Medication assisted treatment
Sublocade Treatment
Sublocade is a once-monthly buprenorphine injection for moderate to severe opioid use disorder \u2014 steady protection from withdrawal and cravings without a daily dose.
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is an extended-release form of buprenorphine given as an injection just beneath the skin of the abdomen. Once injected, it forms a small deposit that releases medication gradually over the following weeks, keeping buprenorphine at a consistent level in your body.
It is administered only by a healthcare professional, which means every dose is given on schedule and there is nothing to remember, refill or safeguard at home.
Why patients choose the monthly injection
- One injection a month — no daily dosing and no medication to store at home.
- Steady buprenorphine levels around the clock, without the peaks and dips of daily dosing.
- Nothing that can be lost, misplaced, diverted or taken by a child.
- Withdrawal relief and craving control continue even on the days life gets hectic.
- Given in clinic, which keeps you connected to your provider and counselor each month.
What treatment looks like
Step 1
Stabilize on oral buprenorphine
Sublocade is started after at least seven days on a transmucosal buprenorphine product such as Suboxone, so we know you tolerate the medication.
Step 2
Insurance and authorization
Our staff handles the prior authorization with your plan and confirms your coverage before anything is scheduled.
Step 3
Monthly injection
A healthcare professional gives the injection just under the skin of the abdomen. It takes only a few minutes and the site is rotated each month.
Step 4
Ongoing care
Each visit includes a check-in with your provider, and counseling continues on your regular schedule.
Sublocade or Suboxone?
Both medications contain buprenorphine and both work. The difference is how you take it: a daily film or tablet at home, or one injection a month in clinic. Your provider will help you weigh your routine, your travel and work schedule, and what has worked for you in the past.
Want to compare? Read about Suboxone treatment.
Sublocade FAQs
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is an extended-release buprenorphine injection for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder. It is given once a month by a healthcare professional and slowly releases medication over the following weeks.
How is Sublocade different from Suboxone?
Suboxone is taken daily under the tongue. Sublocade is a monthly injection placed just under the skin of the abdomen, where it forms a small deposit that releases buprenorphine steadily. There is no daily dosing, no pharmacy pickup and nothing at home to store or misplace.
Who is a good candidate for Sublocade?
Sublocade is intended for patients who have already started on an oral buprenorphine product, such as Suboxone, and have been stable on it for at least seven days. It suits people who travel, work long shifts, or simply prefer not to think about medication every day.
Does the Sublocade injection hurt?
Most patients describe a brief sting and some pressure. Mild soreness, itching or a small lump at the injection site is common for a few days and fades on its own. The site is rotated with each monthly dose.
How often do I need to come in for Sublocade?
Once a month, at least 26 days apart. Your visits also include a check-in with your provider and your counseling schedule, so the injection fits into care you are already receiving.
What are the side effects of Sublocade?
Common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, injection-site pain or itching, and elevated liver enzymes. Your provider reviews your health history and monitors you throughout treatment.
Can Sublocade be stopped?
Yes, though buprenorphine stays in your system for months after the last injection, which many patients find protective. Any change to your plan is made with your provider, never abruptly on your own.
Is Sublocade covered by insurance?
Sublocade is covered by Medicaid, Medicare and most private plans we accept. Because it is a specialty medication, our staff handles the prior authorization and will confirm your coverage before scheduling the injection.
Ask about Sublocade
Call our team to see whether the monthly injection is a fit and we will handle the insurance paperwork.