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Medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder relies on several proven options. Both Sublocade and Suboxone contain buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms. However, these treatments differ significantly in their delivery methods, duration of action, and specific advantages for recovery. While Suboxone is a daily oral medication combining buprenorphine with naloxone, Sublocade is a monthly injectable form of buprenorphine that healthcare professionals administer.
Buprenorphine is a prescription medication that helps treat opioid dependence and addiction.[1] This medication works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, but it produces a much milder effect, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The partial activation of these receptors means that even at higher doses, buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect” that helps prevent overdose and makes it a safer option for treatment.
Healthcare specialists primarily prescribe buprenorphine in two popular formulations: Sublocade and Suboxone. Sublocade is a monthly injection administered by physicians under medical supervision, while Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone in a film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue. Both formulations support recovery, but their administration methods and specific benefits differ.
Sublocade is a long-acting form of buprenorphine administered as a monthly injection under the skin.[2] This extended-release formulation is used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder in people who have already started and stabilized on oral buprenorphine. The medication creates a steady level of buprenorphine in the body, which helps control cravings and withdrawal symptoms throughout the month.
The injection is given by healthcare professionals in a medical setting, typically in the abdomen. This treatment method offers several advantages – people don’t need to remember daily medication, there’s no risk of losing or misplacing the medication, and the controlled delivery system helps maintain consistent medication levels. Most people start with two monthly 300mg doses, followed by 100mg monthly maintenance doses, though the treatment plan can be adjusted based on individual needs.[3]
Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone (which prevents opioid overdose).[4] Taken as a film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue, it works to treat opioid dependence and addiction. The buprenorphine component helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, the naloxone is included as a deterrent to misuse – if someone tries to inject Suboxone, the naloxone will trigger immediate withdrawal symptoms.
Physicians typically prescribe Suboxone daily, and doses are carefully adjusted to meet each person’s specific needs. The medication allows many people to feel stable and normal, making it possible to focus on work, relationships, and other aspects of recovery. This prescription usually comprises a comprehensive treatment approach with counseling and support services. Unlike methadone or Sublocade, which requires visits to a clinic, Suboxone can be prescribed for home use once stability is established, making it a more convenient option for many people.
Both Suboxone and Sublocade contain buprenorphine as their active ingredient and effectively treat opioid use disorder, but they differ significantly in their delivery methods and advantages. Suboxone requires daily dosing under the tongue, while a healthcare professional injects Sublocade once a month. This key difference affects how each medication might fit into someone’s recovery journey.
Suboxone offers flexibility with dosing and immediate control – doses can be adjusted quickly, and treatment can be stopped promptly if necessary. The daily dosing schedule helps some people maintain a routine and sense of control over their treatment. However, this same daily dosing requirement can become challenging for some, particularly those who struggle with medication adherence or have busy schedules.
Sublocade eliminates the need to remember daily medication and removes the possibility of missing doses. The steady release of medication helps maintain consistent levels in the body, which can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms more effectively. However, the injection comes with less flexibility: if side effects occur, the medication remains in the system for a month. Additionally, people must be stable on oral buprenorphine before starting Sublocade, and they need monthly visits to a healthcare facility for injections.
Cost and insurance coverage also often play a role in medication choice. While both medications are widely covered by insurance plans, coverage levels and out-of-pocket expenses can vary significantly. The choice between these medications typically depends on individual circumstances, preferences, lifestyle factors, and guidance from healthcare specialists.
Research shows that both Suboxone and Sublocade demonstrate strong effectiveness in treating opioid use disorder.[5] Clinical studies indicate that both medications help reduce illicit opioid use, decrease cravings, and support long-term recovery when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The key difference lies in their effectiveness and how they might work better for different situations and lifestyles.
Adherence plays a crucial role in medication effectiveness. With Suboxone, taking the medication consistently each day directly impacts treatment success. The monthly Sublocade injection removes this daily responsibility, which can lead to better treatment outcomes for some people. Research shows that both medications, when taken as prescribed, significantly increase the chances of sustained recovery compared to attempting recovery without medication assistance.
