What you’ll learn
We’ll explain the key differences between Sublocade® and Suboxone®. This article will highlight the similarities and differences between these two medications. We’ll also give you the scoop on how they work, benefits, side effects, and cost considerations.
Sublocade® and Suboxone® are both medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) as part of a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. However, one requires monthly clinic appointments, while the other lets you work with a licensed provider and receive telemedicine treatment from the comfort of home.
Both medications work well, but in different ways. Sublocade contains buprenorphine and requires monthly injections at a clinic. On the flipside, Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone and can be taken at home, giving you more flexibility and control over your schedule. You can also adjust dosing with your provider, making treatment a part of your life, not the center of it.
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is a once-a-month injection for opioid use disorder. Each shot contains buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist), which reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the high that traditional opioids cause. After you get the injection at a clinic, it releases medication slowly over the next 30 days for steady craving control.
Benefits of Sublocade:
- No daily doses: One injection covers a full month.
- Administered by a healthcare provider: You don’t have to worry about remembering to take it.
- Steady medication levels: You get consistent control over cravings and withdrawal.
Sublocade side effects:
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, or swelling)
- Nausea
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
Because Sublocade is long-acting, side effects may last longer than with a daily medication like Suboxone.
Cost of Sublocade
Sublocade is generally more expensive due to its monthly clinic-administered injections. Without insurance, a Sublocade injection can cost around $2,100 per month. However, some patients may qualify for assistance programs to help offset the cost.
Sublocade might be right for you if:
- You prefer a monthly treatment and want to avoid taking a daily medication.
- You’d rather have your medication administered by a healthcare provider.
- You don’t mind regular clinic visits for your monthly injection.
- You have reliable transportation and can schedule time for monthly appointments.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a daily oral medication for OUD that you take at home under the guidance of your provider. It combines buprenorphine with naloxone, which is added to help prevent misuse.
Suboxone is usually prescribed as part of a complete treatment program called Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), without the need for in-person clinic visits. Your provider prescribes your dose and monitors your progress through convenient virtual visits. You’re able to manage your medication from home, on your own time, in your own place.
Benefits of Suboxone:
- Self-administered: Suboxone is taken at home, making it convenient for those who want more control over their treatment.
- Daily flexibility: It’s a good option for people who prefer to adjust their routine with their doctor’s guidance.
- At-home convenience: Ideal for people who don’t have reliable transportation or live far from a provider that requires in-person appointments.
- Schedule flexibility: You take it on your schedule and can adjust timing or dosage with your provider as your needs change.
- Includes naloxone: The addition of naloxone lowers the risk of misuse by blocking the effects of opioids if someone tries to inject or misuse the medication.
Suboxone side effects:
- Mouth irritation (from the film/tablet)
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
Since Suboxone is taken daily, any side effects tend to be shorter in duration and may be easier to manage. Plus, the daily dosing allows for quicker adjustments if any issues arise.
Cost of Suboxone
Suboxone is an accessible and affordable solution for those looking to keep costs down while getting the treatment they need. Suboxone is typically less expensive and widely covered by insurance. Without insurance, it costs between $30 and $530 per month, depending on the dosage and whether you use the film or tablet.
At QuickMD, we offer both Suboxone tablets and films, available via our Suboxone home delivery program. Learn more about home delivery pricing to see if your prescription is eligible. Your provider, of course, can send your prescription to your local pharmacy if you prefer.
Suboxone might be right for you if:
- You want the flexibility of managing your treatment from home.
- You prefer daily medication that fits into your routine without frequent clinic visits.
- You’re looking for a cost-effective option that’s widely covered by insurance.
- You prefer a widely-trusted medication used to treat OUD that includes the added protection of naloxone to help prevent misuse.
Why Naloxone matters in Suboxone
The inclusion of naloxone is one of the reasons Suboxone is so effective for long-term recovery in OUD. It adds an extra layer of safety that blocks opioid effects in case the medication is misused. Naloxone doesn’t interfere when Suboxone is taken as prescribed, but it works alongside the buprenorphine to support you through your treatment.
