Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Buprenorphine (Subutex) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Buprenorphine 8mg Sublingual Tablet (generic) | $100 – $200 | $10 – $30 |
| Buprenorphine 2mg Sublingual Tablet (generic) | $80 – $150 | $10 – $25 |
| Sublocade 300mg Injection (monthly) | $1,500 – $2,000 | $100 – $400 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Tier 2–3 — covered for opioid use disorder treatment; prescriber must have DEA waiver
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Generic buprenorphine sublingual tablets cost $100 to $200 per month without insurance. The Sublocade monthly injection costs $1,500 to $2,000.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of opioid use disorder. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms while having a ceiling effect that limits overdose risk.
Buprenorphine (Subutex) contains only buprenorphine. Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone to deter misuse. Both are effective for opioid dependence treatment.