Sublocade injections replace the need for daily medication, eliminating the risk of forgetting or losing doses, and saving time compared to taking buprenorphine sublingually, which can be inconvenient. Monthly injections improve adherence to treatment and may provide higher blood buprenorphine levels with improved blocking of cravings. The risk of dental decay associated with sublingual buprenorphine is also reduced.

Before receiving Sublocade injections, you should have previously taken and tolerated a form of buprenorphine without significant adverse effects. Although rare, Sublocade, like any buprenorphine product, can cause liver injury, especially in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Regular liver function monitoring before and during treatment is recommended. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your provider before receiving Sublocade. Sublocade cannotbe immediately discontinued and may block the effect of opioid pain-relieving medications, complicating the management of acute pain. Additionally, if you stop taking Sublocade, your body will be more sensitive to opioids in the future, and using the same amount as before could lead to overdose or death. 

Sublocade is injected under the skin (thigh, stomach, buttocks, or upper arm) once per month. After each injection, you may see or feel a small lump under your skin where the medication was injected. This could last for several weeks, but the lump should gradually get smaller. Avoid rubbing or massaging the lump or wearing tight clothing over the area.

No, Sublocade is not available in retail pharmacies. It can only be ordered and administered by a healthcare provider in order to maintain temperature and DEA regulations.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, discuss the possible risks and benefits of Sublocade with your healthcare provider. Sublocade contains buprenorphine, which may cause newborns to experience withdrawal after birth. This is generally managed in a hospital setting without long-term impacts to the baby. While Sublocade is generally considered safe in breastfeeding, a small amount of medication may pass into breast milk. Infants should be monitored for signs of sedation.

Do not take Sublocade with other opioid medications, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants, as this can cause drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and/or death. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Eligible patients with Medicaid of New Mexico, BCBS NM Turquoise Medicaid, UHC NM Turquoise Medicaid, Molina NM Turquoise Care or Presbyterian NM Turquoise Medicaid can typically get their first Sublocade shot within one week. Patients with other insurance plans will need to wait 2-4 weeks to allow for insurance prior authorization and shipment.

Eligible patients with Medicaid of Oregon, PacificSource CCO Central OR Region, PacificSource CCO Columbia Gorge Region, PacificSource CCO Legacy Plan, Trillium Community Plan, Intercommunity Health Care Network CCO or Care Oregon can typically get their first Sublocade shot within one week. Patients with other insurance plans will need to wait 2-4 weeks to allow for insurance prior authorization and shipment.

Eligible patients with an unrestricted Alaska Medicaid plan can typically get their first Sublocade shot within one week. Patients with other insurance plans will need to wait 2-4 weeks to allow for insurance prior authorization and shipment.

Eligible patients with Medicaid of Washington Provider One, Molina Health Care, United Healthcare Community Plan of WA, or Coordinated Care can typically get their first Sublocade shot within one week. Patients with other insurance plans will need to wait 2-4 weeks to allow for insurance prior authorization and shipment.