How Long Does Buprenorphine Stay in Your System? Duration of Detection and Effects

How Long Does It Take for Buprenorphine to Leave Your Body?

As a rule of thumb, most drugs require approximately 5 half-lives to completely leave the body.[2] Given that the average half-life of buprenorphine ranges from 24–42 hours and can range from anywhere up to 48+ hours in some individuals, translating to approximately 5–8 days.[3] This is just an approximate figure based on average values, and there are many factors that can either reduce or increase that amount of time.

In addition to the above-mentioned variables regarding half-life times, each formulation has a different elimination profile. Sublingual tablets and films, buccal films, and transdermal patches have a similar elimination profile; whereas, extended-release injectable formulations provide significantly slower rates of elimination over weeks at a time.

The time frame for detecting buprenorphine in urine samples is typically up to about 7 days after the last dose.[3] The substance and its primary metabolite, norbuprenorphine, produced through the breakdown of buprenorphine, will be detected by labs using this method. In general, many laboratories require that both substances be tested to ensure accurate results.

Additionally, there have been studies showing how wide-ranging the amount of time buprenorphine remains detectable in a given sample can vary based upon several factors, including but not limited to: metabolic rate, degree of hydration, kidney function, and history of doses taken.

Approximate Detection Periods for Buprenorphine

The detection periods for buprenorphine will vary according to the type of drug test used.

Factors such as laboratory procedures, concentration limits established by each lab, and variability in metabolism all affect the results obtained in testing. That means two people who take the same amount of buprenorphine at the same time may have different results when taking the exact same drug test.

How Long Does Buprenorphine Remain in Your System?

• The Status of the Liver: As the major metabolic site for buprenorphine, impaired liver function will decrease the rate of elimination and increase the window of detection for buprenorphine.
• Dose: The larger the dose, the slower the body will eliminate buprenorphine and therefore the longer the window of detection.
• Duration of Treatment: With extended duration therapy, there will be a prolonged period of accumulation in the body prior to achieving steady-state levels of buprenorphine, which may influence elimination time.
• The Formulation Being Utilized: Different formulations such as sublingual tablet, buccal film, transdermal patch, and injectable depot formulations have differing rates of clearance from the body.
• Metabolic Differences: Differences due to age, body composition, genetic predisposition, and other medications that are being used at the same time can enhance or reduce the rate of elimination of buprenorphine.

Why Does Buprenorphine Stay in the Body Longer than Other Opioids?

Because of its unique chemical structure, buprenorphine differs significantly from most other opioids.[4] Buprenorphine binds quickly to opioid receptors and releases slowly.[18] This means buprenorphine remains attached to opioid receptors for a long time. Additionally, because of its high lipid solubility, buprenorphine is readily taken into adipose tissue where it is then slowly released back into circulation.

These characteristics, combined with a relatively long elimination half-life, make it necessary for most patients to receive only one daily dose, make withdrawal symptom fluctuations less dramatic between doses, and result in a longer window of detection for buprenorphine when compared to shorter-acting opioids.

Will I Test Negative If I Feel Sober?

One of the biggest areas of confusion that patients in treatment experience relates to when a patient can expect buprenorphine to stop being active.

Clinical effects (how the medication makes you feel and whether it will stop your cravings/withdrawal) usually go away well before the medication is cleared from your body.

Feeling a medication and the medication being present in the body are two distinct concepts. The blood level of the medication may continue to be measurable even after its effects have worn off, and drug tests can still result in a positive regardless of how sober you feel.

How Long Will Extended Release Buprenorphine Injections Stay in Your System?

Unlike sublingual buprenorphine tablets and films, which require regular dosing, extended-release injectable formulations such as Sublocade and Brixadi are formulated to release buprenorphine gradually over several weeks after a single injection.[5][6]

Because of this, extended-release formulations generally have a much longer effective half-life than tablets and films.[7] Due to this difference, it is quite normal for the extended-release formulations to remain detectable on drug tests for many months post-dosing, which is significantly longer than the few-day window that usually exists for sublingually administered medications. When transitioning from an oral formulation to an extended-release formulation –or vice versa–it is advisable to discuss with your doctor what you might expect in terms of drug test results/times.

When Should I Contact My Doctor?

If you are wondering about anything related to upcoming drug testing and what to anticipate, or you have issues as follows regarding your liver (or any other medical condition which may interfere with your body’s ability to filter out the drug) or pregnancy and how either will impact your treatment, you should contact your doctor. 

You should contact your doctor to get their advice on stopping or tapering off of buprenorphine. The reason for this is that your doctor can provide you with the correct advice based upon your particular health status, medications being taken, and your treatment objectives at that time.

General guidelines regarding when certain drugs may be detected in urine or blood do not reflect your personal situation.

Conclusion

The amount of time buprenorphine remains in the system varies depending on several variables, including liver function, dosage level, duration of treatment, and whether the formulation was administered orally (sublingually), by injection (extended release), or some other combination.

Since each person’s situation is unique, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor prior to any drug testing, if you have any questions concerning managing medication, drug testing, or your overall treatment.

If you are researching this topic because you are misusing your buprenorphine prescription or using someone else’s and want to stop, then help is available. Reach out to us today. Our admissions team is available to answer your questions, learn about your situation, and help you determine your next step.