Is Sublocade the Same as Suboxone?
How Sublocade and Suboxone compare, what each medication is, the key differences between the monthly injection and the daily film, and how they are used in opioid addiction treatment.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ponlawat Pitsuwan, Physician and Addiction Medicine Specialist, Phuket Island Rehab.
Sublocade and Suboxone are not the same, but they are closely related, and both are used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Both contain buprenorphine, a medication that reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal, as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The key differences are in what else they contain and how they are given. Suboxone is a daily medicine, usually a film (or tablet) placed under the tongue or inside the cheek, that contains buprenorphine plus naloxone (the naloxone is added to deter misuse by injection). Sublocade is an extended-release injection of buprenorphine only (no naloxone) that is given once a month by a healthcare provider and slowly releases the medication over the month, so the person does not need to take a daily dose. In short, Suboxone is taken daily by the patient and contains buprenorphine and naloxone, while Sublocade is a monthly injection of buprenorphine given by a provider. Both are effective treatments for opioid addiction, and which is more suitable depends on the individual; a doctor can advise. If you or someone you know needs help with opioid addiction, these treatments, combined with support, help people recover.
Is Sublocade the same as Suboxone?
Sublocade and Suboxone are two medications used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), the medical term for addiction to opioids such as heroin or prescription painkillers. Because their names sound similar and both are used for the same purpose, people often ask whether they are the same thing. The answer is that they are not the same, but they are closely related: both are based on the same core medication, buprenorphine, and both are used as part of what is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), in which medication is combined with counselling and support. The main differences lie in what else each one contains and, importantly, in how they are taken: Suboxone is a daily medicine taken by the patient, while Sublocade is a long-acting injection given once a month by a healthcare provider.
This article explains how Sublocade and Suboxone compare, what each medication is, the key differences between the monthly injection and the daily film, and how they are used in opioid addiction treatment. The central message is that both are effective, evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder that work by using buprenorphine to reduce cravings and withdrawal, and that the choice between them depends on the individual’s needs and circumstances rather than one being simply better than the other. Understanding the differences helps people know what to expect and discuss the options with their doctor. It is also important to know that these medications are a recognised and effective part of treatment, that needing medication for opioid addiction is not a failure or a substitute addiction but a legitimate medical treatment, and that combined with support, they help people recover.
What each medication is
Suboxone is a medicine that contains two ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is the active ingredient that treats opioid use disorder; it is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it acts on the same opioid receptors as drugs like heroin but more weakly and with a ceiling on its effects, which allows it to relieve cravings and withdrawal without producing the same strong high, and with a lower risk of overdose than full opioids. Naloxone is an opioid blocker that is included to deter misuse: if Suboxone is taken as directed (dissolved under the tongue or in the cheek), the naloxone has little effect, but if someone tries to misuse it by injecting it, the naloxone can bring on withdrawal, discouraging that misuse. Suboxone is usually taken once a day as a film or tablet that dissolves in the mouth, and the person takes it themselves at home as prescribed.
Sublocade is a different formulation of buprenorphine. It contains buprenorphine only (no naloxone), but it is an extended-release (long-acting) injection. It is given as an injection under the skin (usually of the abdomen) once a month by a healthcare provider, and it forms a small deposit that slowly releases buprenorphine into the body steadily over the whole month. This means the person does not need to take a daily dose; instead, they receive one injection a month that keeps a steady level of the medication in their system. Because Sublocade is a long-acting injectable given by a provider, and because it steadily suppresses cravings and withdrawal without daily dosing, it can be helpful for people who find daily medication difficult or who prefer not to handle medication themselves. Before starting Sublocade, a person usually needs to have been stabilised on a daily buprenorphine medicine (such as Suboxone) first.
| Feature | Suboxone / Sublocade |
|---|---|
| Core medication | Both contain buprenorphine |
| Other ingredient | Suboxone adds naloxone; Sublocade has none |
| Form | Suboxone: film/tablet under tongue; Sublocade: injection |
| How often | Suboxone: daily; Sublocade: once a month |
| Given by | Suboxone: self at home; Sublocade: provider |
| Use | Both treat opioid use disorder (OUD) |
The key differences
The most important differences between Sublocade and Suboxone come down to their ingredients and how they are given. In terms of ingredients, both contain buprenorphine, the medication that does the main work of treating opioid use disorder, but Suboxone also contains naloxone (added to deter misuse by injection), while Sublocade contains buprenorphine only, because as a supervised monthly injection it does not need the naloxone deterrent. In terms of how they are taken, Suboxone is a daily medicine that the person takes themselves, usually as a film or tablet dissolved under the tongue or in the cheek, giving them control over their daily dose but requiring them to remember to take it every day. Sublocade is a monthly injection given by a healthcare provider that slowly releases buprenorphine over the month, removing the need for daily dosing and ensuring a steady level of medication, but requiring a monthly appointment and meaning the medication cannot simply be stopped from one day to the next because it is long-acting.