Studies show that Suboxone reduces overdose risk by 76% compared to treatment without medication, and improves long-term health outcomes for people in recovery. This evidence-based combination is why Suboxone has become a trusted choice for improving social and physical functioning and reducing the risk of relapse and overdose.
Sublocade vs. Suboxone: Key differences
Both medications use buprenorphine to treat OUD, but the way you take them and how they fit into your life looks very different. Here’s how they compare.
| Feature | Sublocade | Suboxone |
| Administration | Monthly injection | Daily film/tablet under the tongue |
| Contains Naloxone? | No | Yes (reduces risk of misuse) |
| Frequency | Once per month | Once daily |
| Who administers it? | Healthcare professional | Self-administered at home |
| Misuse potential | Very low (clinic-administered) | Low (contains naloxone) |
| Cost | Higher (monthly injection)** | More affordable and accessible |
| Ideal for | Those wanting a hands-off approach | People seeking flexibility |
Why Suboxone may be a better long-term choice for recovery
Suboxone offers something that puts you back in control when you’re rebuilding your life: the ability to manage your treatment from home, on your own terms. You take it as part of your daily routine, just like any other medication, without rearranging your time around clinic visits. For many people, this means treatment becomes a part of their lives instead of taking it over, making it sustainable for long-term recovery.
When compared to Sublocade, the cost difference is significant, too. At $30 to $530 per month, Suboxone is much more affordable than Sublocade’s $2,100. When you’re working on getting your life back, affordability matters.
Whether you’re just starting treatment or looking for a more flexible option, Suboxone gives you the support you need while letting you focus on what matters: rebuilding your relationships, your health, and your future. Treatment becomes part of your routine, not an interruption.
How QuickMD can help you get started with Suboxone
At QuickMD, we specialize in helping patients manage OUD with a compassionate, judgement-free approach to MAT. Our licensed providers evaluate your needs and can prescribe Suboxone when appropriate through a convenient telemedicine visit. We’ll go over your health history, substance use, questions, and any concerns you have about side effects, convenience, cost, or effectiveness. We’re here to help you figure out what works best for you.
We also offer a home delivery program for Suboxone, making it more convenient to receive your medications. Even if you don’t have insurance, we try to keep out-of-pocket costs low with cash-pay options that allow you to receive life-changing medications. If you wish not to use our home delivery or it’s not yet available for your dose, your QuickMD provider can send your prescription to your local pharmacy. Ask your provider about these options during your visit.
With affordable pricing and same-day visits, QuickMD makes it easier to access effective treatments like Suboxone. If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery, we’re here to guide you.
Final thoughts: Sublocade vs. Suboxone—what’s the best option for you?
Choosing between Sublocade and Suboxone is a decision you should make with your provider. There’s no single right answer for everyone. Your lifestyle, schedule, budget, and treatment goals all matter. Working with a licensed provider is the best way to figure out which medication aligns with your needs. They can walk you through the pros and cons based on your situation. This could mean choosing between the structured support of monthly visits to the clinic with Sublocade or the flexibility and affordability of at-home treatment with Suboxone.
At QuickMD, our providers understand how to help people navigate these decisions. We can evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and support you in finding the treatment approach that works for your life. If you’re ready to explore your options, we’re here to help you take that next step.
Frequently asked questions about Suboxone treatment
Can you still take Suboxone while on Sublocade?
No, you should not take Suboxone while on Sublocade because they both contain buprenorphine. Taking them together could lead to serious side effects, like overdose or respiratory depression. If you’re switching between medications, your provider will create a safe transition plan.
Is Sublocade better than Suboxone?
For some, Suboxone offers significant advantages: flexibility to take it at home, lower cost, and the ability to adjust dosing with your provider. Sublocade works well for people who prefer monthly clinic visits and structured support. Your provider can help determine which option fits your lifestyle and recovery goals.
Is Sublocade or Suboxone safer for long-term recovery?
Both are safe and effective for long-term use when taken as prescribed. Both contain buprenorphine and work in a similar way to reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and support long-term recovery. The main difference is that Suboxone includes naloxone as an added safety feature to help prevent misuse. Your provider can help you choose the option that works best for your situation.
