Sublocade
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
SUBLOCADE™ (buprenorphine extended-release) injection, for subcutaneous use (CIII) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe addiction (dependence) to opioid drugs (prescription or illegal) who have received an oral transmucosal (used under the tongue or inside the cheek) buprenorphine-containing medicine at a dose that controls withdrawal symptoms for at least 7 days. SUBLOCADE is part of a complete treatment plan that should include counseling.
SUBLOCADE Questions
The short answer is no, but common side effects of Sublocade include constipation, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Yes. The buprenorphine in Sublocade binds tighter to the opioid receptors in the brain, and therefore will block kratom from the receptors.
Sublocade may caused itching or pain at the injection site.
The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment (NAABT) doesn’t support the use of Sublocade for pain.
In regards to potential overdose risk, buprenorphine has been found to be six times safer than methadone, according to researchers, according to a six year study performed in the UK. Since Sublocade is a once-monthly injection, there is virtually no overdose concern, however there are drug interactions to consider.
Check with your commercial insurance/prescription coverage provider to confirm your exact benefit.
Sublocade is not available to the patient; it is ordered and administered by your physician in the office. Under no circumstances should a patient self administer Sublocade.
Only physicians with a specific state license allowing XDEA medications can prescribe and administer Sublocade.
Sublocade is administered to individuals who are currently in treatment for moderate to severe opioid use disorder and who have been on an oral form of a buprenorphine-contained product (Suboxone, Subutex, or Zubsolv) for at lease 7 days.
Yes, one of the side effects of Sublocade is fatigue. However, this side effect should subside once the body is used to the constant prescence of buprenorphine.
This depends on the specific drug test you are taking. Many labs are starting to test for the presence of buprenorphine, and its metabolite, norbuprenorphine.
In some cases, yes. Some patients do report trouble sleeping, or insomnia, while being treated with buprenorphine.
Yes. This usually goes away after the body adjusts to the steady presence of buprenorphine.
Sublocade is administered just below the skin in the abdominal area, and is metabolized over 30 days by the liver.
Sublocade is a schedule III narcotic.
Sublocade treatment is a form of medication assisted treatment that helps those struggling with opioid addiction. It involves meeting with a doctor and psychotherapy sessions, as well as staying compliant with UA’s, breathalyzers, and coming to all appointments.