Suboxone is an effective drug used to treat opioid addiction. It’s safe and relatively low-risk.

If you’re in recovery, regularly visiting your doctor and needing to submit drug tests make lead you to ask how long does Suboxone stay in your system.

There are a few factors that determine how long you need to wait before testing clean, but the good news is it’s not too long.

Let’s take a look at your options, and walk you through everything you need to know.

Half-Life of Buprenorphine

Suboxone is a brand name for a medication containing both buprenorphine and naloxone, and it is used as a substitute for prescription opioids. It has a relatively long half-life of 25 to 42 hours, meaning it can stay in your system for up to two days after usage.

This is a great benefit since it means an individual has the freedom to use it less often, which decreases the potential for abuse or misuse. However, due to the buprenorphine in Suboxone, the drug can remain in your system for up to four days.

Drug Testing Method

Different drug tests (urine, blood, saliva, hair) have varying detection windows for Suboxone. Urine tests are the most common method for detecting its presence. Let’s discuss these methods further:

Detection in Urine

The active components of Suboxone, buprenorphine, and naloxone, are both detectable in urine for differing lengths of time. For buprenorphine, the amount of time it can be detected can depend on frequency and amount of usage. Generally, it can remain detectable in the system for up to 4 days.

When it comes to naloxone, it is quickly eliminated from the body, usually within 18 to 24 hours. Together, these components of Suboxone can remain detectable in urine for up to 4 days.

Detection in Blood

When detected in a person’s blood, Suboxone has a typical half-life ranging from 24 to 42 hours. This means that after about one to two days of dosing, Suboxone may be reduced to about one-half of its original concentration in a person’s blood, and within four days of dosing, it may be reduced to close to zero.

However, because Suboxone is slowly released into the body, it may still be possible to detect Suboxone in a person’s blood up to three to five days following the last dosing. 

Detection in Saliva

It is estimated that Suboxone can remain detectable in the saliva for up to three days after its last dose. The detection window varies depending on how long the drug has been taken, the dosage size, and the frequency. Depending on the amount ingested, it may take longer to be completely eliminated from the body.

The frequency and doses of Suboxone will have an effect on how long it remains in the system. In some cases, it may take up to seven days to be completely cleared from the body. The length of time detection of Suboxone in saliva can vary greatly, so it’s best to consult with a doctor for specific advice.

Detection in Hair

In regards to detection in hair, traces of Suboxone may remain for up to 90 days after the last dose. It is important to note that hair tests are not routinely performed and it is an expensive and time-consuming process. Ultimately, how long Suboxone stays in the system varies, but detection of the drug in hair is possible for up to 90 days from the last dose.

Metabolism Variation

How quickly your body metabolizes opioids and breaks down Suboxone, depends on your individual biochemistry. A person with quick metabolism might see Suboxone out of their system in 24-48 hours. On the other hand, a person with a slower metabolism may have Suboxone in their body for much longer.

It is important to measure an individual’s metabolic rate before prescribing a dosage of Suboxone, as the length and safety of use could vary greatly. In some cases, extreme metabolism variation could lay the grounds for an overdose. It is important to contact a health professional or the women’s residential rehabilitation when first taking Suboxone.

Dose and Duration of Use

The duration of time that Suboxone stays in the body depends largely on the dose and duration of use. If taken for a longer period of time, then it takes longer for Suboxone to leave the system.

With a lower dose of Suboxone, it may only take 24 to 48 hours to fully clear out from the body. If taken at higher doses and regularly, then Suboxone can stay in the body for up to six days.

Other Medications

The drugs in your body can interact with each other in varied ways. Other medications can increase the amount of time Suboxone stays in your system. Certain drugs, such as antifungals, can slow down the metabolism of Suboxone, and thus extend the amount of time it remains in the body.

People who are taking multiple medications may want to talk to their doctor to ensure that Suboxone stays in the system as expected and for as short of a time as possible.

Preferred Suboxone Use to Overcome Opioid Addiction

When taken as prescribed, Suboxone stays in the body for about 24 hours. However, some individuals may have traces for up to three days in the system since those with higher body mass tend to take longer to rid of the drug. Suboxone is designed to dissolve under the tongue, allowing for quicker absorption.

To monitor and maintain the therapeutic effects, most physicians will recommend frequent online visits for individuals receiving treatments after the initial evaluation. Depending on the dosage, the exact amount of time Suboxone remains in the system varies.

It is recommended for individuals taking Suboxone receive medical guidance and advice to maximize the treatment and recovery from opioid addiction.

So, How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

After reading this article, we hope you already got your answers from asking “how long does suboxone stay in your system”?

Suboxone has a half-life of 25 to 42 hours, meaning it will be completely eliminated from your system in around 2 days. If you have a test coming up, make sure to check the individual half-life of the specific drug you are taking and consult with your doctor to decide the best timeline for discontinuation.

Take Suboxone only as prescribed and only to help you overcome your opioid use disorder.

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