Opioid use disorder continues to impact individuals and families at every level, and for many people, recovery requires more than detoxification or therapy alone. Medication-Assisted Treatment has become one of the most evidence-supported approaches for managing opioid dependence, offering stability during the most vulnerable stages of recovery. Among these options, Sublocade® (extended-release buprenorphine) provides a long-acting solution designed to help individuals maintain consistency and reduce relapse risk.
Sublocade is an FDA-approved monthly injection that delivers a steady release of buprenorphine over 28 days. By partially activating opioid receptors, it can reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense euphoria associated with full opioids. Because it is administered in a clinical setting, Sublocade removes the need for daily dosing and reduces the possibility of medication misuse or diversion.
At Brooks Healing Center, we believe recovery must address both the biological and psychological components of addiction. While our primary focus is comprehensive, trauma-informed treatment and behavioral healing, we recognize that some individuals benefit from medication support during early or ongoing recovery. When appropriate, medications like Sublocade may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan focused on long-term stability, accountability, and whole-person wellness.
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Sublocade is a brand name for an extended-release form of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It is administered as a once-monthly injection by a healthcare provider.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. That means it activates opioid receptors in the brain at a lower intensity than drugs like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain medications. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same euphoric effects as full opioids.
Sublocade delivers buprenorphine steadily over a 28-day period, eliminating the need for daily dosing.
Each new day is a fresh opportunity to make a life-altering change and improve your quality of life. We want to help you identify the underlying challenges to recovery and better understand yourself so you can finally live the life you were always meant to live. Call today to get started and learn more about BHC.
Both Sublocade® and Brixadi® are extended-release buprenorphine injections used to treat opioid use disorder. While they serve similar purposes, there are important differences in dosing flexibility and administration.
| Feature | Sublocade® | Brixadi® |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Buprenorphine | Buprenorphine |
| FDA Approval | 2017 | 2023 |
| Dosing Schedule | Monthly only | Weekly or Monthly options |
| Administration | Subcutaneous abdominal injection | Subcutaneous injection (various sites depending on dose) |
| Daily Medication Required First? | Yes – must be stabilized on transmucosal buprenorphine before starting | Not always required depending on formulation and stabilization |
| Diversion Risk | Very low (clinic administered) | Very low (clinic administered) |
| Primary Goal | Long-term stabilization after initial induction | Flexible stabilization during early and ongoing recovery |
| Ideal For | Individuals stable on buprenorphine who want once-monthly dosing | Individuals who may benefit from weekly adjustments or gradual stabilization |
1. Dosing Flexibility
Sublocade is only available as a once-monthly injection. Brixadi offers both weekly and monthly formulations, which may allow providers to adjust dosing more gradually in early treatment.
2. Induction Requirements
Sublocade typically requires a person to be stabilized on daily buprenorphine before transitioning to the injection. Brixadi has more flexible induction pathways depending on patient stability.
3. Treatment Goals
Both medications aim to reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal, but the choice often depends on how stable someone is in their recovery and whether weekly monitoring may be beneficial.
There is no universal “better” option. The most appropriate medication depends on:
Severity of opioid use disorder
Stability in early recovery
Risk of relapse
History with buprenorphine
Provider clinical judgment
Personal recovery goals
Medication-assisted treatment works best when combined with structured therapy, behavioral support, and accountability.
MAT combines:
✔ FDA-approved medications
✔ Therapy and counseling
✔ Skills training
✔ Relapse-prevention support
Sublocade works by:
Reducing opioid cravings
Preventing withdrawal symptoms
Blocking the effects of other opioids
Stabilizing brain chemistry
Because it is long-acting, it helps reduce the risk of missed doses or misuse associated with daily medications.
Sublocade is typically used after a person has already been stabilized on a daily form of buprenorphine such as Suboxone.
Sublocade may be appropriate for individuals who:
Have moderate to severe opioid use disorder
Have already completed initial stabilization on buprenorphine
Struggle with adherence to daily medication
Prefer a structured, monthly dosing approach
Want additional accountability in early recovery
It is not usually the first step in treatment. Most individuals begin with sublingual buprenorphine before transitioning to Sublocade.
Monthly Dosing
One injection per month can reduce the stress of daily medication management.
Lower Risk of Diversion
Because Sublocade is administered in a medical setting, there is no take-home medication to misuse or sell.
Steady Medication Levels
Extended-release delivery provides consistent blood levels, which may reduce cravings and mood fluctuations.
Reduced Stigma
Some individuals feel less self-conscious not having to carry daily medication.
| Feature | Sublocade | Suboxone |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Monthly injection | Daily film or tablet |
| Active Ingredient | Buprenorphine | Buprenorphine + Naloxone |
| Dosing | Administered by provider | Self-administered |
| Diversion Risk | Very low | Higher than injection |
| Stability | Long-acting | Daily fluctuations possible |
Both medications are effective when used appropriately within a structured treatment plan.
Common side effects may include:
Injection site pain
Constipation
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Serious side effects are less common but can include breathing problems, especially if combined with other depressants.
Medication alone is rarely enough for long-term recovery. Sublocade is most effective when combined with:
Individual therapy
Trauma-informed treatment
Group counseling
Behavioral therapy
Recovery skills development
Structured support
We focus on whole-person healing, addressing both the physical and emotional components of addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, treatment options are available.
Call today to speak confidentially with our admissions team about Sublocade and other evidence-based approaches to opioid use disorder.
Sublocade is a brand name for an extended-release form of buprenorphine used to treat opioid use disorder. It is a once-monthly injection administered by a healthcare provider. Sublocade delivers buprenorphine steadily over a 28-day period to help reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Sublocade is designed to release buprenorphine gradually over one month. However, because it is an extended-release medication, small amounts of buprenorphine can remain in the body for several weeks or even months after the last injection. The exact duration varies based on metabolism, dose, and how long a person has been receiving treatment.
If someone uses opioids while on Sublocade, the medication may reduce or block the effects of those opioids because buprenorphine partially occupies the same receptors. However, attempting to override Sublocade by using high amounts of opioids can be dangerous and may increase the risk of overdose, especially if other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines are involved. Continued use while on Sublocade can also interfere with recovery progress.
Sublocade is used for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder. It is typically prescribed after a person has been stabilized on a daily buprenorphine product. Its purpose is to reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal symptoms, and support long-term recovery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Sublocade works by delivering buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, into the bloodstream over an extended period. Buprenorphine activates opioid receptors in the brain at a lower level than drugs like heroin or fentanyl. This helps ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same intense euphoric effects as full opioids.
Sublocade contains buprenorphine, which is classified as a partial opioid agonist. While it is technically an opioid medication, it works differently from full opioids like heroin or fentanyl. When used as prescribed under medical supervision, it is considered a treatment for opioid addiction rather than a substance that promotes addictive behavior.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, December 26). Information about medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). BRIXADI (buprenorphine) extended-release injection, for subcutaneous use: Prescribing information (Label). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/210136Orig1s000lbl.pdf
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services. (2023). Buprenorphine extended-release injection (Sublocade): Patient guide (PDF). https://www.pbm.va.gov/PBM/AcademicDetailingService/Documents/508/10-1693_Patient_Sublocade_P97130.pdf
