Boulder Care

What is Sublocade?

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Sublocade is a form of buprenorphine that you get as a shot once a month instead of taking a film or tablet every day. A pharmacist or nurse gives you the shot, and the medicine slowly releases into your body over 28 days. Its effects last longer than the film or tablet.

You may be able to switch to Sublocade once you've been taking buprenorphine as a film or tablet for at least 7 days. Talk to a clinician for more information.

How it helps

Buprenorphine works on the same parts of the brain as opioids like fentanyl, heroin, pain pills, kratom, and 7-OH. It attaches more strongly than most other opioids and can partly block their effects. Sublocade can:

  • Ease cravings and help you use fewer non-prescribed opioids
  • Lower your risk of overdose
  • Help you reach and keep working toward your recovery goals
  • Free you from taking medicine every day, with just one shot a month at a pharmacy near you

How to get Sublocade through Boulder

Bring it up with your clinician at your next visit. They'll:

  • Walk through your options and answer your questions
  • Make sure regularly scheduled visits work for you
  • Find the nearest pharmacy that gives Sublocade shots
  • Send a prescription for your first shot, usually along with a 2-week prescription of your current buprenorphine to help with the switch

Your first two shots

Your first two shots are called loading doses. Each one is 300 mg, and they help quickly bring the buprenorphine in your body up to a steady level that works well. You can get your second shot as early as 8 days and as late as 28 days after your first.

How long it takes to feel steady

Sublocade starts working right after your first shot. For some people, that's enough. For others, it can take a few months of shots to feel stable.

If you have withdrawal symptoms or cravings in between, your clinician might prescribe extra buprenorphine as a film or tablet. This is most common toward the end of the month, about a week before your next shot. Your clinician will fit this to your needs and check in with you closely.

If you miss a shot

  • If it's been less than 6 weeks since your last shot, contact your pharmacy to reschedule.
  • If it's been more than 6 weeks, message Boulder in the app for next steps and follow up with your clinician. You can also ask for a bridge prescription of buprenorphine films or tablets until your next visit.

If you decide to stop

The buprenorphine from Sublocade can stay at working levels in your body for 2 to 5 months, depending on your dose and how long you've been getting shots. Any withdrawal symptoms usually show up later and are milder than with other opioids, including sublingual buprenorphine. Talk with your clinician to make a plan to stop safely and get support for any symptoms or cravings.

Common side effects

  • A bump where you got the shot. It's normal to see and feel a small bump, and it gets smaller over the month. Try not to press on or rub it.
  • Pain, itching, or bruising where you got the shot. This is common, and bruising usually fades in a few days. Try not to scratch. An ice pack can help with pain or itching.
  • Trouble sleeping. Buprenorphine can affect sleep. Let your care team know if sleep problems last 4 weeks or more after starting Sublocade.
  • Upset stomach or constipation. Drink plenty of water. Buprenorphine often causes constipation, so a stool softener can help. Ask your clinician about a prescription if you need one. If it doesn't get better in 2 to 3 days, talk with your care team or pharmacist.
  • Headache. This usually gets better over time. Talk with your care team or pharmacist if it keeps bothering you.

When to reach out

Contact your care team if you're still having cravings, if side effects are bothering you, or if you have any questions about Sublocade or your opioid use. If you develop any signs of skin ulcer, open wound, drainage, or fever, you should go to the hospital for evaluation.