Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can use one or multiple medications to help stabilize brain function and reduce the neurological and behavioral effects of addiction. A common medication is an extended-release medication given by injection once a month and commonly known by the brand Sublocade.
Medication for addiction treatment (MAT) can use one or multiple medications to help stabilize brain function and reduce the neurological and behavioral effects of addiction. One effective medication is buprenorphine, available under brand names like Sublocade, Suboxone, Zubsolv, Subutex, and others (however, Bunavail has been discontinued).
It is one part of a comprehensive MAT program addressing a patient’s medical, social, and psychological needs.
While most buprenorphine regimens are administered each day orally, Sublocade is a once-per-month injection. The extended-release option means that patients don’t have to take medication every day, enabling them to spend more time focusing on the mental, emotional, and social aspects of recovery.
Sublocade is an extended-release medication injected by a healthcare professional once every month. It is used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) as part of a medication assisted treatment (MAT) program. Sublocade contains buprenorphine which helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and decreases cravings.
It can only be given to a patient taking Suboxone or a similar oral buprenorphine medication for at least seven days to ensure they can tolerate it and have no adverse reactions. Unlike oral medication, Sublocade cannot be abused or diverted. And as it is extended release, the patient should receive medication at a sustained level for about a month. This means the patient is less likely to miss taking the medication or experience breakthrough cravings due to a lapse in treatment. For patients who travel frequently or don’t have safe places to store medication tablets or films, the injectable buprenorphine option may minimize risks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SUBLOCADE
Yes, Sublocade helps prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms that may happen when you stop taking opioids, including prescription pain relievers, such as codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone, as well as illegal substances, including heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Anyone on a methadone maintenance program will need to transfer to an oral buprenorphine product for at least seven days before starting treatment with Sublocade to prevent rapid withdrawal symptoms.
Sublocade is only available as an injection administered by a healthcare professional, usually a doctor or nurse practitioner. As a result, the opportunity to divert or abuse the medication is virtually eliminated.
Sublocade is administered by a medical professional just beneath the skin in your abdomen. subcutaneously. An extended-release medication, it turns into a solid gel once injected. As a result, it will never be delivered via an intramuscular or intravenous injection.
