By Michael Burke
March 29, 2025
Quitting opioids when you’re dependent on them is one of the hardest things you can do, but it’s also one of the most life-changing. If you or someone you love is battling an opioid addiction, you probably already know that willpower alone isn’t always enough to recover.
Two of the most effective medications for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) are Suboxone and Sublocade. Although both medications serve the same purpose, they have several differences, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for you. In this article, we’ll explore:
- How buprenorphine works
- What Suboxone is
- What Sublocade is
- The difference between Suboxone and Sublocade
- How to decide between the two medications
- Where to find support for OUD
Struggling with an OUD is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Solutions Healthcare offers several different treatments to help you recover in a safe, supportive setting. Reach out to us today to learn more about our programs, verify your insurance coverage, or schedule an initial appointment.
How Buprenorphine Treats Opioid Addiction
Both Suboxone and Sublocade contain buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that helps people manage opioid withdrawal and cravings. It works differently from strong opioids like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone because it only partially activates opioid receptors in the brain. This means that while buprenorphine still binds to opioid receptors, it ultimately doesn’t produce the same high, making it a safer alternative for recovery.
Taking more of it won’t increase its effects, lowering the risk of overdose and misuse. Since it stays in the body for a long time, buprenorphine can either be taken by mouth daily (Suboxone) or as a monthly injection (Sublocade), depending on your treatment goals and preferences.
What You Need to Know About Suboxone
Suboxone is one of the most well-known medications for OUD and among the first treatments recommended by doctors. If you’re considering this daily medication, here’s what to know before starting:
- Ingredients: Buprenorphine and naloxone
- Self-Administration? Yes
- How to Take It: Daily film or tablet placed under the tongue or on the cheek
- Effectiveness: Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms when taken consistently
- Side Effects: Nausea, headache, sweating, depression, constipation, anxiety
- Pros: Flexible, can be taken at home, widely available, lower cost
- Cons: Must be taken daily, potential for misuse if not used as directed
What You Need to Know About Sublocade
Sublocade is an injection that’s given once a month and slowly releases the medication over time. If you tend to forget to take daily medications or want an option that you don’t have to think about as much, Sublocade may be a better fit. Here’s more information about it:
- Ingredients: Buprenorphine (extended-release)
- Self-Administration? No, must be administered by a medical provider
- How to Take It: Monthly injection under the skin
- Effectiveness: Provides steady relief from cravings and withdrawal for 30 days
- Side Effects: Pain at the injection site, constipation, drowsiness, nausea, headache
- Pros: Consistent dosing, lower risk of misuse, no need to take daily meds
- Cons: Requires a monthly doctor’s visit, higher cost, not available for at-home use
The Difference Between Suboxone and Sublocade
Suboxone and Sublocade are both FDA-approved and shown to be safe and effective when taken as prescribed. While they’re both meant to treat OUD by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, they differ in a few significant ways. Understanding these differences can help you pick the right one for you:
- How It’s Taken: Suboxone is taken by mouth daily, while Sublocade is a monthly injection.
- Ingredients: Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, while Sublocade only has buprenorphine in it. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can be added to medications to help prevent misuse. It works by blocking the effects of opioids if someone tries to inject the medication or misuse it, making it less likely to produce a high.
- Consistency: Sublocade gives a steady dose of medication over the course of a month, which might help you feel more stable throughout the recovery process. With Suboxone, the amount of medication in your system may fluctuate depending on how consistently you’re taking it. This means it might feel more effective at certain times than others.
- Accessibility: Suboxone is usually readily available, while Sublocade can be harder to access.
- Cost: Suboxone is generally more affordable than Sublocade.
Suboxone vs Sublocade: Picking the Right One for You
To choose between Suboxone and Sublocade, it’s essential to consider what will work best for your lifestyle. This includes factors like the kind of support system you have, what your goals for recovery are, and what unique needs you have that must be met in treatment. Try to think through the following:
- Your daily routine: If having to take medication every day feels like too much to keep up with, Sublocade might be a better option. But if taking medication seems like it would be manageable or even help you stay on track, Suboxone may be the right fit.
- Risk of misuse: Are you concerned about the possibility of misusing the medication or missing doses? In either case, Sublocade can give you peace of mind since a doctor has to administer the medicine each time.
- Insurance coverage and cost: Suboxone is available in generic form and tends to be more affordable. Sublocade usually has a higher upfront cost, but it doesn’t require you to get monthly refills or remember to take a pill every day. Many insurance plans cover both medications, but coverage can vary, so be sure to check with your provider before deciding on one.
While medication can be helpful, it’s not the only tool you can use to heal. Attending therapy, joining a support group, and making lifestyle changes all increase the effectiveness of both Suboxone and Sublocade. To ensure you’re making the right decision between the two medications, consider speaking to your doctor. They can offer guidance based on your goals, needs, and medical history.
Break Free From OUD with Solutions Healthcare
Not everyone recovers from opioid dependence in the same way, and that’s why it’s important to have different treatment options like Suboxone, Sublocade, and other medications. At Solutions Healthcare, we take the time to understand your needs and develop a treatment plan that works for you. Whether you’re ready to start a medication-assisted treatment program or just want to see what your options are, we’re here to listen and help. Contact us when you feel ready to take the next step in your healing journey.
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