For both medications, effectiveness increases when combined with counseling and support services. Studies show that this comprehensive approach – medication plus therapeutic support – offers the best chance for long-term recovery.[6] This evidence base has led many physicians and addiction specialists to recognize both medications as first-line treatment options when helping people overcome opioid use disorder.
Suboxone and Sublocade are formulated with specific safeguards to minimize potential misuse.[7] Suboxone contains naloxone, which activates only if someone attempts to inject the medication, causing immediate withdrawal symptoms.
Sublocade has additional built-in protections against misuse due to its delivery system. The medication forms a solid deposit under the skin after injection, and the medication is slowly released over time. This makes it virtually impossible to remove or manipulate the medication. Additionally, since healthcare professionals can only administer it in a clinical setting, there’s no risk of diverting or misusing the medication at home.
While no medication is completely abuse-proof, both of these treatments have proven track records of safety when used as prescribed. The benefits of these medications in treating opioid use disorder far outweigh the risks, which is why medical associations and addiction specialists strongly support their use as part of comprehensive treatment programs.
Recovery from opioid addiction is a deeply personal journey that typically combines medication-assisted treatment with counseling, support systems, and lifestyle changes. This process often begins with medically supervised treatment using medications like Sublocade or Suboxone to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing people to focus on their recovery without the constant physical and psychological demands of withdrawal.
Successful recovery usually involves addressing the underlying factors that contributed to substance use, developing new coping strategies, rebuilding relationships, and creating a supportive environment. Many people find strength through professional therapy, peer support groups, family involvement, and holistic approaches like exercise, meditation, or spiritual practice.
While recovery can be challenging and may include setbacks, many people achieve lasting success, especially when they have access to comprehensive care and are committed to recovery.
Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.
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Sublocade requires one monthly injection at a doctor’s office, while Suboxone is taken daily at home as a film or tablet under the tongue. A healthcare professional must administer Sublocade into the abdomen area under the skin, whereas Suboxone is self-administered in a specific way that allows it to dissolve under the tongue.
Yes, but you must be stabilized on oral buprenorphine (like Suboxone) before starting Sublocade. Most people must be on a stable dose of oral buprenorphine for at least 7 days before making the switch. The transition requires careful medical supervision, and doctors typically start with two monthly 300mg doses of Sublocade before moving to a monthly 100mg maintenance dose.
Both medications have similar side effects since they contain buprenorphine. Common side effects include headache, nausea, constipation, insomnia, and sweating. Sublocade may cause injection site reactions like pain, itching, or redness. The main difference is that Sublocade side effects may last longer since the medication stays in your system for a month, while Suboxone side effects can often be managed by adjusting daily doses.
Yes, both medications allow you to work and perform daily activities normally. Neither medication should impair your ability to function once you’re stabilized. Many people maintain successful careers while taking medication. After the initial adjustment period, most people report feeling normal and able to focus on their work and personal responsibilities. It’s important to note that during the first few days of starting treatment, you should be cautious with activities like driving until you know how the medication affects you.
[1] What is Buprenorphine? Side Effects, Treatment & Use. (2024). Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options/buprenorphine on January 27, 2025
[2] Patient Information for SUBLOCADE® (buprenorphine extended-release) injection, for subcutaneous use (CIII). (n.d.). Www.sublocade.com. https://www.sublocade.com/ on January 27, 2025
[3] Starting Treatment With SUBLOCADE® (buprenorphine extended-release) injection, for subcutaneous use (CIII). (n.d.). Www.sublocade.com. https://www.sublocade.com/starting-treatment on January 27, 2025
[4] Patient Information for SUBOXONE® (buprenorphine and naloxone) Sublingual Film (CIII). (n.d.). Www.suboxone.com. https://www.suboxone.com/ on January 27, 2025
[5] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). How effective are medications to treat opioid use disorder? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/efficacy-medications-opioid-use-disorder on January 27, 2025
[6] Medications for Substance Use Disorders. (2024). Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options on January 27, 2025
[7] Shulman, M., Wai, J. M., & Nunes, E. V. (2019). Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: An Overview. CNS Drugs, 33(6), 567–580. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6585403/ on January 27, 2025