Intro to Sublocade

Long Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (Sublocade) General Information

What is Sublocade?

Sublocade is a form of buprenorphine that is injected monthly by a pharmacist or nurse and is released over a 28-day period. The effects last longer than the pill or film form of buprenorphine.

We offer this option once an individual has been taking the pill or film form of buprenorphine for at least 7 days. Sublocade comes in two strengths: 300mg and 100mg.

How Does Sublocade Work?

Buprenorphine works on the same parts of the brain as opioids like fentanyl, heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It attaches more strongly than most other opioids and can partly block their effects.

Ways this medication can help you:

• Reduce your cravings and use of non-prescribed opioids.
• Lower your risk of opioid overdose.
• Increase your chances of achieving and maintaining your recovery goals.
• Free you from daily dosing — just one injection a month at your local designated pharmacy.

How Do I Get Sublocade as a Boulder Care Patient?

Discuss your interest in Sublocade with your clinician at your next visit.
Your clinician will:

• Review treatment options and answer your questions.
• Confirm that you're comfortable with regularly scheduled visits.
• Assess your location and identify the nearest injection site (select pharmacies).
• Send a prescription for your first injection
  → Plus a 2-week prescription of your current buprenorphine formulation to support the transition.

What Are Loading Doses?

Your first two injections are considered loading doses.

• These are 300mg doses.
• You can receive your second dose as early as 8 days and up to 28 days after your first.

The goal:
To quickly bring buprenorphine levels in your system to a stable, therapeutic level.

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Stable Level?

You’ll have buprenorphine in your system immediately after the first injection.

• For some, this is enough.
• For others, it may take a few months of injections to stabilize.

Supplementation during the transition:
Your clinician may prescribe additional buprenorphine (in tablet or film form) if you experience breakthrough withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

• Supplementation is often used toward the end of the 28-day period, about a week before your next injection.
• This will be personalized to your needs and monitored closely.

What If I Miss My Injection?

If it's been less than 6 weeks since your last injection:

• Contact your pharmacy to reschedule and receive your dose.

If it's been more than 6 weeks:

• Reach out to Boulder through your app for guidance and next steps.
• Follow up with your clinician.
• You can also request a bridge prescription of oral buprenorphine until your next visit.

What If I Decide to Stop Sublocade?

The buprenorphine in your system may remain at effective levels for 2–5 months, depending on your dose and how long you've been receiving injections.

• Any withdrawal symptoms are typically delayed and milder than those of other opioids.
• Talk with your clinician to make a plan to stop treatment safely and receive support for any symptoms or cravings.

What Should I Watch Out For?

When Should I Ask for Help?

Contact your Boulder Care team if:

• You continue to crave opioids.
• You experience bothersome side effects.
• You have any questions or concerns about Sublocade or your opioid use.

Common Side Effects

Bump at injection site
It is normal to see and feel a small bump where the medicine is injected. It will get smaller over the month.
Try not to press on or rub the bump.

Sleep problems
Buprenorphine may disrupt sleep.
Contact your Boulder care team if sleep problems persist for four or more weeks after starting Sublocade.

Pain, itching, or bruising at injection site
This is common. Bruising usually goes away within a few days.
Do not scratch the area. Try using an ice pack to help with the pain or itching if needed.

Stomach upset or constipation
Drink plenty of water.
Speak with your Boulder care team or pharmacist if this does not go away after 2–3 days.
Buprenorphine is known to cause constipation, so taking a stool softener as needed is recommended. Talk with your clinician for a prescription if appropriate.

Headache
This should improve over time.
Talk with your Boulder care team or pharmacist if it continues to bother you.

More Information

• Managing buprenorphine side effects
• Reference: https://www.sublocadehcp.com/
• For more information on Sublocade injection administration:Sublocade Administration Instructions

Questions, concerns, or feedback?

You can send a message to your Care Team in the app with non-urgent questions or feedback, or call us at 888-316-0451.

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