Round-the-clock care from people that get you
Treatment that fits into your life, not the other way around
Private, affordable, and fast
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.
Whichever approach fits your needs, Ophelia can help
With Ophelia, you can access buprenorphine online treatment from the comfort of your home. No more long waits for an appointment or crowded waiting rooms. 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.
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.
Here’s how the process works.
01
Step 1: 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.
02
Step 2: Start or continue buprenorphine
Patients considering medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) have several options when it comes to prescription medications. Because Sublocade is a long-acting injection, many patients begin with a daily buprenorphine medication like Suboxone, Zubsolv®, or a generic before moving to a monthly option. This allows your care team to see how well you tolerate the medication and make sure your symptoms are stable. This is an important step before considering a monthly injection like Sublocade or Brixadi®
03
Step 3: Discuss long-acting injectable options
Once you're stable on daily buprenorphine, you can talk with your clinician about whether Sublocade for opioid addiction makes sense for you. These long-acting subcutaneous injections are currently available through Ophelia in select Pennsylvania locations. Keep in mind that they must be administered by a healthcare provider at a pharmacy. Your clinician can help you determine if this medication fits your needs and schedule and whether Sublocade treatment is accessible where you live.
04
Step 4: Continue ongoing support
Opioid addiction treatment doesn't stop once you start medication. At Ophelia, we understand that quality care requires ongoing clinical support. Your dedicated care team checks in regularly to monitor how you're responding to medication and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Support is available seven days a week through our care coordination and triage nursing team, with on-call medication support for significant issues.
Affordable Sublocade treatment with insurance
Ophelia is committed to making buprenorphine affordable. We work with most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial coverage.Most patients pay less than $10 a month for online buprenorphine treatment. Our enrollment team will review your coverage before your first appointment, so you know what to expect.
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.
In-Person Clinics
In-Person Clinics
Formulation
Subcutaneous injection
Sublingual film or tablet
Dosing schedule
Once monthly
Could be up to 4 times daily
How treatment works
Injection administered by a trained health care provider in-person at a clinic or pharmacy
Medication prescribed virtually and sent to a pharmacy for at-home use
Convenience
No daily medication, but monthly in-person administration visits are required
Daily medication, but no in-person clinic visits required
Cost considerations
Varies by insurance plan and state
Often less than $10 per month with insurance
Requirements
Must be stabilized on daily sublingual buprenorphine
No prior buprenorphine treatment required
Best for
Patients who struggle with daily medication adherence, prefer to avoid daily dosing, have dental concerns, are intolerant to naloxone, or are working toward a taper plan.
Patients starting treatment or seeking fully virtual care
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.
EXPLORE TREATMENTEvidence-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.
What our patients are saying
“
This place is like no other, humanity, respect, dignity and friendship. I love my monthly meetings. They don't make you feel ashamed or embarrassed.
“
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.
“
I can be completely honest about how things are going with me. The understanding and reciprocation that I get is amazing. Things like this change, people's lives
“
Ophelia has changed my life and I am so thankful, also I love my doctor Rachel, she is the best! Always listens to me and never makes me feel rushed or judged. I love Ophelia!
“
One night scrolling through my phone I saw Ophelia filled out a quick form I was called the next morning little that I know that my life was about to change for the better.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about Sublocade treatment
Straightforward answers on visits, withdrawal support, switching providers and getting started.
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.
Explore Sublocade treatment options with Ophelia
Wondering if a monthly injection could simplify your treatment? Our clinicians will help you sort through your options. Ophelia can help you understand what's available in your state, what your insurance covers, and what makes sense based on your medical history and goals. Beginning online buprenorphine treatment can help you start feeling like yourself again.
From the Ophelia blog
Learn more about buprenorphine treatment options