SUBLOCADE TREATMENT
WHAT IS SUBLOCADE TREATMENT FOR OPIATE ADDICTION?
Sublocade is a brand name month long injectable medicine that contains the active ingredients buprenorphine. It is used to treat adults who are dependent on opioids. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Suboxone for treatment of opiate addiction.
A 2015 study conducted by Harvard University determined that buprenorphine treatment in conjunction with therapy and/or counseling at least triples the probability an individual will achieve opioid abstinence during active treatment versus counseling alone.
IMPACT OF HEROIN AND OPIATES ON THE BRAIN
When someone is abusing opioids, the opioids bind to the neuroreceptors in the brain providing euphoria and pain relief. As a person continues to abuse opioids, their brain becomes more tolerant to opioids and requires increased doses for the same effect. But, their brain chemistry has changed, which increases their impulsivity and desire and decreases their predictive thinking skills. When someone that is dependent or addicted to opioids stops using opiates and those neuroreceptors are not receiving the opioid, people will feel severe withdrawal symptoms.
HOW DOES SUBLOCADE (BUPRENORPHINE) WORK?
Sublocade (buprenorphine) injections are administered once a month and inhibits people from craving opiates and reduces the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with opioid abuse. Buprenorphine competes with the abused opioid to attach to the same neuroreceptors in the brain. Since it has a stronger binding ability to the neuroreceptors, it binds and blocks out the abused opioid. In addition, since it is a partial agonist and provides a limited opioid effect, buprenorphine is able to suppress withdrawal symptoms without euphoria.
BENEFITS OF SUBLOCADE (BUPRENORPHINE)
With a monthly injection of Buprenorphine treatment may:
– Decrease cravings for opioids and eliminate withdrawal symptoms
– Reduce illicit opioid use
– Block the effects of other opioids
– Help patients stay in treatment
– Lower potential for misuse
– Ceiling on medication effect
BRANDS OF BUPRENORPHINE ON THE MARKET:
– Suboxone
– Zubsolv
– Bunavail
– Sublocade®
IS SUBLOCADE (BUPRENORPHINE) TREATMENT TRADING ONE ADDICTION FOR ANOTHER?
No. Use of buprenorphine stops withdrawal symptoms and reduces compulsive behavior, loss of control, and cravings —all symptoms present in opioid addiction. When all symptoms of addiction cease, remission begins. Buprenorphine treatment is not switching one addiction for another.
The most important factor is the difference between physical dependence and addiction. Buprenorphine maintains some of the preexisting physical dependence, but is easily managed medically and eventually allows for tapering off of Buprenorphine. Physical dependence, unlike addiction, is not a medical condition requiring treatment and is a normal physical discomfort when a person has consumed large doses of opiates for a long period of time.
COMPARING SUBLOCADE (BUPRENORPHINE) TO METHADONE
For many years, doctors have used Methadone to treat heroin addiction; however, people who take Methadone are typically required to visit their Methadone clinic every day to obtain their medicine. This can be a barrier to treatment for some many individuals. Also, many communities do not have Methadone clinics, so Methadone is not easy or convenient to acquire. Sublocade (buprenorphine) is a better option for opioid addiction treatment. Instead of getting treatment at a special clinic, a physician administers it in the office—making treatment and recovery easier. Methadone users also may require more and more Methadone over time as it does not have diversion technology, such as Naloxone.
OUR DOCTORS ARE TAKING PATIENTS
We understand that making the decision to get help for your opiate addiction is difficult. BRIGHTSIDE Clinic wants to help you, and we are currently taking patients.
BRIGHTSIDE SUBLOCADE DOCTORS
If you are in immediate need of assistance, please do not hesitate to call us.
We have Sublocade doctors in Northbrook, Tinley Park, North Aurora, Rockford, Freeport, Ottawa, Peoria and Roselle, Illinois. Contact us today to begin your customized recovery program.
View our comprehensive list of frequently asked questions for more information about types of opioids and answers to common addiction treatment questions.
How Can I Get Sublocade Treatment?
Brightside has addiction treatment clinics across Chicagoland. Get an appointment as early as today.
Sublocade: The Monthly Buprenorphine Shot
Treatment is a monthly buprenorphine injection medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It’s a 30-day dose, so it lasts longer than other buprenorphine medications.
Are Sublocade and Suboxone the Same?
No, these two treatments are not the same. They both contain buprenorphine, but Suboxone also contains naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid blocker that helps to prevent the abuse of buprenorphine. It does not have naloxone.
- Suboxone is a film that dissolves under the tongue that you can take once or twice daily.
- Sublocade is an injection given monthly by a healthcare provider.
The benefit of Sublocade over Suboxone is that it lasts for a more extended period. This means you don’t have to think about taking a medication daily or even weekly. It also provides a more steady level of medicine in your system, which can be helpful for some people.
The downside of is that it is not as flexible as Suboxone. It may not be as efficient for individuals who require higher doses of buprenorphine, and you can’t change your dose between injections. Read more about Sublocade vs Suboxone here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the active ingredients in Sublocade?
Sublocade contains the active ingredient buprenorphine. Unlike other buprenorphine medications, it is a long-acting injectable form of medicine.
