What Is Sublocade?
Sublocade is an FDA-approved, extended-release formulation of buprenorphine delivered as a once-monthly injection. It is prescribed specifically for the treatment of opioid use disorder in patients who have already begun treatment with a buprenorphine-containing medication and are on a stable dose. Rather than taking a daily film or tablet, patients receiving Sublocade visit their provider once a month for a single injection that delivers a steady, controlled dose of buprenorphine over the following 30 days.
For many patients in medication-assisted treatment, Sublocade represents a meaningful step forward in how opioid use disorder is managed. It removes the daily routine of taking medication at home and replaces it with a simple monthly clinic visit, allowing patients to focus more fully on the other parts of their recovery.
How Sublocade Differs from Daily Suboxone
If you are currently taking daily Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual film or tablet), you are already familiar with the benefits of buprenorphine-based treatment. Suboxone is a highly effective medication that reduces cravings and prevents withdrawal, but it does require a daily commitment. The film or tablet must be dissolved under the tongue each day, and patients must plan around their dosing schedule. For patients who want the benefits of extended-release buprenorphine but prefer a shorter interval than monthly, we also offer Brixadi as a weekly or bi-weekly injection.
Sublocade eliminates that daily requirement. Key differences include:
- Dosing frequency: Sublocade is administered once per month at the clinic, compared to Suboxone which is taken every day at home.
- Medication delivery: Sublocade is a subcutaneous injection that forms a small, solid deposit under the skin. This depot slowly releases buprenorphine into the bloodstream over the course of 30 days, maintaining consistent medication levels.
- No daily decisions: With Sublocade, there is no film to remember each morning, no risk of a missed dose, and no need to carry medication when traveling.
- Steady blood levels: Because the medication releases continuously from the injection site, patients experience fewer peaks and valleys in buprenorphine levels throughout the month compared to once-daily oral dosing.
Both medications contain buprenorphine and both are effective treatments for opioid use disorder. The choice between them depends on the patient's treatment history, stability, and personal preferences. Your provider can help you determine which option is the best fit for where you are in your recovery.
Who Is a Candidate for Sublocade?
Sublocade is typically recommended for patients who have already been stabilized on a transmucosal buprenorphine-containing product, such as Suboxone, and are doing well in their treatment. Ideal candidates generally meet the following criteria:
- Currently stable on a daily buprenorphine dose of 8 mg or higher for at least seven days
- Consistent with clinic appointments and counseling participation
- Looking to reduce the burden of daily medication management
- Motivated to continue their recovery with fewer day-to-day treatment tasks
Sublocade is not typically the first medication prescribed for a patient new to treatment. New patients at Restoration Recovery generally begin with daily Suboxone, which allows their provider to find the right dose and monitor early response to treatment. Once a patient is stable and has demonstrated consistent progress, transitioning to Sublocade becomes an option worth discussing with the care team.
How the Injection Works
The Sublocade injection is administered by a healthcare provider at the clinic. It cannot be self-administered or taken home. The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
During the injection, the provider delivers the medication subcutaneously into the abdominal area. Once injected, the liquid solution forms a small, solid depot beneath the skin. This depot acts as a slow-release reservoir, gradually delivering buprenorphine into the bloodstream over approximately 30 days. Patients may feel a small lump at the injection site, which is normal and resolves on its own over time.
The first two injections are given at a dose of 300 mg, one month apart. After that, the provider may continue at 300 mg or adjust to a 100 mg maintenance dose depending on the patient's clinical response and treatment goals. Your provider will determine the appropriate long-term dosing plan based on your individual needs.
Benefits of Monthly Sublocade Treatment
Patients who transition from daily Suboxone to Sublocade often report several practical and clinical advantages:
- No daily dosing decisions: One injection per month replaces 30 days of daily film administration, removing a common source of treatment friction.
- Consistent medication levels: The depot delivery system provides steady buprenorphine levels, which can mean fewer cravings and a more even experience throughout the month.
- Reduced diversion risk: Because Sublocade is administered in the clinic and cannot be taken home, it significantly reduces the risk of medication misuse or diversion.
- Convenience and freedom: Patients no longer need to plan around daily dosing, store medication at home, or manage refill schedules. Travel and daily routines become simpler.
- Continued recovery support: Sublocade works alongside counseling, IOP, and other recovery services. The medication addresses the physical component of opioid dependence while patients continue building the skills and support systems needed for long-term recovery.