How is Sublocade given?
Sublocade is injected under the skin once per month. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. You should not give yourself this medicine.
Sublocade should never be injected into a vein or a muscle. This medicine is for injection only under the skin. Sublocade forms a solid mass when it comes into contact with a bodily fluid such as blood. Injecting Sublocade into a vein or muscle could result in damage to the skin or underlying tissues, as well as a blood clot that could travel to the lungs and cause death.
After each injection, you may see or feel a small lump under your skin where the medicine was injected. This could last for several weeks but the lump should eventually get smaller. Avoid rubbing or massaging the lump, or wearing tight clothing over the area.
At least 26 days should pass between each injection of Sublocade.
Sublocade is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include counseling and other types of addiction support. Tell your doctor if you feel that this medicine is not helping to improve your symptoms of addiction.
You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.
Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are being treated for opioid addiction and that you are receiving Sublocade. Make sure your family members know how to provide this information in case they need to speak for you during an emergency.
Do not stop receiving Sublocade suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.