Sublocade for Opioid Use Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2021

"This medication is lifesaving. Unfortunately, the process for actually receiving the medication is extremely devastating. Getting this medication, for my husband, required months of spending hours a day on the phone with insurance companies, specialty pharmacies, and various financial aid programs. Each party involved came with their own set of specific guidelines, human error, delays, and issues. This medication could eliminate the opiate epidemic. To receive this lifesaving medication, a person requires an advocate who is able and willing to dedicate months of their life towards getting a medication. Interesting how easily opiates are prescribed, yet treatment for the repercussions is nearly impossible. Lives would be saved if this medication were more accessible."

• For...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2019

"Was prescribed the tablets (then films) for 2 years before I finally got the Sublocade injection. I did not dose as normal on the morning of the injection. The injection burned going in, lasting about 1-2 minutes. Right away, I could tell that a decent amount of buprenorphine had entered my system. I told my doctor that I hadn't dosed my films that morning; he suggested that it might help to take 1 or 2 films, in addition to the injection. I took 2 films and, no doubt about it, I had a significant amount of bupe in my system. Slept really well that first night, and when I woke up, I could tell that I'd woken up with a good amount of bupe already in my system. And this matches clinical trial data that Tmax, following the first injection, is at about 24 hours -- i.e., an initial peak in plasma bupe levels occurs about 24 hours after the initial injection. So now I am waiting to see what the coming days bring. My hope is that I'll be totally free from having to put things under my tongue."

• Pai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2025

"I was on Suboxone for 8 years (4-6 mg). I decided to go the Sublocade route. I did have to increase my dosage to 8 mg daily before I got the shot. The shot itself was painless (my doc numbed me up before). At first, I HATED the shot, I was groggy, numb, and withdrawn. However, after two weeks, I started to feel better. I recommend that YOU DO NOT SUPPLEMENT!!! The whole reason to get this shot is to get off daily Suboxone. Yes, there was some discomfort in the beginning, but try to stick it out. My doctor recommended 3 shots total: 300 mg, 300 mg, 100 mg. After the first shot, I realized I feel fine, I called the doctor's office and canceled my next shots. There are some side effects, my constipation is horrible, I feel like I gained a few pounds (for some reason, I craved SWEETS the first month). However, it’s been two months since my shot, and I feel better every day!"

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2020

"I have been on Sublocade for a little over 1 year, and it is way better than the strips I had been using. I was taking 500-600 mg of opiates a day, and now I have been clean for 5 years. Time to kick the Sublocade."

• JR7...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2023

"I am on Day 8 of my second injection, and I feel awful. Dehydration, cotton mouth, and body aches. I have felt like this ever since I got my first injection. Sublocade is not for me, and I will not be getting a third injection. My doctor told me to take half a strip a day, but it’s not helping. She said if I take any more, it’ll make me sicker. I’m ready to get the medication out of my body so I can get back on the strips daily. Sublocade is not for me! This has been a terrible experience for me!!!"

• hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2019

"I just got the Sublocade shot 3 hours ago and while I feel a little loopy. I just wanted to get some support as I am freaking out knowing that I can never use again. Being an addict for over thirty years and getting the shot at 5 months sober, I am just wondering what the Sublocade community is like as I have read all the reviews before I went in. I guess I will have more to say about it when I have more than three hours of it in my system."

• Fer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2022

"I was extremely excited to try the Sublocade shot for several reasons. For one, I had heard a lot of really good reviews on TikTok from creators who had tried it and were or seemed to be very successful and happy with it. And for two, I have been on Suboxone strips for at least 15 years or more for pain pill addiction, and I had heard that if you wanted to get off Suboxone, that this was the best and easiest way to do it without so much sickness. So I finally talked to my doctor about it and finally got my insurance to approve it, and I was so excited to get my first injection. I did really well the first 5-7 days. I felt great, with no withdrawals. I was excited that I had made the decision to get the injection, but that quickly changed for me after week 1! After week 1, I began to fall into a deep dark depression as well as anxiety and crying spells and no motivation! I would be okay one hour and literally not okay the next hour like I was on a roller coaster! Long story short, for me, I wish I had never gotten it!"

• Pj1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2019

"I went from Suboxone strips to the 300 shot, and it was an adjustment at first, but great after my body adjusted (no need to take strips daily, etc.). However, after getting the 300 shot for 4 months, I switched down to the 100 shot last week. Withdrawals started yesterday, worse today. Anyone know how long until I feel normal on the 100 shot? My experiences have otherwise been exactly the same as everyone else on here, so I’m figuring it’s pretty standard. Any help is appreciated, thank you!"

