Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates the opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser extent than full opioids like heroin or oxycodone. Naloxone is added to deter misuse of the medication as it can trigger withdrawal symptoms if someone tries to inject it to get high.