Getting your Sublocade shot
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Sublocade is a monthly shot of buprenorphine. You may be able to switch to Sublocade once you've been taking buprenorphine as a film or tablet for at least 7 days. Here's what to expect when you get it, and a few tips that can make it more comfortable.
Where the shot goes
The medicine is injected just under your skin into the fatty tissue of your stomach, where it slowly releases into your body over the month. Sometimes it goes in your thigh, buttock, or the back of your arm instead. The spot depends on where you have enough fatty tissue, your dose, and what you and your pharmacist or nurse decide together.
Switching spots each month
It's important to use a different spot each month. This helps the medicine absorb well and keeps the buprenorphine in your body at a steady level. You can go back to a spot you've used before once you've used a different spot for at least a month. A common pattern is:
- Right upper stomach
- Right lower stomach
- Left upper stomach
- Left lower stomach
What it feels like
Many people feel burning or pressure while the medicine goes in. This usually eases within a minute or two. Afterward, your pharmacist or nurse will put a bandage on the spot.
You'll probably see or feel a small lump where you got the shot. This is normal, and it gets smaller over the month as the medicine absorbs. Try not to press on or rub it.
You can also watch the starting Sublocade video to see how the shot works.
Tips for comfort
- Ice works best. Put an ice pack on the spot for 10 minutes before your shot. Some people like to use ice again afterward too.
- You can try lidocaine cream, a numbing cream you can buy at the pharmacy without a prescription. Put a small amount on a bandage, place it over the spot, and put ice on top if you'd like.
- Breathe in, then breathe out slowly while the medicine goes in.
- Avoid the area around your belt line or waistband.
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. We're here to support you. You can also ask for a bridge prescription of buprenorphine films or tablets until your next visit.