How long does Sublocade take to work?
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. Healthcare providers can also now initiate treatment with Sublocade after a single dose of transmucosal buprenorphine and a one-hour observation period to confirm tolerability.
Sublocade is an extended-release injection that only needs to be given once a month.
References
- Sublocade FDA Approval History. https://www.drugs.com/history/sublocade.html
- Sublocade Injection. https://www.drugs.com/sublocade.html
Read next
What are the different brands of buprenorphine?
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
Is buprenorphine an opiate / narcotic?
Buprenorphine is classified as an opioid partial agonist and is considered a narcotic, but It activates the mu-opioid receptor to a lesser extent than the full opioid agonists (for example: oxycodone, methadone or morphine). It's used at higher doses for opioid use disorder (opioid dependence) while generally at lower doses to treat moderate to severe pain. Continue reading
What is the difference between Sublocade and Brixadi?
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
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Related medical questions
- How and where is the Sublocade injection given?
- Is Sublocade covered by Medicaid?
- Is Probuphine better than Sublocade?
- Who makes Sublocade in the U.S?
- Is Sublocade a controlled substance?
- How is Sublocade administered?
- Sublocade vs Suboxone - What's the difference between them?
- How long does Sublocade last?
- Does Sublocade have naloxone in it?
- Does Sublocade need to be refrigerated?
- How does Sublocade work?
- Is Sublocade an addictive drug?
Drug information
- Sublocade Information for Consumers
- Sublocade prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Sublocade (detailed)
- Sublocade user reviews (307)
Related support groups
- Sublocade (20 questions, 41 members)