cut down on use of highly addictive opioids to treat pain. This is important, as many physicians are reluctant to prescribe opioids for pain due to risk of addiction, abuse and overdose.

Zubsolv (buprenorphine/naloxone) is given as a tablet placed under the tongue.
It is available in six strengths:

• 0.7 mg buprenorphine /0.18 mg naloxone
• 1.4 mg buprenorphine/0.36 mg naloxone
• 2.9 mg buprenorphine/0.71 mg naloxone
• 5.7 mg buprenorphine/1.4 mg naloxone
• 8.6 mg buprenorphine/2.1 mg naloxone
• 11.4 mg buprenorphine/2.9 mg naloxone