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2018

"So I just got my 3rd Sublocade shot 300 today. I'm very happy with the shot! My insurance covers it for $5.00. The only thing I'm worried about is when I decide to get off the shot. Has anyone decided to stop the shot? If so, was there any withdrawal symptoms?"

• Ano...
• March 12, 2020

"I used for over 10 years, smoking heroin. I thought I was ruined and never would quit. After the injection of Sublocade, I’ve been sober for 2 years, and IT SAVED MY LIFE!! Thank God for Sublocade, it’s the only thing that works for addiction."

• Inf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

"For those interested in the science (the terms/keywords are helpful) Google/Search: - Buprenorphine plasma levels Sublocade - Stabilization dose Sublocade - Go to Sublocade official site FAQ & videos - How is Sublocade released - Daily stabilization levels Subutex vs. Sublocade - Comparison of Suboxone and Sublocade - Long-acting buprenorphine study - I have seen studies comparing Subutex dosage to Sublocade dosage, which seem to suggest that Sublocade is more effective. Also, they are still finding new methods to wean people off if they feel confident they can go without crutches... gradually reducing the amount of the shot/increasing the time between dosing — or — there is still the option of manually dosing with the strips. There are several tools/options, find the right help for your specific situation."

• Jer...
• July 27, 2020

"I was one of the first to try Sublocade, and it has completely turned my life around. It really makes you feel normal, and you don't experience any change in levels, up or down. I now forget about having my next appointment because you don't even think about it. The shot is painful, but it is over quick. If you have insurance, the co-pay assistance program is excellent, and it only costs me $5 per month out of pocket. I have had almost 24 injections so far and did not have any infections or issues. The reviews where people had necrosis have scared me a little, but I luckily have not had a problem. I did the typical schedule to start with 300 mg and move to 100 mg. For me, it felt like week 4 of the 100 mg shot was underpowered, so I went back up to 300 mg, and that really did the trick. Be careful if you plan on taking Sublocade, as you can get really bad precipitated withdrawals, just like any other buprenorphine medication. I would probably not go from illicit drugs to Sublocade-do films first, then transition."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2021

"At first, it was great for me. I never had to adjust my dose with the strips. But now I want off of everything. I have read so many testimonials about others who stopped taking Sublocade with no side effects. I'm thinking it's because it leaves your body at a slow rate, and you possibly don't have to go through withdrawal. Maybe some, but not as severe as stopping strips, as I did that, and the withdrawal was horrible. Now I had an injection 2 weeks ago with no plans of having another. I want my life back because I used it for pain control due to a broken back and neck. The testimonials I read about others who have no withdrawal experience are so super exciting for me. I believe them. WHY WOULD THEY LIE!!! I will keep you posted about progress. But scientifically, it must be true because it's leaving your body at a slow rate, hence no symptoms. Slow, maybe slow symptoms, but not vicious symptoms, so easy enough to push through. I will post again as my progress continues."

• Uno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2018

"Started this medicine about 16 days ago, and I feel great so far. No withdrawal, and I feel more even than I have in a very long time. Of course, I kind of miss the ups of having a large dose at one time, but not having any of the lows as Suboxone wears off is really nice. I love not having to worry about running out of medicine or not being able to talk for a half hour while it dissolves. So far, so good!"

• JZa...
• February 23, 2021

"I was opioid dependent for 20 years. Detoxed in jail. I made it 11 months in drug court before getting a positive UA. I only used 3 times in 11 months. I got the Sublocade injection just so they wouldn't kick me out of the program. The next 5 months, I received the typical two 300 mg injections, then received three 100 mg injections. I'm graduating from the program in 3 weeks and haven't gotten the injection in 2 months. The studies I viewed found detectable bupe levels for up to 38 months after their last injection. So, after you get a few shots, you're good as far as withdrawals go for a long time, if ever. Idk how long the effectiveness against cravings lasts, but I'd guess it's effective for months after your last one. I'd highly suggest anyone struggling with OUD to give Sublocade a try, it works great, and you can't cheat the system or yourself by skipping doses to get high. You only have to think about it once every 30 days, so you are living a normal life 99.9% of the time. The injection does burn quite a bit, but it's absolutely worth it!"

• Lys...
• April 13, 2021

"Got my first 300 mg injection on 4/6/21. I've been on buprenorphine since October 11, 2010. So this October will be 11 years. 11 years of twice a month, or monthly appointments, visits to the pharmacy, random counts, and UAs. This medication I hope is what every addiction on maintenance needs to get off. 24 hours after injection is the peak levels. I can attest that the first 2 days I felt amazing. Today is 1 week of not taking anything. Knowing I have a backup plan in case something comes up and I feel sick is keeping me calm. Today I feel a little more tired than usual. But nothing I can't push through! I will update again in a few weeks! But as of right now, I am so glad I bucked up and did it. It certainly burns like anything going in, although it wasn't unbearable. The 'depot' of the drug in my abdomen takes some getting used to. Every time I bump it, it swells and hurts. Swelling and bruising have gone away as well."