These differences translate into practical considerations. Suboxone’s daily dosing offers flexibility and can be adjusted more readily, but it relies on the person taking it consistently each day, and it involves handling medication, which for some carries a risk of missed doses, misuse, or diversion. Sublocade’s monthly injection removes the daily burden and the handling of medication, provides steady cravings and withdrawal relief, and can improve consistency of treatment, which some people find very helpful, but it requires regular clinic visits, and because it is long-acting, its effects persist for weeks, which is usually an advantage but means changes take time. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on the individual’s preferences, circumstances, stability in treatment, and medical advice. Many people start on a daily buprenorphine medicine such as Suboxone and may later move to Sublocade if a monthly injection suits them better. Both are effective, and a doctor experienced in opioid use disorder treatment can help decide.
How they are used in treatment and getting help
Both Sublocade and Suboxone are used as part of comprehensive treatment for opioid use disorder, not as standalone fixes. The medication (buprenorphine, in whichever form) reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which stabilises the person and frees them from the constant cycle of seeking and using opioids, but the medication works best when combined with counselling, behavioural therapy, and support, which address the psychological aspects of addiction, help build coping skills, and support lasting recovery. This combination, medication plus support, is what is meant by medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and it is one of the most effective approaches to opioid addiction, shown to reduce illicit opioid use, lower the risk of overdose and death, and help people rebuild their lives. Treatment is individualised, and the choice, dose, and duration of medication are decided with a doctor; some people take these medications for a long time, which is entirely legitimate, as opioid use disorder is often a chronic condition.
It is worth emphasising that using buprenorphine, whether as Suboxone or Sublocade, is not simply swapping one addiction for another, a common misconception. These medications are prescribed at controlled doses, do not produce the same high as misused opioids when taken as directed, and allow people to function normally, work, and live full lives while protecting them from overdose and the harms of illicit drug use. Needing medication for opioid addiction is no different from needing ongoing medication for other chronic conditions. The key messages are that Sublocade and Suboxone are not the same but are closely related buprenorphine-based treatments, differing mainly in that Suboxone is a daily medicine containing buprenorphine and naloxone while Sublocade is a monthly buprenorphine injection, that both are effective parts of opioid use disorder treatment, and that if you or someone you know needs help with opioid addiction, these treatments, combined with support, help people recover. A doctor can advise on which option is most suitable.
Summary
Sublocade and Suboxone are not the same, but they are closely related, and both are used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Both contain buprenorphine, a medication that reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal, as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The key differences are in what else they contain and how they are given. Suboxone is a daily medicine, usually a film (or tablet) placed under the tongue or inside the cheek, that contains buprenorphine plus naloxone (the naloxone is added to deter misuse by injection). Sublocade is an extended-release injection of buprenorphine only (no naloxone) that is given once a month by a healthcare provider and slowly releases the medication over the month, so the person does not need to take a daily dose. In short, Suboxone is taken daily by the patient and contains buprenorphine and naloxone, while Sublocade is a monthly injection of buprenorphine given by a provider. Both are effective treatments for opioid addiction, and which is more suitable depends on the individual; a doctor can advise. If you or someone you know needs help with opioid addiction, these treatments, combined with support, help people recover.
As Dr. Ponlawat Pitsuwan, addiction medicine specialist at Phuket Island Rehab, puts it, “Patients often mix up Sublocade and Suboxone, and it is an easy mistake because they are cousins, both built on buprenorphine. The way I explain it is: Suboxone is the daily film you dissolve under your tongue, and it has naloxone in it to discourage injecting it; Sublocade is the once-a-month injection I give you, just buprenorphine, releasing slowly so you do not have to think about it every day. Neither is better in the abstract, it is about the person. Someone who is stable and hates daily pills may love the monthly shot; someone who wants control and flexibility may prefer the film. What matters is that both work, both protect against overdose, and both are real medicine, not a new addiction.”
Frequently asked questions
Is Sublocade the same as Suboxone?
No, Sublocade and Suboxone are not the same, but they are closely related. Both are used to treat opioid use disorder, and both are based on the same core medication, buprenorphine, which reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal. The differences are in what else they contain and how they are given. Suboxone contains buprenorphine plus naloxone (the naloxone deters misuse by injection) and is taken daily by the patient, usually as a film or tablet dissolved under the tongue or in the cheek. Sublocade contains buprenorphine only and is an extended-release injection given once a month by a healthcare provider, slowly releasing the medication over the month so no daily dose is needed. So while they share the same active medication and purpose, Suboxone is a daily self-administered medicine with two ingredients, and Sublocade is a monthly provider-given injection with one. Both are effective treatments for opioid addiction, and which suits a person best depends on their circumstances, which a doctor can help decide.
What is the main difference between Sublocade and Suboxone?
