Zubsolv (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a brand-name sublingual tablet that’s prescribed for opioid use disorder. As with other drugs, Zubsolv can cause side effects. These include opioid withdrawal symptoms and central nervous system depression.
Zubsolv can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported in clinical trials of Zubsolv or its active drugs:*
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
- constipation
- opioid withdrawal symptoms†
* The side effects discussed in this article were reported in clinical trials of Zubsolv tablets or the sublingual film Suboxone. Both medications contain the active drugs buprenorphine and naloxone. To learn more about the similarities and differences between these drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Mild side effects can occur with Zubsolv use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Zubsolv’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Zubsolv or its active drugs* include:
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
- constipation
- insomnia
- pain
- swelling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet
- mild allergic reaction†
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Zubsolv and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* The side effects discussed in this article were reported in clinical trials of Zubsolv tablets or the sublingual film Suboxone. Both medications contain the active drugs buprenorphine and naloxone. To learn more about the similarities and differences between these drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Zubsolv. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
Zubsolv may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Zubsolv’s prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Zubsolv, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects and symptoms that have been reported with Zubsolv or its active drugs* include:
- Adrenal gland problems. Symptoms can include:
- weakness
- dizziness
- Dental problems, including:
- cavities
- tooth loss
- Increased pressure in the brain. Symptoms can include:
- confusion
- headache
- Increased pressure in the bile tract due to bile buildup. Symptoms can include:
- itchy skin
- appetite loss
- Liver damage and liver failure. Symptoms can include:
- appetite loss
- upper abdominal pain
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden low blood pressure when standing up quickly). Symptoms can include:
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up after sitting or lying down
- fainting upon standing up
- Respiratory depression (very slow, shallow breathing). Symptoms can include:
- shortness of breath
- blue-tinted fingers, toes, and lips
- Risk of misuse and dependence due to the drug containing buprenorphine.
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms.†
- Central nervous system depression.†
- Severe allergic reaction.‡
* The side effects discussed in this article were reported in clinical trials of Zubsolv tablets or the sublingual film Suboxone. Both medications contain the active drugs buprenorphine and naloxone. To learn more about the similarities and differences between these drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after taking Zubsolv. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
Zubsolv may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.
Are side effects of Zubsolv similar to those seen with Suboxone?
Yes, side effects of Zubsolv are similar to those reported with Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone). Zubsolv and Suboxone contain the same active drugs, buprenorphine and naloxone. Additionally, doctors prescribe both drugs to treat opioid use disorder.
The following side effects have been reported with both Zubsolv and Suboxone:
- nausea and vomiting
- swelling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- opioid withdrawal symptoms
- central nervous system depression
- respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing)
- liver damage and liver failure
To learn more about how Zubsolv and Suboxone compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can Zubsolv be taken for pain? If so, how do the drug’s side effects compare when taken for pain vs. other uses?
No, Zubsolv is not approved to treat pain. As such, it’s not clear whether the drug is expected to cause any different side effects when taken for this use.
However, some doctors may prescribe it off-label to treat pain. Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
For more information about different treatment options for pain, talk with your doctor.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Zubsolv may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Zubsolv.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms
Opioid withdrawal symptoms are a possible side effect of Zubsolv. However, it’s unclear how often this occurred in clinical trials of the drug or its active ingredients.*
Opioid withdrawal symptoms may happen when a person stops taking opioids. This side effect may be more likely to occur if you take your first Zubsolv dose while you still have other opioids in your system. Misusing Zubsolv and injecting it into a vein can also increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms. (Misuse is taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it.)
Opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- irritability or anxiety
- nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- tremors
- sweating
- joint pain
- abdominal cramps
What you can do
If you currently take an opioid medication, talk with your doctor before you start taking Zubsolv. Your doctor will likely have you wait at least 6 hours after your last dose of your other opioid medication before starting Zubsolv.
It’s possible to experience opioid withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to not having opioids in your system. As such, if you experience these symptoms, Zubsolv may not be the cause.
If you have symptoms of opioid withdrawal, talk with your doctor. They can advise on how to treat your symptoms and manage your condition.
Central nervous system depression
Treatment with Zubsolv may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. However, it’s unclear how often this occurred in clinical trials of the drug or its active drugs.*
Your CNS comprises your brain and spinal cord. It acts as your body’s command and communication center. It sends and receives messages by communicating with all parts of the body. CNS depression is when these functions slow down. CNS depression can be mild, but it may also be serious. In extreme cases, it can even be life threatening.
Symptoms of CNS depression include:
- slurred or slowed speech
- difficulty with coordination and balance
- confusion and impaired judgment
- fatigue
In severe cases, CNS depression can lead to a coma or become life threatening.
Certain factors increase your risk of CNS depression while taking Zubsolv or cause symptoms to become more severe. These factors include drinking alcohol and taking other drugs that can cause CNS. Examples of CNS depressants include:
- benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam)
- sedatives, such as phenobarbital
- other opioids, such as MS Contin (morphine)
What you can do
Before you begin taking Zubsolv, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications you take. This includes any over-the-counter products, such as nutritional supplements. They can check for any interactions with Zubsolv that may increase your risk of CNS depression.
Let your doctor know right away if you have symptoms of CNS depression while taking Zubsolv. They can determine whether it’s safe for you to continue taking the medication. However, if your symptoms feel severe, call 911 or your local emergency number for immediate medical care.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Zubsolv can cause an allergic reaction in some people. These reactions were rare in clinical trials of Zubsolv or its active drugs.*
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Zubsolv. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* The side effects discussed in this article were reported in clinical trials of Zubsolv tablets or the sublingual film Suboxone. Both medications contain the active drugs buprenorphine and naloxone. To learn more about the similarities and differences between these drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Zubsolv. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Breathing problem. Before you start taking Zubsolv, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems. Taking Zubsolv can cause respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing). You may have a higher risk of this side effect if you have an existing breathing problem, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Liver condition. Although rare, treatment with Zubsolv can cause liver damage and other liver-related side effects. If you have an existing liver condition, taking Zubsolv could worsen it. Before you start treatment with this drug, tell your doctor about any liver problems you may have. They can help determine whether Zubsolv is safe for you to take.
Past head injury or brain damage. Zubsolv may not be safe for you to take if you’ve had a head injury or brain damage in the past. This drug may increase the pressure inside your head. If you already have another head or brain injury, taking Zubsolv may worsen your condition. Your doctor will decide whether this drug is safe for you to take.
Bile duct condition. Rarely, treatment with Zubsolv may increase the pressure inside your bile ducts. The drug may be unsafe for you to take if you have a condition affecting your bile duct. To learn whether Zubsolv is right for you, talk with your doctor.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Zubsolv or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Zubsolv. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Zubsolv. It’s unknown whether this drug is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, untreated opioid use disorder can negatively affect a pregnancy. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for your condition during pregnancy. They can also recommend safe ways to feed your child.
Alcohol consumption. If you drink alcohol, Zubsolv may not be safe for you to take. Zubsolv and alcohol may both cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. Drinking alcohol during treatment with Zubsolv may increase your risk of this side effect or cause your symptoms to be more severe. If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Zubsolv, talk with your doctor.
Side effects are common with Zubsolv, especially when you first start treatment. However, they’re usually mild and go away with continued treatment. Although the drug can cause several serious side effects, these are rare.
If you’d like to learn more about Zubsolv, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
- More information about Zubsolv. For details about other aspects of Zubsolv, refer to this article.
- Dosage. For information about the dosage of Zubsolv, view this article.
- A look at opioid use disorder. For details about opioid use disorder, see our list of addiction articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.