Sublocade® treatment for opioid addiction

Are you considering a long-acting injectable medication to help manage opioid use disorder (OUD) more effectively? Many patients ask about Sublocade, an extended-release injectable form of buprenorphine that’s administered monthly by a trained health care professional. Some people prefer a monthly injection because it eliminates the need for daily dosing.
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Some people prefer a monthly injection because it eliminates the need for daily dosing. Others choose treatment with Sublocade when they experience side effects from naloxone, want to taper off medication over time, or have concerns about dental effects from sublingual medications. If you’re exploring injectable treatment options, learn more about Sublocade treatment and how pharmacy-administered injections compare with daily sublingual buprenorphine treatment.

Whichever approach fits your needs, Ophelia can help. We offer online treatment primarily using buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®), along with alternatives and pharmacist-administered Sublocade in select Pennsylvania locations. Our care team will walk you through your options and determine which treatment best fits into your daily life.

How Sublocade treatment works

At Ophelia, patients work with a licensed clinician to determine the best course of treatment designed to fit their lifestyle. Here's how the process works, from the initial consultation to the ongoing check-ins.

Step 1
Check your insurance coverage

To begin, we help you check to see if your insurance covers online medication-assisted treatment. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including select Medicaid, and many patients pay less than $10/month for care.

Step 2
Talk with a licensed clinician

You meet with a telehealth clinician to talk through your opioid use, medical history, and current medications. They ask about your goals for treatment and help determine whether buprenorphine is an appropriate fit for you. If you pursue an injectable option like Sublocade, injections are administered in person. However, your initial evaluation and most follow-ups can happen through private video visits.Schedule a virtual visit with a licensed clinician trained in medication-assisted treatment. You’ll discuss your history, goals, and any concerns in a private, judgment-free setting. Schedule a virtual visit with a licensed clinician trained in medication-assisted treatment, all within a judgement-free setting.

Step 3
Begin your medication plan + get ongoing support

If eligible, your provider will prescribe medications as part of your customized treatment plan. We'll send your prescription to your local pharmacy and help make sure it’s filled. You’ll have access to Ophelia seven days a week, offering ongoing medical support and maintenance as you continue medication-assisted treatment.

Affordable Sublocade treatment with insurance

Ophelia accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial coverage. Many patients pay less than $10 per month for online buprenorphine-based treatment through Ophelia, depending on their insurance plan. This generally includes clinician visits, prescription management, and ongoing support. Medication coverage depends on your insurance plan.

Sublocade, on the other hand, must be administered by a medical professional in a clinical setting, rather than picked up from a local pharmacy. This means its cost and coverage can look different than for take-home medications like Suboxone. The team at Ophelia will review your specific benefits before you begin treatment so you know exactly what to expect.

CHECK YOUR INSURANCE

Sublocade treatment vs. daily buprenorphine treatment

Both Sublocade and daily buprenorphine treatment options use buprenorphine to manage cravings and ease withdrawal. The right choice for you depends on your treatment history, lifestyle, and how you respond to medication.

EXPLORE TREATMENT

Why choose Ophelia for Sublocade treatment

We’ve helped over 20,000 patients find relief. Here’s what you can expect with virtual care through Ophelia.

Evidence-based buprenorphine medications

Our clinicians provide evidence-based OUD treatment primarily using buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). Alternatives like Zubsolv or generic buprenorphine may be prescribed for certain individuals according to established clinical guidelines. We continue monitoring your response to treatment and adjust your care plan when needed.

Online treatment from home when clinically appropriate

If clinically indicated, you will receive a treatment plan tailored to your medical history, goals, and preferences. Most Ophelia patients can start and continue buprenorphine treatment entirely through secure video visits. If something comes up between scheduled visits, our care coordination team is available seven days a week.

Long-acting injectable options in select locations

For patients in select Pennsylvania locations who are stabilized on daily buprenorphine, our care team can discuss whether Sublocade for opioid addiction (or another injectable like Brixadi) is an appropriate next step.

Specialized OUD expertise

Our clinicians specialize in MOUD, or Medications for Opioid Use Disorders, and MAT, or Medication-Assisted Treatment. Ophelia understands how cravings and withdrawal respond to buprenorphine, how relapse risk shifts over time, and how co-occurring mental health conditions can affect treatment. Your care plan is guided by providers who understand what works and how to tailor treatment around your unique needs.

Meet your buprenorphine care team

Every Ophelia patient is matched with a dedicated care team, including a prescribing clinician, nurse, and care coordinator. Your team gets to know your history and goals and supports you throughout treatment.

Together, we determine whether daily medication, a long-acting injection, or a combination of approaches is ideal for your circumstances.

MEET OUR CLINICIANS

What our patients are saying

I have been a patient with Ophelia for over a year now, and I can say with total confidence that they have been a vital part of my journey.
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This place is like no other, humanity, respect, dignity and friendship. I love my monthly meetings. They dont make you feel ashamed or embarrassed for choices made in the past.

Ophelia has been a life saver for me! Very friendly, respectful, and professional. Easy to work with, and great with scheduling. Very highly recommend for your recovery journey.

I’ve been with Ophelia Health for about 2½ years, and they’ve been amazing. Their online Suboxone treatment makes appointments and prescription refills easy, which has helped me stay sober.

I prefer this method over a methadone clinic or going to the streets to get something that could kill me. Highly recommended for people who are willing to get off the street drugs.

Frequently asked questions

See ALL FAQs

How is Sublocade used for opioid addiction treatment?

Sublocade is an extended-release injectable form of buprenorphine used to manage OUD. Administered by a clinician on a monthly basis, the injection releases medication gradually to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms over the following weeks.

Is Sublocade available as an online treatment?

Not entirely. Because Sublocade is an injection, it must be administered by a clinician in person. Ophelia offers Sublocade for opioid addiction in select Pennsylvania locations. Alternatively, daily buprenorphine options like Suboxone are available fully through virtual treatment for individuals in other locations.

Can I take Sublocade at home?

No. Sublocade is a clinician-administered injection, so you can’t take it at home like you can with a daily buprenorphine-based medication. If having the option to take your medication at home is essential, daily buprenorphine may be a better fit.

How is Sublocade different from daily buprenorphine?

A monthly Sublocade injection provides a continuous release of medication to help manage your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This sustained-release formula has a terminal half-life of 43 to 60 days, meaning it could take up to 10 months for your body to fully eliminate it.

Buprenorphine is taken sublingually up to four times a day, which requires daily medication management. While Sublocade eliminates the need for daily dosing, buprenorphine tablets or films can be legally prescribed through telehealth. This means buprenorphine treatment is more flexible, private, and accessible for many people.

Do I need to start with Suboxone before Sublocade?

In most cases, yes. Clinicians typically start patients on a daily buprenorphine medication like Suboxone, Zubsolv, or a generic version first. This allows them to confirm that you can tolerate the medication and that your symptoms are well managed before they move you to a long-acting injection.

Does insurance cover Sublocade treatment?

Many insurance plans offer some level of coverage for Sublocade, including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial coverage. But the medication must be administered in a clinical setting, which means its cost and coverage tend to vary. The Ophelia team reviews your specific plan to help you understand your coverage and options prior to starting treatment.

Does Ophelia offer Sublocade?

Ophelia offers Sublocade in select Pennsylvania locations. If you're in an eligible location and stabilized on daily buprenorphine, you can discuss whether Sublocade or Brixadi is an option with your care team. If you live outside of these locations, we offer nationwide telehealth treatment for OUD primarily using buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). Depending on your needs, our clinicians may also prescribe alternatives like Zubsolv or buprenorphine-only.