What Is the Difference Between Sublocade and Suboxone?

Opioid use disorder (OUD) continues to be one of the most pressing public health crises in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 110,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2022, and the vast majority of those deaths were linked to opioids.[1] For individuals struggling with opioid dependency—and for the families and friends trying to help them—understanding treatment options is critical.

Two of the most widely prescribed medications for treating opioid use disorders are Sublocade and Suboxone. While both contain the same active ingredient and aim to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, they differ in how they are administered, how they work in the body, and who they are best suited for.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is medication-assisted treatment?
• What is Suboxone?
• What is Sublocade?
• What are the differences between suboxone and Sublocade?

Understanding Opioid Use Disorder and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioids despite harmful consequences. Like other chronic conditions, OUD requires ongoing management. One of the most effective evidence-based approaches to treating OUD is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which combines behavioral therapy with FDA-approved medications.

The goal of MAT is not just to stop drug use, but to restore normal brain function, reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and allow people to rebuild their lives. Two key medications used in MAT are Sublocade and Suboxone, and both involve buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist.

Shared Foundation: The Role of Buprenorphine

Both Sublocade and Suboxone rely on buprenorphine, which is a medication that binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin or fentanyl, but produces a much weaker response. This helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings without causing the euphoric “high” associated with full opioid agonists.

By occupying opioid receptors, buprenorphine can also block the effects of other opioids, meaning if a person relapses while on treatment, the drug won’t have the same impact. This helps reduce the risk of harm or death from overdose.

Where these medications begin to differ is in formulation and delivery.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a sublingual film (meaning it dissolves under the tongue or along the cheek) that combines buprenorphine and naloxone.

Key Features of Suboxone:

• Contains buprenorphine and naloxone- Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is included to deter misuse. If someone tries to inject Suboxone, the naloxone can trigger withdrawal symptoms, reducing the likelihood of abuse.
• Daily medication- Suboxone must be taken once daily, usually at the same time each day. Missing doses can lead to withdrawal symptoms or cravings returning.
• Flexible treatment- Because it is self-administered, patients can take it at home, making it easier to integrate into everyday life.
• Monitoring is essential- Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider are recommended to ensure adherence, check for side effects, and adjust dosing if necessary.

Suboxone is typically prescribed at the beginning of MAT, particularly during the induction and stabilization phases of detox, when a patient is transitioning off short-acting opioids. If you are interested in finding a Suboxone detox center, New Jersey Addiction Interventions is here to help.

What is Sublocade?

Sublocade is an injection of extended-release buprenorphine, administered once a month by a healthcare provider. It does not contain naloxone.

Key Features of Sublocade:

• Monthly injection- Instead of daily dosing, patients receive a once-monthly injection under the skin (subcutaneous).
• Only buprenorphine- Sublocade does not include naloxone. The risk of misuse is lower due to the delivery method—it cannot be diverted or abused.
• FDA-approved- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sublocade in 2017 for the treatment of moderate to severe OUD.
• Improved compliance- With a monthly injection, there is less room for missed doses. This helps patients maintain steady levels of buprenorphine in the body, reducing fluctuations that could lead to cravings.
• Usually given after stabilization- Patients typically begin treatment with oral buprenorphine (such as Suboxone) and switch to Sublocade once stabilized.

Sublocade vs. Suboxone: How Do They Compare?

Suboxone is a sublingual film that you take every day. On the other hand, Sublocade is an injection that is taken once a month. Additionally, Suboxone contains naloxone while Sublocade does not.

Suboxone might be preferred among people who don’t like to take shots, while Sublocade treatment is ideal for individuals who don’t want to take a medication every day.

Another difference between the medications is that suboxone has a moderate risk of abuse, while the risk of becoming addicted to Sublocade is very low.

Even further, Suboxone can be used during detox and afterwards. Sublocade is only intended to be used for the maintenance of recovery, which means it’s not implemented during detox.

