Discover the differences between Suboxone and Sublocade for opioid addiction treatment. Learn about their composition, forms, side effects, and more.
Suboxone® and Sublocade® are both used to treat opioid use disorder, but they are taken in different ways. Here’s what to know.
When someone starts treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), medication makes a life-saving difference. Suboxone® and Sublocade® are two FDA-approved formulations of buprenorphine used to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Both can be effective, but they are not interchangeable. They are taken differently, accessed through different treatment models, and may fit different patient needs.
This article explains how Suboxone and Sublocade compare, including how they work, how they’re taken, and what patients should know when discussing treatment options with a clinician.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It contains two ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.
Buprenorphine works on the same opioid receptors as other opioids, but it activates them only partially. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric effect associated with full opioid agonists.
Naloxone is included to help discourage misuse. When Suboxone is taken as prescribed, naloxone is inactive. If someone tries to inject or misuse the medication, naloxone can block opioid effects and may trigger withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone is typically taken as a film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue or inside the cheek. It should be taken exactly as prescribed as part of a clinician-led treatment plan.
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is a prescription medication used to treat opioid dependency and addiction in those dealing with OUD. Its active ingredient is buprenorphine, the same medication in Suboxone that helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
The biggest difference is how it is taken. Sublocade is an extended-release injection given under the skin by a clinician. Once injected, it forms a small depot under the skin and slowly releases buprenorphine over time.
Sublocade is given once a month in a healthcare setting. It is not picked up at a pharmacy or taken home by the patient. Because it is administered by a healthcare professional, Sublocade does not include naloxone.
How are Suboxone and Sublocade different?
Composition
Sublocade only contains buprenorphine as an active ingredient, while Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and does not activate them. Opioid antagonists prevent opioid agonists, like morphine and fentanyl, from activating these receptors, blocking their effects.
The presence of naloxone in Suboxone reduces the risk of misuse because it is an opioid antagonist. Because patients can only receive Sublocade shots from a healthcare professional in a controlled environment, naloxone is unnecessary in Sublocade.
Forms
Suboxone is also available in different forms than Sublocade. Patients can receive Sublocade injections once a month or take Suboxone as a sublingual film or tablet daily.
Sublocade is a slow-release medication that turns into a solid (called a depot) under the injection site and slowly makes its way into the body over thirty days. By contrast, Suboxone is a sublingual medication that should be taken daily.
Cost
Cost may be a key consideration for patients deciding between Sublocade and Suboxone to treat OUD. The patient's out-of-pocket costs for either of these medications will depend on their health insurance coverage.
The table below compares the key differences.
Which medication is more effective?
Both Suboxone and Sublocade can be effective medications for opioid use disorder. The right choice depends less on which medication is “better” overall and more on which one fits a patient’s clinical needs and day-to-day life.
Suboxone is often used when a patient is starting or continuing buprenorphine treatment because it is flexible and can be adjusted based on cravings, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, and treatment response.
Sublocade may be a good fit for some patients who are already stable on buprenorphine and want a monthly injection instead of a daily medication. It may also help patients who have a hard time remembering daily medication or who prefer not to keep medication at home.
A clinician can help determine which option makes sense based on a patient’s opioid use, medical history, safety risks, schedule, access to in-person care, and insurance coverage.
Side effects of Suboxone and Sublocade
Suboxone and Sublocade can cause similar side effects because both contain buprenorphine.
Possible side effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Sleep problems
- Withdrawal symptoms if started too soon after certain opioids
- Slowed breathing, especially if combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedating substances
Sublocade can also cause injection-site reactions, such as:
- Pain
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Irritation
- A lump under the skin where the injection was given
Some side effects can be serious. Patients should contact their clinician right away if they experience trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or symptoms that feel unsafe or hard to manage.
Patients should also tell their clinician about all medications, supplements, and substances they use before starting Suboxone or Sublocade. That includes alcohol, anxiety medications, sleep medications, and any opioids.
Suboxone vs. Sublocade: Which one is right for you?
The right medication depends on your medical history, opioid use, treatment goals, schedule, comfort with injections, access to in-person care, and insurance coverage.
Suboxone may be recommended when a patient needs:
- Flexible dosing
- At-home medication
- Telehealth-based or office-based care
- A medication that can be picked up at a pharmacy
- A generic option that may lower costs
- More flexibility early in treatment
Sublocade may be recommended when a patient needs:
- Monthly clinician-administered medication
- No daily dose to remember
- Lower risk of missed daily doses
- Less take-home medication
- A treatment option after stabilizing on buprenorphine
- Access to in-person injection appointments
Neither option is right for everyone. The best choice is the one that is clinically appropriate and realistic for the patient to maintain.
Treatment from home with Ophelia
Ophelia provides online treatment for opioid use disorder through telehealth. When clinically appropriate, your care team may prescribe sublingual buprenorphine medications such as Suboxone®, Zubsolv®, and generics. In selected locations in Pennsylvania, Ophelia may also offer long-acting injectable buprenorphine options like Sublocade® and Brixadi®.
You’ll meet with a care team, get a personalized treatment plan, and receive ongoing support without needing to travel to a clinic.
No judgment. No waiting room. No one-size-fits-all plan.
If you or a loved one is dealing with opioid use disorder, a consultation is the first step toward finding out whether Ophelia is the right fit.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about Suboxone treatment from home.
FAQs about Suboxone and Sublocade
Is Sublocade the same as Suboxone?
No. Sublocade and Suboxone both contain buprenorphine, but they are not the same medication. Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone and is usually taken daily as a film or tablet. Sublocade contains buprenorphine only and is given as a monthly injection by a clinician.
Is Sublocade better than Suboxone?
Not for everyone. Sublocade may be a better fit for patients who are already stable on buprenorphine and prefer monthly injections. Suboxone may be a better fit for patients who need flexible dosing, at-home treatment, or a medication that can be picked up at a pharmacy.
Does Sublocade have naloxone?
No. Sublocade contains buprenorphine only. Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone is included in Suboxone to help discourage misuse. Sublocade does not need naloxone in the same way because it is administered by a healthcare professional and is not taken home by the patient.
Is Sublocade a shot?
Yes. Sublocade is a monthly injection given under the skin by a clinician in a healthcare setting. It is not a daily medication and is not picked up at a pharmacy for at-home use.
Can you start with Sublocade instead of Suboxone?
A clinician will determine when Sublocade is appropriate. Many patients start with Suboxone or another transmucosal buprenorphine medication first so their care team can confirm that buprenorphine is tolerated and that symptoms are stable enough for a monthly injection.
Can you switch from Suboxone to Sublocade?
Some patients can switch from Suboxone to Sublocade, but it should only be done with medical guidance. A clinician can help determine the right timing, dose, and monitoring plan.
Can you take Suboxone and Sublocade together?
Suboxone and Sublocade should only be used together if a clinician specifically directs it. Both medications contain buprenorphine, so combining them without medical guidance can increase side effects or cause dosing problems.
Is Suboxone cheaper than Sublocade?
Suboxone may be less expensive for some patients because generic buprenorphine/naloxone is available. Sublocade is brand-name only and may require prior authorization. Actual cost depends on insurance coverage, provider fees, and medication access.
Does Ophelia prescribe Sublocade?
Ophelia primarily provides Suboxone based treatment for opioid use disorder when clinically appropriate. We also offer Sublocade, a monthly injection administered by a clinician in a healthcare setting, through select partnerships. Availability may depend on your location and care plan. If you're interested in Sublocade, talk with your Ophelia clinician about whether it's an option for you.
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