Sublocade Shots Specialist in Asheville, NC and Peachtree Corners, GA

Sublocade and Suboxone are both crucial medications in the management of opioid addiction and dependency, sharing common usages, benefits, and active ingredients. Both are incorporated as part of comprehensive medication-assisted treatment plans alongside the use of talk and behavioral therapy.

However, several notable differences distinguish them.

Sublocade primarily functions with buprenorphine as its active ingredient, whereas Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, offering controlled effects to mitigate cravings and physical dependence on opioids, thereby reducing overdose risks. Naloxone, found in Suboxone, blocks opioid effects on the brain, countering the effects produced by drugs like methadone and heroin.

The administration of these medications also differs significantly. Suboxone is taken daily by the patient, often in tablet form, making it suitable for the early stages of medically assisted treatment for addiction.

Sublocade, however, is a monthly abdominal injection given by a healthcare professional, reducing the potential for misuse and easing the treatment compliance challenges associated with daily medication schedules.

Sublocade is typically prescribed to individuals already stabilized on buprenorphine treatment, like Suboxone, for at least a week and have demonstrated tolerance to it. Both medications are integral to medically assisted treatment strategies, addressing opioid dependency by reducing cravings and helping patients transition back to their normal lives.

The choice between Sublocade and Suboxone is determined within a comprehensive treatment plan at Ascension Solutions Treatment, considering each patient’s specific needs and recovery stage.

Sublocade is administered as part of a personalized treatment plan that considers the patient’s unique situation, including their demonstrated tolerance to buprenorphine-based treatments.

This injectable medication is typically given once a month, with at least 26 days between doses, directly into the abdominal area by a healthcare provider. It’s designed for patients who have been on a stable dose of oral buprenorphine for at least a week, marking a transition to a potentially more convenient and less misuse-prone form of treatment.

After injection, patients might notice a small bump under their skin at the injection site, which is a normal part of the process. Patients need to avoid irritating this area to ensure proper medication absorption and minimize discomfort.

While receiving Sublocade, patients should adhere to specific guidelines provided by their healthcare providers at Ascension Solutions Treatment to minimize risks and maximize the treatment’s benefits.

Key steps include avoiding alcohol and other opioid medications, as well as central nervous system depressants and benzodiazepines, which can lead to severe symptoms including respiratory problems, profound drowsiness, and decreased awareness, potentially culminating in life-threatening conditions.

Additionally, patients are advised to discuss their full medical history, including any current medications, and underlying mental health conditions, with their healthcare provider before starting Sublocade to prevent adverse drug interactions and address any additional health concerns that may require parallel treatment or consideration.

Coverage for Sublocade under Medicaid varies by state and individual eligibility but is generally provided when deemed medically necessary for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

Most patients with Medicaid can expect little to no out-of-pocket costs for Sublocade, making this life-saving medication accessible to a wider population seeking recovery from opioid dependency.

Patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers at Ascension Solutions Treatment for specific information regarding Medicaid coverage and other insurance options, ensuring they can access the treatment needed without an unnecessary financial burden.

Ascension Solutions Treatment offers comprehensive and affordable care for individuals who are battling opioid addiction. These treatment interventions are capable of facilitating their journey toward long-term recovery and improved quality of life.

Sublocade is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction, specifically for individuals who are dependent on opioids such as heroin or prescription painkillers. It includes buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist that aids in diminishing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Sublocade is typically administered as a monthly injection, which provides a consistent, controlled release of buprenorphine over time, helping to stabilize patients and reduce the risk of misuse or relapse.

This medication is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and therapy. Sublocade is intended to be used after the patient has initiated treatment with a buprenorphine-containing product, such as Suboxone, and is stable enough to transition to the extended-release injection. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the effects of opioid withdrawal and cravings, and helping patients stay on track with their recovery goals.

A Sublocade shot lasts for about one month. The injection, which contains buprenorphine, is designed to slowly release the medication over time, providing continuous relief from opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms for approximately 30 days. Patients typically receive one shot each month, as part of a long-term treatment plan to help manage opioid addiction. The consistent release of the medication helps stabilize patients, making it easier for them to focus on recovery without the need for daily medication.

While “success rates,” for any medication used to treat Opiate Use Disorder (OUD) are not published, the evidence suggests that for every 2 patients treated with buprenorphine, the active medication in Sublocade, 1 of the patients will avoid relapsing to opioid use. This translates into a Number Needed to Treat (NNT) of 2, which is an incredible NNT. The lower the NNT, the more effective the treatment. As an example, adalimumab (brand name Humira), the best-selling pharmaceutical ever, has an NNT of 4, and lipitor, the previous best-selling pharmaceutical ever, has an NNT of 39.

Sublocade delivers the effective medication buprenorphine, and offers several advantages over oral medication. First, there is no medication to be picked up, or taken daily, it helps to break the ritual of taking pills and also means there’s no medication that can be lost, misplaced, or stolen. Secondly, Sublcoade delivers stable levels of buprenorphine over 4+ weeks, so there’s no fluctuation of medication levels, which makes it less likely to provoke withdrawal symptoms than oral buprenorphine and also makes it the safest form of buprenorphine we can prescribe. Lastly, because Sublocade has 4+ weeks of activity when a person decides to stop medication, the Sublocade levels slowly taper out of the system over as long as 6 months, making it much easier to discontinue Sublocade compared to oral medications, which can drop to subtherapeutic (ineffective) levels within 12 hours of stopping medication. All these advantages make Sublocade our treatment of choice for OUD whenever possible.

Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, is dedicated to providing the best outcomes for opioid addiction treatment with Sublocade shots. By tailoring each treatment plan to the individual, Dr. Hall ensures that his patients receive the most effective care for their unique situations.

Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Approach

Dr. Hall combines his expertise in addiction medicine with a holistic treatment strategy that includes the use of Sublocade, a long-acting medication that effectively reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This approach helps stabilize the patient’s brain chemistry, promoting a smoother and more manageable recovery process.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring

To ensure the best results, Dr. Hall integrates behavioral therapy and continuous monitoring into his treatment plans. This comprehensive support system helps patients stay engaged, adhere to their recovery plans, and achieve long-term sobriety in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Do not hesitate to contact us today or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located in Peachtree Corners GA and Asheville NC. We serve patients from Peachtree Corners GA, Asheville NC, Swannanoa NC, Johns Creek GA, Woodfin NC, Biltmore Forest NC, Fairview NC, Roswell GA, Dunwoody GA, Pittsburg GA, Western North Carolina, and the surrounding areas.