What’s the Difference Between Suboxone and Sublocade?

Summary: The difference between Suboxone and Sublocade is the type of medications they contain. Both contain buprenorphine, but Suboxone also includes naloxone, added to prevent diversion or misuse, while Sublocade contains a specific subtype of buprenorphine.

Key Points:

Buprenorphine is one of the primary medications used for treating opioid addiction.
Opioid addiction is called opioid use disorder (OUD), and medications for opioid addiction are called medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
MAT is sometimes called medication-based treatment (MBT) and may refer to programs that use medication to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD).
MAT/MBT with MOUD is considered the gold standard treatment for opioid addiction.

The Difference Between Suboxone and Sublocade

Suboxone and Sublocade are medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs). We’ll discuss Suboxone first, then move straight to Sublocade.

About Suboxone

Suboxone includes two medications: Buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid receptor agonist. It attaches to opioid receptors present in the human central and peripheral nervous system – partially but not completely – and prevents the euphoric effects associated with opioids.

Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it prevents any other substances – including opioids associated with opioid addiction – from occupying opioid receptors, thereby blocking their euphoric effects. Naloxone is also the active ingredient in the overdose-reversing drug Narcan, which can stop the action of opioids in the body immediately, and prevent a fatal overdose when administered correctly and in time.

Patients take Suboxone orally, via a sublingual film, a small gel-type rectangle placed under the tongue. The film delivers the appropriate dosage of buprenorphine and naloxone.

For more information about Suboxone, please read our Suboxone Treatment Page:

Suboxone Clinic in San Diego | Crownview Medical Group

About Sublocade

Sublocade contains only one medication: buprenorphine.

The buprenorphine in Sublocade is an advanced formulation, designed for extended release over a thirty-day period. The medication begins working immediately but remains effective for a full month.

Sublocade is delivered via subcutaneous injection. Physicians may inject the thigh, upper arm, or buttock, or abdomen.

For more information about Sublocade, please read our Sublocade Treatment Page:

Sublocade Clinic in San Diego | Crownview Medical Group

Which One Works Best?

Both medications are effective for treating opioid use disorder (OUD).

The main differences are (1) Suboxone contains naloxone and buprenorphine and must be taken once a day, while (2) Sublocade contains only buprenorphine and is delivered in-person, via subcutaneous injection, by a physician or qualified provider once a month.

Evidence shows that in combination with therapy, counseling, peer support, and lifestyle changes, treatment with Suboxone or Sublocade is associated with:

Decreased intensity of withdrawal symptoms
Decreased intensity of cravings for opioids
Reduced overdose
Reduced relapse
Decreased infectious disease transmission
Increased time-in-treatment
Reduced premature mortality

In addition, evidence shows participation in MAT program can:

Decrease risky behavior related to opioids
Offer safe and effective treatment for pregnant women with OUD
Improve vocational outcomes for people with OUD
Improve relationships and social functioning for people with OUD

The decision on which medication to choose – Suboxone ora Sublocade – is the result of a collaborative process involving patient and provider. Factors affecting the choice may include the severity and duration of OUD, access to therapy and support, and patient preference.

Both medications can work, both medications can improve the lives of people with opioid use disorder, and it’s possible to switch from one to the other – under the guidance of a licensed physician – without significant difficulty.

If you or someone you know needs professional support for opioid addiction, you can share what you know about the difference between Suboxone and Sublocade, or call us here at Crownview Medical Group to learn more.

Angus Whyte

Angus Whyte has an extensive background in neuroscience, behavioral health, adolescent development, and mindfulness, including lab work in behavioral neurobiology and a decade of writing articles on mental health and mental health treatment. In addition, Angus brings twenty years of experience as a yoga teacher and experiential educator to his work for Crownview. He’s an expert at synthesizing complex concepts into accessible content that helps patients, providers, and families understand the nuances of mental health treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes and quality of life for all stakeholders.