Sublocade and Burning: What Users Say

• Kev...
• June 17, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "I am now on my 4th shot, it’s been so amazing! No withdrawals or cravings. I can get up every day and live my life as normal as one can, no pain too. The Sublocade shot has given me peace of mind, no more worry about if my meds are going to be in stock or no more worrying about insurance if it’s going to be covered or if I need a prior authorization. People, take it from me, the needle poke doesn’t hurt, it’s the medicine going in that then it starts to burn a little. Nothing I can’t handle though. I’ve been on subs since 2011 straight, being on 20mg daily. This shot has given me comfort when I switched. The more shots you get, the higher blood plasma that the medicine will be in your body. The 300mg shot is equivalent to about 24mg sublingual films. I hope this helps."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Getting this Sublocade shot has changed my life. I was addicted to heroin for over 15 years. I would have very limited success with Suboxone. I would take it when I had to, but generally I would get them and sell them. I also would wake up every day consumed with getting money/getting high. So even with good intentions of taking Suboxone, there would be days that my addict thinking would take over before I had the chance to take the Suboxone, and I would be high again. Sublocade removed the guesswork for me. I wake up every day feeling great and with no desire to get high. I am waking up feeling free for the first time in over 15 years. The shot definitely burns, but for me it is definitely worth the burn. This has been a total game changer for me!"

• Ste...
• November 13, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "If you're considering getting the Sublocade injection, don’t overthink it - if you're truly done using, JUST GET IT. It works way better than the strips or tabs, and I feel like a normal person now (like I felt before I was an addict). I’m not going to lie, you should mentally prepare yourself for the shot itself because it burns really bad for a good 10-15 minutes TOPS. The needle itself doesn’t hurt at all, it’s the gooey substance they shoot under your skin that starts burning really bad. But I promise you it’s so worth every second of it. Just man or woman up and get it, and then lay back your seat in the car and chill for 15 minutes before you leave, and it’ll be over. I’ve had two injections now, so trust me - leaning back helps... even just stay lying on the table at the doctor's for a few minutes if they’ll let you. The bump is big when you first get it, but it goes down, it’s not uncomfortable in my opinion. Just try it."

• PGa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "Been on sub strips for a few years. Got tired of the two-week refill nonsense. I asked my doctor if I could be the office guinea pig for the Sublocade 300 mg shot. Taken once a month by injection. We hashed out the insurance details and started on 4/28/19. The injection site burns and hurts going in, leaving a slight bruise. Not looking forward to my next shot, however, this stuff is great. Other than the pain and burn, it works. The injection site will have a lump-like spot after. This is normal. That’s the medicine sitting under the skin. Turns into a solid and slowly gets absorbed into the body throughout the month. When compared to the pain and suffering I caused during my addiction, this slight side effect to the drug doesn’t compare. If you want a better life and to be right!!! You gotta get involved with this Sublocade or any other type of opioid treatment like Suboxone. Take it as prescribed and life gets better. Bottom line. Hope this helps."

• TTa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Well, I went today and got my first Sublocade injection. I have a pretty good pain tolerance, but I have to admit it was pretty damn painful, it burned pretty bad. So far, though, I feel pretty good. I hope this turns out to be a positive experience. I have been on the subs tablets for about 7 years, and I was tired of dealing with the pharmacy. So I will update soon."

• Att...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I have been on some form of buprenorphine for over 10 years. When I first started, I was taking 24 mg daily. I was able to wean down to 16 mg daily, which is still an extremely high dose. I have had absolutely no luck lowering it anymore. I also had an issue taking an extra 1 every few days, which would leave me in withdrawal for the last few days. Knowing those strips were there always screwed me up, but I desperately wanted to get off the meds. I explained the issue I was having with my doctor. He suggested switching to Sublocade. I just received my 5th injection and couldn't be happier! Definitely a good choice for patients who are having trouble weaning yourself off. The first month, I was a little tired, but I can tell you now I feel normal. I love that I no longer have the option to take another strip because of 'stress.' Also, the injection does not hurt. It burns for 20 seconds, then nothing. I'm very excited that I finally can see an end in sight."