• TOa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2020

"Sublocade is a great medication, no ritual of taking Suboxone every day, which reminded me of getting well every morning. There is no up and down, it's smooth. I go on with my life, and getting off of it will be easy. I had a very hard time getting off of Suboxone, even 4 mg. Hope I'm successful getting off the injection when my doctor, counselor, and I agree on a time to discontinue."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2018

"I’m on my second Sublocade injection and feel great. The first couple of days were a bit rough since I wasn’t taking anything anymore. I don’t have the ups and downs like I did with Suboxone. Overall, I’m very happy I made the switch. My insurance covered it too."

• Sar...
• May 26, 2022

"I became addicted to heroin at 15 years. I started the methadone program at 17 years, on and off until 24 years, where I remained on it continually until I was 38 years after reducing enough to go on Suboxone strips. In 2020, I went on to the Sublocade, after much hesitation and fear of withdrawal. I had 3 injections and have been opioid clean for 3 years now. This stuff is a MIRACLE."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2020

"Been on 32 mgs daily, so 4 films every day for 6 months - today I get Sublocade injection, and I did feel a big rush when she injected me, which surprised me, but I didn't complain. It stung for like 15 seconds bad, then a dull ache for a few hours. So far, so good."

• Mug...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 20, 2022

"BEWARE before taking it if you are sensitive to meds and subs! I really don't like Sublocade. I have been on it since February 2022, and it has been awful. I started on 300 mg, which was instantly too high; I slept 14 hours a night and couldn't stay awake throughout the day. I went down to 100 mg. Still too high. I gained 30 lbs within the first month and a half on this, could not stay awake throughout the day, and was foggy-headed. I became SO constipated that I have to take this daily: two Ex-Lax pills, one Colace clear, and four doses of Miralax. I have to give myself an enema at least twice weekly because I am so blocked up. My doc said my only choice was this or methadone, or she wouldn't treat me, so I got a second opinion from an expert, who ran the FDA trials for Sublocade. He said the 100 mg dose was too high and was a 'TOXIC' dose for me. It slows down EVERYTHING: my body, mind, and ability to function. After nine months, I'm finally getting off it and will never go back to it."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2023

"I have been dealing with opioid dependence for over 10 years and have been on Suboxone strips for those 10 years. I started the Sublocade journey almost two months ago. I am almost 40 and tired of being held down by this medication. I just want to live my life and be healthy. I started my opioid dependence in my 20s. The Sublocade shot was scary because I didn’t know if it would work. I am thankful to God that He blessed me with this injection. The injection itself burned, however, it’s been over a month and I haven’t been back for my second injection. I feel great! I have no withdrawal symptoms. Before this injection, I was taking two 8 mg strips. What a blessing it is to have this available, not having to face the withdrawals and long journey of tapering off the strips. For anyone who wants to end this prison of taking Suboxone, I ENCOURAGE YOU to do it. I am so proud of myself! You will be too!"

• kta...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 13, 2024

"If you use an ice pack on your abdomen for 10 minutes prior to the shot, it doesn't hurt. I have been on the Suboxone strips for 8 years, and I have wanted to get off of Suboxone, so I decided to get the shot. So far, I have had no withdrawal symptoms. It is different not taking medication every day. I give this medication a 10."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2025

"This review is my review of only the first 24 hours of receiving the Sublocade injection. First, however, I will give a bit of my background of what is leading me to this moment. I had been prescribed opiates for approximately 12 years for pain issues. I got off the opiates of my own accord and switched to Suboxone strips. For the past 13 years, I had been taking about 8 mg of Suboxone film daily. My doctor had me switched to 12 mg a day for the last seven days to have me adjust to the 300 mg injection. The day I received the injection, I was given an ice pack to hold onto my stomach for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. I think that helped tremendously in the amount of burning pain that is associated with the first minute of this injection. It did make the pain tolerable, so far everything is great. I'm experiencing no side effects other than a lump in the injection area smaller than a grape. I will update this if that changes. Good luck to all."

• Mxs...
• June 14, 2020

"I'm fresh out of rehab. June 1st, I got out. I also got the Sublocade shot, which had a burning feeling. I know the Sublocade blocks the effects of my sleep meds, and there was a point I was awake for 48+ hours."