Sublocade Once-Monthly Injection for Opiate Addiction
Sublocade is a long-acting, monthly injectable buprenorphine treatment designed to provide continuous protection against opioid cravings and withdrawal without the hassle of daily dosing. Administered under the care of a healthcare professional, it delivers a steady, controlled release of medication to support your long-term recovery with convenience and peace of mind.
Is Sublocade Right for You?
Sublocade may be an ideal option if you are currently stabilized on a daily buprenorphine medication (such as Suboxone) for at least seven days and are looking for greater freedom from a daily dosing routine. This monthly extended-release injection is particularly well-suited for individuals who struggle with keeping up with daily schedules, travel frequently, worry about lost or stolen prescriptions, or simply want to reduce daily reminders of their recovery. By providing a continuous, steady level of medication under the care of your healthcare provider, Sublocade eliminates the daily highs and lows of sublingual dosing while safeguarding your progress. Consulting with an addiction medicine specialist can help determine if transitioning to Sublocade aligns with your personal recovery goals and lifestyle needs.
How it Works
Sublocade utilizes an innovative, extended-release technology to deliver a continuous stream of buprenorphine throughout your body over a 30-day period. Upon subcutaneous injection into the abdomen by a healthcare professional, the liquid medication solidifies into a small depot under the skin, where it slowly dissolves and releases a steady, therapeutic dose into your bloodstream. This constant delivery keeps your brain’s opioid receptors saturated, effectively neutralizing cravings and blocking severe withdrawal symptoms without the daily fluctuations in medication levels associated with sublingual films or tablets. Because it is administered exclusively in a clinical setting, Sublocade maintains stable, reliable protection that fits seamlessly into your monthly routine.
Contact Our Team to Schedule and Appointment
Sublocade injections are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapies and support systems to ensure the best chance of recovery. At our Greenville, SC or Charlotte, NC, office, we’ll determine the best approach and usage of medications if needed to help combat your addiction, tailored for you.
FAQs
What is Sublocade and how does it work?
Sublocade is a once-monthly, extended-release injection of buprenorphine. Once injected, it forms a solid depot (a small depot mass) under the skin that slowly releases a continuous, steady level of buprenorphine over the course of a month. This satisfies opioid receptors in the brain to block cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the requirement of taking daily medication.
How is Sublocade administered?
Sublocade must be administered by a certified healthcare professional. It is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the abdominal area only. It cannot be given intravenously or intramuscularly, as doing so can cause severe harm or fatal blood clots.
Do I need to take daily buprenorphine before starting Sublocade?
Yes. Patients must first undergo induction and stabilization on a transmucosal buprenorphine product (such as Suboxone) for at least 7 days before transitioning to Sublocade. This ensures your body tolerates buprenorphine safely before receiving a month-long depot injection.
What does the injection feel like, and will there be a bump?
It is normal to feel a small, firm bump (depot) under the skin at the injection site. This is the medication slowly releasing over time. It will gradually decrease in size over the month. You should avoid rubbing, squeezing, or massaging the injection site, and ensure your clothing does not rub aggressively against the area.