• Luc...
• January 11, 2019

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Update from my review on 2018-12-15. I am on my 3rd shot, which is now lowered to 100 mg. The shot is very, very painful, it burns like none other. I might be acting like a brat, but damn does that burn. I have a good amount of fat on my belly, though, so that may be why. I can still feel the last 2 depots from the 300 mg shot, so know that the medicine is still in me and I have not had a single bad day. I truly believe this is the miracle drug for getting off opioids. Also, the mg of the shot cannot be compared to the strips. 300 mg of Sublocade is much more than 300 mg of Suboxone due to the method of absorption."

• For...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "Was prescribed the tablets (then films) for 2 years before I finally got the Sublocade injection. I did not dose as normal on the morning of the injection. The injection burned going in, lasting about 1-2 minutes. Right away, I could tell that a decent amount of buprenorphine had entered my system. I told my doctor that I hadn't dosed my films that morning; he suggested that it might help to take 1 or 2 films, in addition to the injection. I took 2 films and, no doubt about it, I had a significant amount of bupe in my system. Slept really well that first night, and when I woke up, I could tell that I'd woken up with a good amount of bupe already in my system. And this matches clinical trial data that Tmax, following the first injection, is at about 24 hours -- i.e., an initial peak in plasma bupe levels occurs about 24 hours after the initial injection. So now I am waiting to see what the coming days bring. My hope is that I'll be totally free from having to put things under my tongue."

• JZa...
• February 23, 2021

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was opioid dependent for 20 years. Detoxed in jail. I made it 11 months in drug court before getting a positive UA. I only used 3 times in 11 months. I got the Sublocade injection just so they wouldn't kick me out of the program. The next 5 months, I received the typical two 300 mg injections, then received three 100 mg injections. I'm graduating from the program in 3 weeks and haven't gotten the injection in 2 months. The studies I viewed found detectable bupe levels for up to 38 months after their last injection. So, after you get a few shots, you're good as far as withdrawals go for a long time, if ever. Idk how long the effectiveness against cravings lasts, but I'd guess it's effective for months after your last one. I'd highly suggest anyone struggling with OUD to give Sublocade a try, it works great, and you can't cheat the system or yourself by skipping doses to get high. You only have to think about it once every 30 days, so you are living a normal life 99.9% of the time. The injection does burn quite a bit, but it's absolutely worth it!"

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I've been on Suboxone for 3 years. I started out on 16 mg and weaned down to 3 mg a day (I took 1.5 2 mg strips a day). I started out on 100 mg Sublocade. I had my first injection yesterday. The medication did burn going in and about 20-30 seconds after. The injection site was sore yesterday, but it is fine today. I feel good, but I have had chills (unsure if it's related to the Sublocade or if I'm coming down with something). It has been strange not waking up and taking anything, but it's also nice. I will update later on in the month when it's time for my next injection, but so far, so good."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2023

For Opioid Use Disorder "I have been dealing with opioid dependence for over 10 years and have been on Suboxone strips for those 10 years. I started the Sublocade journey almost two months ago. I am almost 40 and tired of being held down by this medication. I just want to live my life and be healthy. I started my opioid dependence in my 20s. The Sublocade shot was scary because I didn’t know if it would work. I am thankful to God that He blessed me with this injection. The injection itself burned, however, it’s been over a month and I haven’t been back for my second injection. I feel great! I have no withdrawal symptoms. Before this injection, I was taking two 8 mg strips. What a blessing it is to have this available, not having to face the withdrawals and long journey of tapering off the strips. For anyone who wants to end this prison of taking Suboxone, I ENCOURAGE YOU to do it. I am so proud of myself! You will be too!"

• Mxs...
• June 14, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "I'm fresh out of rehab. June 1st, I got out. I also got the Sublocade shot, which had a burning feeling. I know the Sublocade blocks the effects of my sleep meds, and there was a point I was awake for 48+ hours."

