If you or someone you love is in treatment for opioid use disorder, you have probably heard of Suboxone — the daily sublingual film that has helped millions of people stop using opioids. But there is a newer option that is changing the game: Sublocade, a once-monthly buprenorphine injection that eliminates the need for daily medication altogether.
What Exactly Is Sublocade?
Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release) is an FDA-approved injectable formulation of buprenorphine — the same active ingredient found in Suboxone. Instead of dissolving a film under your tongue every day, Sublocade is administered as a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin, typically in the abdomen) once per month by a healthcare provider.
The injection uses a patented ATRIGEL delivery system that forms a small, solid depot under the skin. Over the course of 28 days, buprenorphine is slowly released into the bloodstream, maintaining steady, therapeutic levels without the peaks and valleys associated with daily dosing.
Key Facts About Sublocade
- Active ingredient: buprenorphine (no naloxone)
- Dosing: once monthly subcutaneous injection
- Available doses: 100 mg and 300 mg
- FDA approved: November 2017
- Manufacturer: Indivior
- Requires prior stabilization on sublingual buprenorphine
How Does Sublocade Work?
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means it binds to the same opioid receptors in the brain that heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers bind to — but it activates them only partially. The result is that cravings are suppressed, withdrawal symptoms are blocked, and the euphoric "high" from other opioids is significantly reduced or eliminated.
Because Sublocade maintains consistent buprenorphine levels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, patients do not experience the daily fluctuations that can sometimes trigger cravings. There is no morning dose to remember, no film to carry, and no risk of diversion (sharing or selling medication).
Sublocade vs. Suboxone: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Sublocade | Suboxone |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing frequency | Once monthly injection | Daily sublingual film/tablet |
| Active ingredient | Buprenorphine only | Buprenorphine + naloxone |
| Administration | Provider-administered | Self-administered at home |
| Diversion risk | Very low (given by provider) | Higher (patient carries medication) |
| Blood level consistency | Very stable (no peaks/valleys) | Daily fluctuations possible |
| Requires stabilization first | Yes (2–7 days on sublingual) | No |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sublocade?
Sublocade is an excellent option for patients who are already stable on sublingual buprenorphine (Suboxone or generic) and want to simplify their treatment. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Patients who struggle with daily medication adherence
- People who want to remove the daily reminder of their treatment
- Patients concerned about keeping medication at home (around children or others in recovery)
- Individuals who travel frequently and find carrying medication inconvenient
- Anyone who wants the most consistent buprenorphine levels possible
You must be on sublingual buprenorphine for at least 7 days before starting Sublocade, and your dose must be stable. Your provider will determine the right starting dose (100 mg or 300 mg) based on your current sublingual dose and clinical picture.
What Does the Injection Feel Like?
Sublocade is injected subcutaneously — meaning just under the skin, not into a muscle or vein. Most patients describe it as a brief pinch, similar to any other injection. The injection site (usually the abdomen) may have a small, firm lump for a few weeks as the depot slowly dissolves. This is completely normal and expected.
The injection takes less than a minute and is administered in the clinic. Patients typically leave immediately afterward with no downtime required.
Is Sublocade Covered by Insurance?
Sublocade is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicaid in Louisiana. The cash price without insurance can be significant, but Indivior offers a patient assistance program for those who qualify. At MAT's Clinic, our team will help you navigate your coverage options before your first injection.
Getting Started with Sublocade at MAT's Clinic
MAT's Clinic offers Sublocade injections at our Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Alexandria locations. If you are currently on Suboxone and interested in switching, or if you are new to treatment and want to explore all your options, our board-certified providers will walk you through everything.
The first step is a brief online consultation — no waiting rooms, no judgment, just real medical care from providers who give a damn.
Ready to Talk to a Provider?
Get started with a free online consultation. We'll help you find the right treatment — whether that's Sublocade, Suboxone, or something else entirely.