Can You Take Suboxone on Sublocade?

You should not take Suboxone while on Sublocade unless a doctor specifically approves it. Sublocade already contains buprenorphine, so adding Suboxone without medical supervision can increase the risk of side effects and an overdose. Always follow your doctor’s advice when combining these treatments.

ChoicePoint’s online Sublocade and online Suboxone doctors can help with custom dosage adjustment and help you explore the benefits of both treatments to help you decide the best one. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment today!

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What are Suboxone and Sublocade?

Suboxone is a sublingual (under-the-tongue) film or pill (orange pill, pink pill) containing buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal. Whereas Sublocade is a monthly injectable form of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment. It provides a steady dose in the body for up to a month, helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

The key features of suboxone vs. Sublocade are summarized below:

Can You Take Suboxone on Sublocade at the Same Time?

You should not take Suboxone while on Sublocade unless a doctor specifically approves it. Both medicines contain buprenorphine, so using them together can raise the risk of side effects. In certain cases, a doctor may prescribe small, short-term doses of Suboxone for breakthrough withdrawal or cravings, but only under close medical supervision.¹

What Happens If You Take Suboxone While on Sublocade?

If you take Suboxone while on Sublocade without medical guidance, you may experience stronger side effects because both medicines contain buprenorphine. This can lead to nausea, dizziness, sedation, or, in rare cases, overdose and breathing problems. Some people may also feel unexpected withdrawal if the doses interact.¹

Can Suboxone Cause Precipitated Withdrawal on Sublocade?

Precipitated withdrawal is unlikely when taking Suboxone on Sublocade because Sublocade already contains buprenorphine, which prevents stronger opioids from attaching to receptors. However, taking an extra dosage of Suboxone can make some people feel uncomfortable or worsen withdrawal symptoms if the body is sensitive to dose changes. ²

Recommended read: How long does opioid withdrawal last?
Recognizing and reversing early signs of opioid overdose with Naloxone.

How to Easily Get Sublocade or Suboxone in New Jersey

5 Risks of Taking Suboxone While on Sublocade

Some risks of taking suboxone while on Sublocade include:

1. Higher chance of side effects such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and headache because both contain buprenorphine.
2. Chances of buprenorphine overdose.
3. Possible breathing problems if the combined dose is too strong.
4. Reduced effectiveness of Sublocade if Suboxone is taken too often.
5.  Increased risk of misuse if dosing is not medically supervised.

3 Scenarios Where Doctors May Allow Suboxone on Sublocade

A doctor may prescribe suboxone while on Sublocade treatment if:

1. Using Suboxone for Breakthrough Cravings While on Sublocade

In some cases, a suboxone doctor may prescribe small, short-term doses of Suboxone to manage occasional cravings or breakthrough withdrawal symptoms, even after a Sublocade injection. This helps individuals stay comfortable without compromising their treatment.

2. Switching From Suboxone to Sublocade: Overlap Period

When transitioning from daily Suboxone to monthly Sublocade, there may be a brief overlap where Suboxone is used to maintain stability until the first Sublocade injection becomes fully effective. This helps with continuous control over cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

3. Short-Term Suboxone Use to Manage Withdrawal Before the Injection Kicks In

After a Sublocade injection, it can take some time for the medication to reach therapeutic levels. Doctors may allow limited Suboxone use during this period to prevent withdrawal and make the transition smoother.

Can You Switch From Suboxone to Sublocade?

Yes, you can switch from Suboxone to Sublocade, but only under a doctor’s supervision. Sublocade is an FDA-approved Suboxone alternative. First, your provider stabilizes you on Suboxone before starting Sublocade. The first Sublocade injection is given only after your body has had adequate buprenorphine levels from Suboxone, so cravings and withdrawal are managed effectively during the transition.

How Long After Suboxone Can You Get Sublocade?

You can typically receive your first Sublocade injection after you have been stable on Suboxone for at least 7 days and are free from withdrawal symptoms. ¹

Should You Stop Suboxone Before the First Sublocade Shot?

No, you should not stop Suboxone abruptly before your first Sublocade shot. Sublocade is only given after your body has been stabilized on a Suboxone dose for at least 7 days. Stopping Suboxone too early can trigger withdrawal symptoms and make the transition more difficult.

Can I Switch Back to Suboxone From Sublocade?

Yes, you can switch back to Suboxone from Sublocade under a doctor’s supervision. After a Sublocade injection, the medication remains active in your system for several weeks, so a medical professional will carefully time and adjust the Suboxone dose to avoid withdrawal or opioid overdose. 

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Sublocade and Suboxone Doctors in NJ: Helping You Decide the Best Opioid Addiction Treatment

Sublocade can only be administered by a certified and trained Sublocade doctor in NJ. You have to visit the ChoicePoint rehab center in Fair Lawn, NJ, to get your monthly shot. Luckily, this Buprenorphine injection is covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, and major insurance providers, reducing out-of-the-pocket costs. 

Outpatient suboxone treatment gives the flexibility of obtaining an in-person or online prescription at a virtual Suboxone clinic. After evaluation and dosage adjustment, clients can take suboxone pills at home without any need to physically visit a rehab center. Our major suboxone coverage insurance programs include:

• United Healthcare Suboxone Doctors
• Cigna Suboxone Doctors
• Aetna Suboxone Coverage
• Humana Suboxone Coverage
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Suboxone Doctors
• Suboxone doctors who accept Medicaid

To obtain your same-day suboxone prescription, please call us at 844.445.2565 or schedule an online consultation

FAQS Related to Suboxone and Sublocade

Help section for suboxone and Sublocade:

1. What Medications Can You Not take with Sublocade?

You should avoid taking these medications:

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (ketoconazole, rifampin, carbamazepine)
• Central nervous system depressants ( benzodiazepines, sleep medications, opioids)
• Certain antidepressants or antipsychotics
• Alcohol
• Opioids

2. Why Switch From Suboxone to Sublocade?

An individual may shift from suboxone to Sublocade if:

• They have Naloxone sensitivity
• Do not prefer daily pills.

3. What Are the Cons of Sublocade Over Suboxone?

Some cons of Sublocade include:

• Requires monthly clinic visits
• Injection site lumps or discomfort
• Less flexibility for dose adjustments
• Limited dosing options (100 mg and 300 mg)

References

1. https://www.sublocade.com/
2. Togioka BM, Patel P. Buprenorphine and Naloxone. [Updated 2024 Feb 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from:
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603725/