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How long does Sublocade take to work?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 20, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Sublocade starts working almost straight away with good levels reached within a few hours.

Studies show it takes, on average, 24 hours for buprenorphine (the ingredient in Sublocade) to reach maximum levels (peak) after a Sublocade injection.

This means that if you take your oral form of buprenorphine (such as Suboxone or Zubsolv) right up to the day of your injection, you will be covered continuously for withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Sublocade injection only needs to be given once a month.

For more information see our slideshow Opioid Use Disorder: These Treatments Are Available, Now.

Read next

It is available in a number of dosage forms under the brand names Sublocade, Brixadi, Probuphine (discontinued), Belbuca, Butrans, Buprenex, and Subutex (discontinued). Continue reading

Sublocade and Brixadi are both subcutaneous long-acting buprenorphine injections that may be used for the maintenance treatment of opioid misuse disorder in adults. Sublocade was approved on November 30, 2017, and Brixadi was approved on May 23, 2023. Sublocade is administered once a month, with a minimum of 26 days between doses. If extended travel is deemed necessary, a single 300mg injection may be given to cover 2 months. Brixadi is given once a week or once a month. Continue reading

Sublocade should only be administered into the stomach area (abdomen), except for a 2-inch circle around your navel (belly button), as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. It must be given by a certified healthcare provider who has met certain qualifying requirements, including only prescribing Sublocade for the treatment of opioid dependence. Sublocade is administered monthly with a minimum of 26 days between doses. Continue reading

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