The main differences are in how they are given and what they contain. Suboxone is a daily medicine that the patient takes themselves, usually as a film or tablet dissolved under the tongue or in the cheek, and it contains buprenorphine plus naloxone. Sublocade is a long-acting injection given once a month by a healthcare provider, and it contains buprenorphine only. This means Suboxone requires taking a dose every day and gives the person control and flexibility, but relies on daily consistency and involves handling medication, whereas Sublocade removes the daily burden by providing a steady release of medication over a month from a single injection, but requires monthly clinic visits and is long-acting so cannot be stopped abruptly. Both use buprenorphine to reduce cravings and withdrawal and are effective for opioid use disorder. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on the individual’s needs, stability in treatment, and preferences. Many people start on a daily buprenorphine medicine like Suboxone and may later switch to Sublocade if the monthly injection suits them better.
Why does Sublocade not contain naloxone?
Sublocade does not contain naloxone because it does not need the naloxone deterrent that Suboxone uses. In Suboxone, naloxone is added mainly to discourage misuse: Suboxone is a medicine the patient handles and takes daily, and if someone tried to misuse it by injecting it, the naloxone would bring on withdrawal, deterring that misuse; taken as directed under the tongue, the naloxone has little effect. Sublocade, by contrast, is given as a monthly injection by a healthcare provider, under supervision, and forms a deposit under the skin that releases buprenorphine slowly, so there is no daily medication for the patient to handle or potentially misuse in that way, and the naloxone deterrent is not needed. This is why Sublocade contains buprenorphine only. Both approaches are designed with safety in mind: Suboxone builds in naloxone because it is self-administered, while Sublocade relies on being a supervised, long-acting injection. Both are effective and appropriate treatments for opioid use disorder when used as directed.
Do you have to take Suboxone before Sublocade?
Generally, yes. Before starting Sublocade, a person usually needs to have been started and stabilised on a daily buprenorphine-containing medicine, such as Suboxone (or another transmucosal buprenorphine product), typically for a short period (often about a week) to ensure they tolerate buprenorphine well. This is because Sublocade is a long-acting injection that stays in the body for weeks, so it is important first to confirm, using the daily medicine, that buprenorphine is suitable and well-tolerated before committing to the monthly injectable. Once the person is stabilised on the daily medication, they can be transitioned to Sublocade if it is a good fit for them. This step-up approach is part of how these medications are used safely. A doctor experienced in opioid use disorder treatment will guide the process, deciding when and whether to move from a daily buprenorphine medicine to Sublocade based on the individual’s response and preferences. So Suboxone (or a similar daily buprenorphine medicine) often comes first, with Sublocade as an option for ongoing treatment.
Are Suboxone and Sublocade just replacing one addiction with another?
No. This is a common misconception, but using buprenorphine as Suboxone or Sublocade is not simply swapping one addiction for another; it is a legitimate, effective medical treatment for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is prescribed at controlled, steady doses and, taken as directed, it relieves cravings and withdrawal without producing the high of misused opioids, allowing people to function normally, work, and live full lives, while greatly reducing the risk of overdose and the harms of illicit drug use. Physical dependence on the medication (needing it to avoid withdrawal) is not the same as the destructive, compulsive, harmful use that defines addiction; it is comparable to needing ongoing medication for a chronic condition. Extensive evidence shows that these medications reduce illicit opioid use, overdose, and death and support recovery. Some people take them for a long time, which is entirely appropriate, as opioid use disorder is often a chronic condition. So rather than a new addiction, Suboxone and Sublocade are recognised, life-saving treatments that help people recover, especially when combined with counselling and support.
Which is better, Sublocade or Suboxone?
Neither Sublocade nor Suboxone is universally better; the best choice depends on the individual. Both use buprenorphine to effectively reduce cravings and withdrawal in opioid use disorder, and both are evidence-based treatments. Suboxone, taken daily as a film or tablet, offers flexibility and control and can be adjusted readily, which suits people who prefer to manage their own daily medication, but it relies on taking it consistently every day and involves handling medication. Sublocade, given as a monthly injection by a provider, removes the daily burden, ensures a steady level of medication, and can improve consistency of treatment, which suits people who find daily dosing difficult or prefer not to handle medication, but it requires monthly clinic visits and is long-acting. Factors such as a person’s stability in treatment, lifestyle, preferences, and medical circumstances all influence which is more suitable, and many people begin on a daily buprenorphine medicine and may later move to Sublocade. The best approach is to discuss the options with a doctor experienced in opioid use disorder treatment, who can help choose the option most likely to support that individual’s recovery.
Sources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Buprenorphine. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction
National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Buprenorphine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605002.html
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Information about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat
National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Buprenorphine Injection (Sublocade). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618009.html
World Health Organization (WHO). Opioid Overdose. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/opioid-overdose
Is Sublocade the same as Suboxone — key entities and related terms
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