Sublocade may be recommended by your doctor if you are considering treatment for opioid abuse disorder (OUD). Sublocade is prescribed as part a comprehensive treatment program for adults suffering from opioid dependence.
Opioids are a class of drugs that are used to manage pain. If you are experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, Sublocade may help to reduce opioid cravings.
Sublocade Basics
Sublocade is a prefilled syringe that contains a solution. It is administered under the skin by qualified healthcare professionals. Sublocade injections are not recommended for everyone. Only trained healthcare professionals can administer the drug through a program.
Sublocade contains buprenorphine, an active drug. Buprenorphine can be purchased as a generic medication but there is no generic version of Sublocade. Buprenorphine generic comes in tablets. Sublocade is an injection. It contains a different type of buprenorphine. Over time, Sublocade injections gradually release buprenorphine to your body.
Continue reading to find out more about Sublocade, including side effects and key information about this drug.
What’s the dosage of Sublocade?
Your doctor will recommend the Sublocade dosage that is right for you. These are the most common dosages. However, your doctor will determine the exact dosage.
Form
Sublocade is a prefilled syringe that contains a solution. The injection is administered by qualified healthcare professionals under your skin. They will inject the drug under your skin.
Note: Sublocade injections are not recommended for everyone. Only trained healthcare professionals can administer the drug through a program.
Dosage Recommendations
Sublocade dosage will be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dosage depending on your response to treatment.
Only after you have had an induction with buprenorphine taken by mouth, can you start Sublocade. (Buprenorphine, the active drug in Sublocade, is what you need. You could also consider taking Suboxone. You will need to be inducted for at least seven days before you can start Sublocade.
Induction treatment can help you avoid suffering opioid withdrawal symptoms while you are using Sublocade.
Each month, you will receive one Sublocade induction injection. Your doctor will keep you informed about your progress.
What happens if I forget to take Sublocade?
Your doctor will give you Sublocade doses on a monthly basis. To reschedule your next dose, contact your doctor if you missed an appointment. To avoid opioid withdrawal symptoms, you should do this as soon and as possible. You shouldn’t experience withdrawal symptoms as long as your next dose is received within two weeks. You can set a reminder on your smartphone to remind you of your monthly appointments. This will help you keep on track with your doses.
Do I need Sublocade for a long time?
Sublocade can be used for as long as you like. You and your doctor can discuss the progress of your treatment and next steps as long as Sublocade is helping you. Talking to your doctor about the benefits and risks of Sublocade treatment is important. You can work together to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
Sublocade & Alcohol
You shouldn’t drink alcohol while taking Sublocade. Combining these two substances can increase your chance of suffering from serious side effects, such as:
- Respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing).
- Slower responses
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow heart beat
- Coma
- In some cases, death may be possible
Discuss with your doctor the potential dangers of using Sublocade while you drink alcohol. Remember that the medication remains in your body for many weeks or months even after you have stopped using Sublocade. Ask your doctor if alcohol is safe after Sublocade treatment has ended.
More Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Sublocade is an adult treatment for opioid addiction. It is used in combination with counseling and support therapies.
Talk to your doctor about any questions you may have about the drug, side effects and how long it will be required. Ask your doctor questions about the drug’s effectiveness as well as what to expect from treatment.
Opioid use disorder can be treated with other options. Talk to your doctor about which treatment option is best for you, based on your specific needs. Talk to your doctor about cognitive behavior therapy or other support and counseling services that may be of benefit during Sublocade treatment.
Here are some questions that you can ask your doctor to learn more about Sublocade.
- How do I find out if Sublocade works for me?
- What should I expect from Sublocade when I first begin to use it?
- What happens if I get an allergic reaction to Sublocade within a few days of using it?
- What other pain medication is safe with Sublocade
