Sublocade

What Is the Sublocade Shot and How Does It Work?

Sublocade is an FDA-approved prescription to help treat moderate to severe OUD. People can be candidates for Sublocate when they are receiving detox and addiction treatment and are already taking buprenorphine as part of their detox treatment plan to help manage withdrawal symptoms for at least seven days. 

Sublocade is a liquid form of buprenorphine that attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain to block the effects of opioids. The medication helps reduce cravings for opioids and makes it easier to manage withdrawal symptoms. 

The Sublocade shot is an extended-release medication injected transdermally just under the skin, usually in the stomach region. After it is injected, the liquid turns into a gel called a depot. Over the month, Sublocade is released at a steady rate. After the initial injection, Sublocade levels will peak in about 24 hours and then level off to the targeted level that remains consistent throughout the month. 

What Substances Are the Sublocade Shot Used For?

The Sublocade shot is used to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms for opioid and opiates, including illegal ones, and prescription medications, including: 

• Fentanyl
• Oxycodone
• Hydromorphone
• Heroin
• Morphine
• Oxymorphone
• Codeine
• Hydrocodone
• Methadone

Potential Side Effects of Sublocade

As with other prescription medications, Sublocade can have various side effects in certain people, such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Injection site reactions
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Lethargy

Most side effects will diminish as the body adjusts to Sublocade. However, any potential side effects should be reported to the prescribing healthcare professional. In rare cases, some people could experience adverse reactions to Sublocade, including:

• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Becoming extremely tired
• Fainting
• Blurred vision
• Slowed breathing
• Cognitive difficulties
• Slurred speech
• Elevated liver enzyme levels

Immediate medical care should be sought if someone experiences any adverse reactions. 

Treatment Programs We Utilize Sublocade In

At Serenity Grove, Sublocade may be included as part of someone’s comprehensive and individualized treatment plan in the following programs and levels of care:

• Detox: We provide medically supervised detox with 24/7 monitoring and support. Sublocade treatment can begin after the person has been on buprenorphine for at least seven days. Since Sublocade is time-released, it makes managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings easier. 
• Residential: Sublocade treatment can continue when someone transitions to our residential program along with evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities. Our residential care provides a highly structured, intensive treatment program with 24/7 monitoring and support. 
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Our PHP provides the same level of care as our residential program, except people return home in the evenings. Sublocade, as part of PHP care, makes it easier to manage withdrawal and cravings independently when at home. 
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Sublocade treatment can be highly effective for people in our IOP. Since sessions are typically half days, people recovering from OUD benefit from the effects of Sublocade.
  
• Outpatient Program (OP): People who transition to our OP from a higher level of care continue to receive ongoing support to help them maintain their sobriety. Sublocade at this level of care continues to help people address cravings and any lingering withdrawal symptoms. 

How Long Does Sublocade Stay in Your System?

The Sublocade shot provides time-released doses of buprenorphine for up to 30 days. A steady state is usually achieved in about four to six months, which means the body amount of Sublocade in your system is equal to the amount being eliminated. Upon discontinuation for Sublocade, it can take up to 12 months before it is no longer in your system.   

Sublocade vs. Naltrexone

Naltrexone is another medication that can be prescribed to help manage cravings from OUD and block the effects of opioids. It is also used to address cravings from alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the effects of alcohol. Naltrexone is taken daily compared to monthly shots with Sublocade. 

Recommended: Naltrexone vs. Naloxone: What’s the Difference?

Sublocade vs. Suboxone

Suboxone is another daily medication used to treat OUD. It contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Suboxone can be prescribed when starting detox to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Whereas, Sublocade cannot be given until at least seven days after taking another form of buprenorphine. 

Sublocade vs. Vivitrol

Vivitrol is another monthly injection approved by the FDA to treat OUD and also AUD. It contains naltrexone and is in the class of opioid antagonists. Vivitrol helps manage cravings and block the effects of opioids and alcohol. However, it does not help in managing withdrawal symptoms. 

Sublocade is in the class of partial opioid agonists, which means they work similarly to opioids without the euphoric and pleasurable effects.  

How Effective Is Sublocade?

Sublocade can be highly effective in helping reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings from opioids. In one 24-week clinical study, participants were opioid-free for 80% of the study period. In another year-long clinical study, 88% of participants were highly satisfied with Sublocade and reported improved employment rates and quality of life.