6 key differences between Sublocade and Suboxone

Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and make you feel very sick. However, anyone who stops using opioids after a long period of regular use will experience withdrawal. Thankfully, there are medications available to reduce withdrawal symptoms and make the process more manageable. With these medications, you can stop using without the symptoms.

Sublocade and Suboxone are two medications often used to help people with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, while both are effective, there’s quite a bit that sets them apart. By understanding the two options and their differences, you can collaborate with your health care provider to determine which is the right fit for you. 

6 ways that Sublocade is different from Suboxone

Sublocade and Suboxone are both potential medication options for a person with opioid use disorder who is starting their recovery journey. These medications work by partially blocking the receptors of the brain that are targeted by opioids. They can also both be provided in outpatient or inpatient treatment facilities. However, they’re actually more different than they are alike. 

Here are six key differences between Sublocade and Suboxone to consider:

  1. How is the medication given?
  • Sublocade is administered as an injection from a health care provider.
  • Suboxone is a dissolvable film or tablet that’s placed underneath the tongue by the individual who’s taking it.
  1. How often do you have to take the medication?
  • Sublocade is taken once a month.
  • Suboxone is taken every day.
  1. How long does the medication last in the body?
  • Sublocade is slowly released into the body over one month for a steady and continuous dosage at a controlled rate.
  • Suboxone — On average, the buprenorphine in Suboxone leaves the body in 2 to 3.5 days, and the naloxone in Suboxone leaves the body in 4 to 24 hours.
  1. What are the medications made of?
  • Sublocade contains buprenorphine. Buprenorphine decreases withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings by targeting the same brain receptors as opioids but with a weaker force.
  • Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which works to reduce the effects of opioids, and naloxone, which helps deter misuse. 
  1. What are common side effects of the medications?
  1. Which option is more affordable?

It is hard to say whether Sublocade or Suboxone would be more affordable for you. The easiest way to answer this question for yourself is to check with your insurance provider. If you don’t have insurance, the current cost information shows that Suboxone is more affordable on average. Here are some general cost numbers for Sublocade and Suboxone: 

  • Sublocade — 
  • List price — $2,016.52 per month
  • With commercial insurance — $407 per month on average
  • With Medicare — $97 per month on average
  • With Medicaid — $3 per month on average
  • Without insurance — Expect to pay the list price. 
  • Suboxone — 
  • $30 to $540 per month on average depending on your insurance, dosage, and whether you get brand name or generic. 

How to know whether Sublocade or Suboxone is right for you

As we’ve shown, there are many factors to think about when you’re trying to decide whether Sublocade or Suboxone is the right medication to help you recover from opioid use disorder. The number one thing to keep in mind is that the decision should be made in collaboration with your health care provider. They’ll help you reach the right decision for you based on factors like medical history and cost.

Here are a couple of things to ask yourself about when comparing Sublocade vs. Suboxone:

  • Do you have a flexible schedule? 

Everyone has different schedules and priorities. If you prefer to take your medication from the comfort of your own home every day, then Suboxone may be preferable to you. It can be prescribed online and the prescription can be sent to your local pharmacy. Sublocade only requires one monthly appointment, but the appointment must be in person.

  • Do you prefer consistency or adjustment as needed? 

Some people prefer to take medication less frequently and do well with the standard dosage. Others prefer to be able to make adjustments as needed to better manage their symptoms and cravings. While Sublocade provides you with a convenient monthlong dose, Suboxone doses are more customizable for your unique needs.

Groups uses Suboxone medication to help people with opioid use disorder

At Groups, we prescribe Suboxone most often. It’s considered the “gold standard” treatment for opioid use disorder. It’s very effective in decreasing the level of withdrawal symptoms and curbing opioid cravings. We also know that our members have busy lives. By offering prescriptions and refills online, treatment can be as flexible as necessary.

While medication can play a large role in recovery, our approach to care considers our members’ needs from every angle. Along with Suboxone prescriptions, Groups uses weekly group support meetings and personalized life-goal assistance to help people work through the challenges and build the lives they want and deserve.

Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your journey of recovery.

SHARE