The sublocade injection treatment program offers a long-acting form of buprenorphine designed to help you manage opioid use disorder with monthly dosing. By forming a subcutaneous depot that steadily releases medication over four weeks, this approach reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without daily pills [1].
At Ascend Health, you’ll find a supportive environment where licensed clinicians guide you through each phase of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Whether you need an outpatient MAT program accepting insurance or prefer telehealth MAT appointment scheduling, we streamline verification of major plans and protect your confidentiality.
Understand sublocade injection treatment
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is an extended-release buprenorphine injection approved by the FDA for moderate to severe opioid use disorder in patients already stabilized on transmucosal buprenorphine products [2]. Once injected, it reacts with body fluids to form a solid mass under the skin, releasing a steady dose of medication over the next month.
Who can benefit?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have completed induction with a daily buprenorphine product (for example, Suboxone)
- Experience persistent cravings or withdrawal symptoms
- Seek a discreet option that reduces daily medication burden [3]
- Prefer to focus on therapy and lifestyle changes rather than daily dosing
Program components
A comprehensive sublocade injection treatment program includes:
- Medical assessment and induction on transmucosal buprenorphine
- Monthly subcutaneous injections administered by trained professionals
- Regular consultations with licensed clinicians
- Access to counseling and psychosocial support
Learn more about our sublocade treatment for opioid addiction offerings.
Review induction and maintenance
Induction phase
Before your first injection, you’ll undergo an induction period using an oral or sublingual buprenorphine formulation such as Suboxone. This step ensures you tolerate buprenorphine without adverse reactions. Once stabilized, you move into the maintenance phase.
Maintenance phase
During maintenance, sublocade injections replace daily buprenorphine. Your provider schedules monthly visits for injections and monitoring. This steady-release approach helps prevent peaks and troughs in drug levels, reducing the risk of relapse.
Recommended dosing schedule
| Phase | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Induction | Transmucosal buprenorphine | Until clinical stabilization |
| Maintenance | 300 mg monthly × 2 | First two months |
| Maintenance | 100 mg monthly | Ongoing, with option to increase to 300 mg based on response [4] |
Explore medication mechanics
Buprenorphine action
Buprenorphine is a partial mu opioid receptor agonist. It activates receptors just enough to alleviate withdrawal without producing the full euphoria of opioids like heroin or morphine.
Receptor interaction
- Blocks kappa receptors, preventing other opioids from binding
- Maintains stable receptor occupancy, reducing cravings
- Diminishes risk of misuse or diversion due to depot formulation [1]
Steady release profile
Once injected, sublocade forms a subcutaneous pellet that gradually dissolves. You’ll experience:
- Immediate relief of withdrawal after the first dose
- Smooth blood levels of buprenorphine for up to 28 days
- No need for daily dosing, allowing more focus on therapy and recovery
Compare sublocade and suboxone
Mode of administration
- Sublocade: Monthly subcutaneous injection
- Suboxone: Daily sublingual film
Patient preferences
You may choose sublocade if you value:
- Reduced burden of taking daily pills
- Lower risk of diversion or lost doses [5]
- More consistent medication levels
Pros and cons table
| Feature | Sublocade | Suboxone |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing schedule | Once monthly | Daily |
| Diversion risk | Low | Moderate |
| Initial induction requirement | Must stabilize on transmucosal buprenorphine | None |
| Administration setting | Clinic visit | Self-administered |
| Pregnancy safety data | Limited | Generally safe |
Assess treatment benefits
By enrolling in a sublocade injection treatment program, you gain:
- Long-acting buprenorphine support that reduces cravings and withdrawal
- Fewer clinic visits compared to daily MAT options
- Lower risk of medication diversion or misuse
- Enhanced focus on counseling and lifestyle changes
- Tailored treatment programs and individualized plans for lasting recovery
Identify potential side effects
Common mild reactions
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache and fatigue
- Injection site pain, redness or pruritus [6]
Serious warnings
- Respiratory or central nervous system depression
- Risk of serious harm if injected intravenously (boxed warning)
- Potential liver enzyme elevations requiring dose reduction [4]
Safety precautions
- Always receive injections from trained healthcare professionals
- Carry naloxone nasal spray for overdose emergencies
- Report any breathing difficulties or extreme drowsiness immediately
Consider practical factors
Injection site care
After each sublocade injection:
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling or discharge)
- Avoid tight clothing on the injection site for 24 hours
Scheduling visits
Ascend Health offers flexible appointment options:
- Same day suboxone appointment for urgent treatment starts
- Monthly in-person or telehealth follow-ups to monitor progress
Confidential environment
Your privacy matters. We provide confidential outpatient MAT services to protect your sensitive health information in a supportive setting.
Verify insurance and coverage
Navigating coverage can feel daunting, but Ascend Health simplifies the process:
- We confirm benefits with major insurers and Medicaid [7]
- We verify plans like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield [8]
- You can access an insurance verified MAT program that keeps your out-of-pocket costs transparent
- Private pay options available through private pay suboxone treatment
Include counseling and support
Medication alone is not enough. A comprehensive program incorporates:
Behavioral therapies
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address thought patterns
- One-on-one counseling to build coping skills
Peer support groups
- Group therapy sessions for shared experience and accountability
- 12-step or alternative recovery communities
Holistic services
- Mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation
- Nutritional guidance and exercise programs
Monitor and adjust therapy
Follow-up appointments
Regular visits allow your clinician to:
- Assess treatment efficacy
- Address any emerging concerns
- Reinforce relapse prevention strategies
Lab monitoring
- Monthly liver function tests to detect potential enzyme elevations
- Urine drug screens to confirm adherence and rule out illicit substances
Dosage adjustments
Based on your progress, your provider may:
- Maintain the current dose
- Increase to 300 mg monthly for added support
- Return to 100 mg if side effects occur
Begin your recovery journey
You don’t have to face opioid use disorder alone. To start:
- Contact Ascend Health for a free benefits verification
- Schedule an initial consult with a licensed clinician
- Complete induction on a transmucosal buprenorphine product
- Book your first sublocade injection appointment
- Engage in counseling and peer support sessions
With Ascend Health’s evidence-based MAT services, same-day and telehealth access, and personalized care, you’ll have the comprehensive support necessary for lasting recovery. Take the first step today.
