Considering a Transition From Daily Suboxone®?
If you are currently taking Suboxone® and are interested in transitioning to a long-acting treatment option, Sublocade® (extended-release buprenorphine injection) may be an option to consider.
Sublocade® provides a long-acting form of buprenorphine, allowing patients to receive their medication through a scheduled injection rather than taking buprenorphine medication every day. The goal is to provide consistent medication coverage while simplifying your treatment routine.
Our Process
1. Evaluation
The first step is a comprehensive evaluation with our provider. We will review your current Suboxone® dose, treatment history, response to treatment, cravings or withdrawal symptoms, medical history, and other medications to determine whether Sublocade® may be appropriate for you.
2. Insurance Authorization
If Sublocade® is determined to be an appropriate treatment option, our office will work with your insurance provider to request authorization. Insurance approval and coverage requirements vary by plan.
3. Approval and Scheduling
Once insurance approval has been obtained and the medication is available, our office will schedule your Sublocade® injection appointment and provide you with instructions regarding your treatment.
4. Receiving Your Injection
Sublocade® is administered by a healthcare professional as a subcutaneous injection in the abdominal area. It is not an injection that patients administer themselves.
Your provider will determine the appropriate dose and treatment schedule based on your individual clinical needs. The FDA-approved labeling includes an initial dosing schedule followed by monthly maintenance treatment, with adjustments made by the treating provider when clinically appropriate.
5. Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up appointments are an important part of Sublocade® treatment. At each visit, we will assess your response to treatment, discuss cravings or withdrawal symptoms, monitor your progress, and evaluate the injection site.
Important Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Keep all scheduled appointments.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your provider.
- Tell us about all medications, supplements, and substances you are taking.
- Inform us if you experience cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or a return to opioid use.
- Keep your provider informed of any changes in your health.
- Contact our office if you have concerns about your injection site or treatment.
DON’T:
- Do not attempt to administer Sublocade® yourself.
- Do not attempt to remove, manipulate, or tamper with the medication depot under the skin.
- Do not change your Suboxone® or other medication dose without speaking with your provider.
- Do not use opioids, alcohol, sedatives, or other medications that may cause significant sedation without discussing them with your healthcare provider.
- Do not miss scheduled follow-up appointments.
Sublocade® must only be administered by a healthcare professional and must be given as a subcutaneous abdominal injection. It should never be injected into a vein, muscle, or other location.
Possible Side Effects
As with any medication, Sublocade® can cause side effects. Some commonly reported side effects include:
- Injection-site pain, redness, itching, swelling, or irritation
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue or sleepiness
- Sedation
- Changes in liver enzymes
Most injection-site reactions are monitored during routine follow-up. However, patients should contact their healthcare provider if they develop significant pain, increasing redness or swelling, drainage, signs of infection, or other concerning changes at the injection site.
Serious Risks
Buprenorphine can cause serious or life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants. Sublocade® also carries a specific warning that serious harm or death can occur if the medication is injected intravenously.
Seek emergency medical attention for severe difficulty breathing, extreme sleepiness, loss of consciousness, or other symptoms of a serious reaction.
Is Sublocade® Right for You?
If you are currently taking Suboxone® and are interested in moving away from daily medication, Sublocade® may be worth discussing with your provider. Our team will evaluate your individual situation, determine whether you are an appropriate candidate, and assist with the insurance authorization process.
Contact our office to schedule an evaluation and learn whether Sublocade® may be an appropriate option for your treatment.
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