Is Sublocade a controlled substance?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on March 10, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

Yes, Sublocade (buprenorphine) is classified by the DEA as a schedule 3 controlled substance with moderate abuse potential.
Medicines in schedule 3 have a potential for abuse less than those in schedule 1 and 2 (for example, heroin or oxycodone).
Abuse of schedule 3 substances may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Sublocade (buprenorphine) is a long-acting, once-monthly subcutaneous (given under the skin) injection. It steadily releases buprenorphine into your bloodstream for the treatment of opiate dependence (opioid use disorder or opioid addiction). It is not for use as a pain medicine.

Sublocade is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD) in patients who have initially started treatment with a single dose of a transmucosal buprenorphine product or who are already being treated with buprenorphine. It is used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support.

Sublocade is only given by a healthcare provider and is not available in retail pharmacies. Your doctor will order Sublocade for you and also administer it each month (with at least 26 days between treatments). It is given as a subcutaneous injection (shot under the skin) in your abdominal (stomach), thigh, buttock, or back of the upper arm area. Normally, your doctor will give you this injection in their office.

Serious harm or death could result if Sublocade is given intravenously (IV) into your vein.

This is not all the information you need to know about Sublocade (buprenorphine) for safe and effective use and does not replace your doctor's directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

How and where is the Sublocade injection given?

Sublocade is administered as an injection just under the skin (subcutaneous) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, buttock, or back of the upper arm. After the first two injections, you will receive it monthly (with at least 26 days between doses). Continue reading

Is Sublocade covered by Medicaid?

Most patients with Medicaid typically pay low or no cost for Sublocade (buprenorphine) if it is a preferred drug treatment by their state health plan. Your health plan and costs are determined by your state Medicaid program. Continue reading

Is Probuphine better than Sublocade?

Probuphine and Sublocade are long-acting forms of buprenorphine, but the Probuphine brand has been discontinued in the United States. There is no evidence that one was better than the other. They were both used in long-term medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). Continue reading

Is Sublocade a controlled substance?

Key Points

Related questions

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How and where is the Sublocade injection given?

Is Sublocade covered by Medicaid?

Is Probuphine better than Sublocade?

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