• Kmt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2019

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "THE PAIN ISN'T BAD! I've been on Suboxone maintenance for over a year with great success, no relapse at all. I am getting incarcerated for an old issue, so my doc made me aware of Sublocade. I went to get the injection and was extremely nervous after hearing mixed reviews about the pain of the shot. My nurse made me comfortable and told me there was going to be a burn. After the initial pinch of the needle, a burn is a great way to describe it. I am not good with pain, but this is VERY MANAGEABLE. The injection lasted 5 seconds at the most and was not bad. Do not be scared of the pain, it is no worse than a normal shot and is comparable to getting a tattoo. The injection site is pretty tender, but nothing too serious."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2018

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I'm now on my second shot. Received it almost 2 weeks ago. (300 mg) My next shot, scheduled for 2 weeks from now, will be 100 mg. The first was in my lower right abdomen and burned like crazy for about 10 minutes. The second one I had in the upper right abdomen and experienced no pain. I was on 1.5 of the 8 mg strips a day for 2 years and absolutely hated remembering to take it. I'm ADD as well. I love it. So far, I've experienced some super tired feeling days, which suck but go away. If I understand correctly, the shot won't regulate in your system until the 3rd or 4th dose. So I'm hoping over time I just feel totally normal. After 6 months, my plan is to be done when over 6 months. Does anyone on this thread still get the shot? If so, how's it working out? Because it's so new, I've found it difficult to find others' experiences."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2023

For Opioid Use Disorder "I transitioned exactly 2 weeks ago from Suboxone to Sublocade, and I honestly was disappointed that my previous providers either did not mention this medication or offer it as an option. When I discovered Sublocade upon my own research, tired of taking 16 mg daily, still feeling “off,” I was told that Sublocade was inferior to Suboxone. I went to the Sublocade website and found help locating a new doctor. I did lab work and had to take Suboxone for 1 week before they could prescribe me Sublocade. In all honesty, the injection did sting and burn, but the worst of it was over in 2-3 minutes. I was allowed to relax in the office after my injection and then drove myself home. Within hours, I began feeling better and normal, actual normalcy. I woke up the next morning and felt good, each day has been better than the one prior! I never felt this way on Suboxone, at any dose. I’ve had no adverse symptoms or withdrawal. This medication has been life-changing for me, and I’m only 2 weeks in."

• Ano...
• February 27, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Day one and no complaints so far. The burning (not from the needle but from the medicine going into the stomach tissue) subsided after I moved around a little. To inject, they pinch a chunk of stomach flesh, and they alternate between four quadrants/injection sites around your belly button. After an hour, there was little to no injection site sensation/pain. The process was bearable, and I was able to speak normally immediately after. I did use an ice pack a half hour before to freeze the stomach area, and I think that helped. If possible, it’s always best to have someone drive you to your first appointment so that you have one less thing to worry about."

• Dav...
• September 10, 2021

For Opioid Use Disorder "I went to a meeting a month ago, and someone told me about Sublocade. I didn’t think much of it. So, here I was taking 2-3 strips a day, and I just began to get fed up with taking this medication again and again. I finally reached out to a doctor a few miles away, and I went and got it ordered. It took 2 weeks to arrive. Getting the injection, I was told to be prepared, it does sting. I’m laying on my back, and he counts 3...2...1, and the medicine starts going. For 4 seconds, I said, wow, this is not bad, when I hit 5 seconds, I felt it. It burned nicely. Like a good sting for a good amount of time. I just received it Tuesday, and wow. I feel incredible. Never am I coming down or feeling as up as I was. I’m just at a steady dose of 10 mg. Absolutely no withdrawal effects. I sleep great at night, and I wake up feeling fantastic. It still does sting at times, and I have a bump where the injection took place. Positive reviews on this. If you're thinking about it, GET IT!"