Is it safe to inject Sublocade?
No! Sublocade is not for injection into veins. It is intramuscular, which means a medical professional injects the Suboxone ‘shot’ into muscles, not veins. Injecting it into veins can cause serious injury.
What is the Suboxone shot?
There is no pure Suboxone shot. However, some people may refer to Sublocade as the Suboxone shot because it’s administered as an injection.
Does Sublocade work as an opioid blocker?
Sublocade is not an opioid blocker. However, it can help to prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioids. It does this by partial agonism at the mu-opioid receptor. Vivitrol is an opioid blocker that is given as a monthly injection.
What are the possible side effects of Sublocade?
The most common side effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- dizziness
- headache
These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.
Are Sublocade and Vivitrol the same?
No, these two treatments are not the same. They are both long-acting injectable medications used to treat opioid use disorder, but they contain different active ingredients. Sublocade contains buprenorphine, while Vivitrol contains naltrexone and is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids.
How Does Sublocade Work?
Sublocade works by slowly releasing the buprenorphine shot into your body over a month. The injection peaks in the blood 24 hours after administration and then steadily declines over the next 28 days.
This provides a steadier medication level than buprenorphine pills, which can produce peaks and valleys in blood levels. A steadier medication level can help prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioids.
Is Suboxone treatment a fit for you?
This treatment isn’t right for everyone. You may be a suitable candidate if you’re:
- On a stable dose of buprenorphine-containing medication
It’s essential to be on a stable dose of buprenorphine before starting treatment. The maximum daily dose of buprenorphine for patients ready for Sublocade is 16mg. This is because the peak blood level of buprenorphine after the first injection may be higher than your usual dose, which could cause withdrawal symptoms. - Having trouble tapering off Suboxone
People having trouble tapering off Suboxone may be a good candidate for this treatment. it is more beneficial for individuals than Suboxone because it provides a steadier form of medication that can help prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings. - Not consistent with daily sublingual doses
If you’re not consistently taking your daily sublingual doses of buprenorphine, you may be an excellent candidate for this treatment. This is because it can provide a steadier medication level, which may help prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Where Can I Get Sublocade Injection?
Are you looking for Sublocade Treatment? Brightside has addiction treatment clinics across Chicagoland. Get an appointment as early as today.
Disadvantages
Some people may experience barriers to access with this treatment. There are some disadvantages to using a subcutaneous injection, which include:
Control:
You don’t have the option to increase or decrease your dose for up to 30 days. This can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your needs. If you need to increase your dose, you’ll have to wait until your next injection.
Availability: This treatment is not widely available and may not be an option in all areas. Brightside Sublocade doctors have the expertise and experience to provide this life-changing medication. Contact us today
Will My Insurance Cover Sublocade Treatment? How Much Does It Cost?
This treatment option is more expensive than other forms of buprenorphine. Sublocade cost is about $1,500 per injection, while the cost of Suboxone is about $100 for a month’s supply. However, insurance may cover some or all of the cost.
Brightside representatives are available to help you determine if your insurance will cover the cost of Sublocade. Don’t assume help isn’t available because of the cost.
Sublocade Reviews
“I’ve been struggling with addiction for ten years, and I’ve tried everything. Sublocade was my last hope, and it’s been life-changing. I’m so grateful to be alive and to have this tool to help me stay clean.”
“Sublocade has given me my life back. I can be the husband, father, and son I want to be. I’m so grateful for this medication.”
“Without Sublocade, I would be dead. It’s saved my life, and I’m forever grateful.”
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, reach out for help. Sublocade could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Contact Brightside Clinic today to learn more about this life-changing medication.
What is the Success Rate of Sublocade?
Sublocade is an effective treatment for opioid addiction. In the RECOVER study, 75% of patients abstained from opioids for a year after a 12-month treatment plan.
Starting Sublocade
- When your withdrawal symptoms are controlled with Suboxone or another buprenorphine-containing medication, you can start treatment . You should be on the stable dose for at least seven days before beginning your first subcutaneous injection.
- Can pharmacists administer Sublocade? Your Brightside Clinic doctor will inject Sublocade into your upper arm or abdomen. The injection site will be cleaned with an alcohol swab, and a small needle will be used to inject the medication under the skin. The initial dose of Sublocade is 30 milligrams (mg), but this may be increased or decreased based on your needs.
- After the injection, you will be monitored briefly for any adverse reactions.
- Your next dose will be given 30 days after your initial dose. At each subsequent visit, your doctor will assess your response to Sublocade and make any necessary adjustments to your dose. Most people will need to stay on Sublocade for at least six months, but some may need to continue treatment for longer.
Starting Treatment FAQ
Is it safe to switch from Suboxone to Sublocade?
Yes, it is safe to make this switch this treatment option.
Does Sublocade get you high?
No, it does not get you high. The buprenorphine works to prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but it does not produce the euphoric effects of other opioids.
How to Get Sublocade? Can any doctor prescribe Sublocade?
Sublocade is a prescription medication, so a doctor must prescribe it. Brightside Clinic doctors are experts in using Sublocade and opioid addiction. We can help you determine if it’s the right medication for you. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment to change your life.