While suboxone was approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder in 2002, Sublocade’s approval is fairly new. It was approved in 2017 to treat opioid addiction.

Side Effects and Safety

Both medications are considered safe and effective when used under medical supervision, but like any medication, they come with potential side effects.

The common side effects of Suboxone include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Irritability

The common side effects of Sublocade include:

• Injection site pain or irritation
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Headache

In rare cases, both medications can cause respiratory depression, especially if combined with other sedatives like benzodiazepines or alcohol. Patients should always discuss other medications or substances they are using with their provider.

Who Should Take Sublocade vs. Suboxone?

The decision between Suboxone and Sublocade depends on a variety of personal and clinical factors. Some patients start on Suboxone, and once they are stable, they switch between Sublocade and Suboxone depending on their lifestyle needs or treatment response.

Sublocade may be more appropriate for:

• People who struggle with taking daily medication
• Individuals at higher risk of misuse or diversion
• Patients who have already stabilized on oral buprenorphine

Suboxone may be preferred by:

• Patients early in recovery
• People who prefer at-home treatment
• Those with needle anxiety or concerns about injections

Why Medication Matters

Untreated OUD can lead to devastating consequences, including overdose, infectious disease, financial hardship, and family disruption. Medication-assisted treatment saves lives. According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, buprenorphine-based treatments reduce the risk of overdose death by more than 50%.[2]

When paired with counseling and behavioral support, medications like Suboxone and Sublocade provide a foundation for recovery—a way to manage cravings, reduce the risk of relapse, and reclaim a life beyond addiction.

Get Connected to Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction Today

Choosing between Suboxone and Sublocade is a personal decision best made in collaboration with a medical provider who understands your full history and needs. What’s most important is not which medication you start with, but that you start somewhere.

Recovery is a journey. And for many, these medications represent a life-saving first step.

If you are interested in taking Suboxone or Sublocade, New Jersey Addiction Interventions can connect you with a highly-rated MAT opioid rehab center. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you take other medications while on Sublocade or Suboxone?

Yes, but it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking. Some drugs—particularly benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium), sedatives, and alcohol—can increase the risk of dangerous side effects like respiratory depression. Always consult your provider before starting or stopping any medication while on buprenorphine-based treatment.

2. How long do people typically stay on Suboxone or Sublocade?

The duration of treatment varies by individual. Some people use buprenorphine-based medications for months, others for several years. There’s no fixed timeline—longer treatment durations are often associated with better outcomes. Discontinuation should only be done under medical supervision to minimize the risk of relapse.

3. Will taking buprenorphine affect my ability to feel emotions or experience pleasure?

Some individuals worry that MAT might “numb” their emotions. Buprenorphine doesn’t create a euphoric high at therapeutic doses, but it also doesn’t block healthy emotional experiences. In fact, buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which can help people reconnect with their feelings and relationships in recovery.

4. Is it possible to travel while receiving Sublocade or Suboxone?

Yes. For Suboxone, you can bring your medication with you—just ensure it’s stored securely and that you carry a copy of your prescription, especially when flying or crossing borders. For Sublocade, it’s more about timing; plan travel around your monthly injection schedule and coordinate with your provider if you’re going to be away during a scheduled dose.

5. What happens if someone relapses while on medication like Suboxone or Sublocade?

A relapse can be part of the recovery journey and does not mean failure. Buprenorphine may reduce the effects of opioids if used during relapse, which can lower overdose risk. Still, any relapse should prompt a review of the treatment plan. A provider might recommend more frequent therapy, support groups, or adjusting the medication approach.

6. Does insurance cover Suboxone and Sublocade?

Most private insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare cover both medications to some degree, though prior authorization may be required. Out-of-pocket costs can vary widely, so it’s important to verify coverage with your insurer or seek assistance programs offered by manufacturers or nonprofits if cost is a concern.

References:

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 2002–2022
2. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine: Buprenorphine After Nonfatal Opioid Overdose: Reduced Mortality Risk in Medicare Disability Beneficiaries