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2021

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Just had my 1st Sublocade injection a few days ago. It burned so bad going in, it felt like fire under my skin. That afternoon, I was leaning over my armrest in my car to pay for my food and briefly hit my injection site, it felt like I was injected all over again, intense burning. It has been 3 days, and I have not had any cravings nor withdrawal symptoms. If you can stand to overlook the pain from the injection site, redness, itching, and burning from the medication, then it is a pretty good alternative to taking the pills or film every day. I have a way to go before fully sold, but I will update you after my 3rd injection, I will be on the maintenance dose. So I pray it all works out because I would like to use Sublocade to come off Suboxone for good within a year or two, if all goes well. Not worrying about having to take my Suboxone every day, having it “out of sight, out of mind” can be a game changer, if it holds up and I don’t experience any major side effects or withdrawals."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "After being on Suboxone film and Zubsolv for years, I would say so far it's the best way to take buprenorphine for medication-assisted treatment (MAT), so no more sublinguals, thank God. I'd give it a rating of 10, but the needles don't bother me, it is just the drug itself that burns going in like a shot of hot sauce - but goes away in less than a minute. Ouch!"

• Sec...
• June 27, 2021

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I was on Suboxone for 2 years, and about 9 months ago, I decided I had enough. I was taking 8-10 mg daily. Luckily, my clinic started carrying Sublocade last year. The Sublocade injection burns, and I mean it really burns! My advice is to tell them to inject it slowly. The first injection, the guy pumped it in fast, which caused it to be almost unbearable for me. The second injection was done slower, and it was a lot better. Though, as soon as they pull out, it's like the burning sensation rushes to where it was injected. I mean they did just inject this viscous liquid into your stomach. I got my first one at a dose of 300 mg back in Feb 2021. The second injection was also 300 mg, and everything after that is 100 mg. I decided to try and just do 3/100 mg shots and then not get another. You would stay on 100 mg for as long as you want. I know that it will not be pleasant getting off, and I will try to come back and update. That's all I have. Good luck on your journey, everyone!"

• Ree...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2021

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I echo pretty much all of the reviews here. I had my first 300 mg injection about ten days ago. It burned like anything through the entire injection. It’s definitely working because I haven’t had any withdrawals, and it’s nice not to live waiting for my next strip. I like knowing that I can’t overtake it like I’d done with strips. My issue here is about the wound. I tried to attach a photo but couldn’t. I’ve got this ugly black/yellow scab surrounded by a red ring. The whole thing measures about 3-1/2 cm. Any feedback? Not sure if it’s a normal reaction."

• C0c...
• September 24, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Had my first Sublocade shot today after 5 years on strips that no longer worked effectively. I will tell you that I break toes all the time (clumsy with really long toenails always stubbing), been shot by 9mm guns 124gn, and the worst had a knee surgery after being told I did not need to stop sub. strips, came out of anesthesia, and it felt like they were still cutting into me. Anyway, I have to say the Sublocade injection was the most burning pain I had ever felt, however, I have little fat, and it only lasted about 30 seconds. I feel better than I did when taking strips, so it is worth it because the strips had started to make me sick for 30-45 minutes after I took them. They worked, I would feel okay then for about 2 hours, then felt like I needed another strip. This led to overuse just trying to stay comfortable. I will get the next two 300mg shots and the 1-2 100mg shots, then I will see how long I can go without getting another shot or I will demand they only give me half of a 100mg shot."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2021

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I just got my first injection today, so I plan on giving updates of my experience. A bit about my history. I became addicted to pain medication after multiple surgeries in the early 2000s. I am also a recovering alcoholic, sober since 1986. I started on Suboxone around 2012 and had to switch to Subutex because my legs began swelling and had bumps on them, were red and warm to the touch. They assumed I was allergic to an ingredient in the Suboxone. As it turns out, I am sensitive to the manufacturer, so if I take Suboxone or Subutex manufactured by Hi-Tech, I don’t have the swelling. Other manufacturers have caused an allergic reaction. I receive care at the VA, and they constantly switch manufacturers, so my doctor suggested I try Sublocade. I received my first 300 mg injection today. I have a high tolerance to pain, so the burning others describe was not as bad as I thought it would be. It only lasted maybe 30 seconds, and I was ready to go. I will update as time passes."