Sublocade and Pain: What Users Say

• Raz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "So I came here looking for information before I received my first shot. I was taking two 8mg Suboxone pills a day for a couple of years prior when I received my shot. Before I took the shot, I was legitimately nervous because of all these reviews I read on here. The actual shot was painful and burned, but it subsided in a couple of mins. You get the shot in your stomach, and it becomes an aching pain instead of burning, and the location will be sore for about 4 days. Don't be scared of the shot, it is a fleeting and temporary pain...worrying about having enough meds to last the month will not be a problem anymore. I no longer have to worry about taking the right amount of meds. It's much easier for me this way. Now I don't feel like I have to take a pill to feel ok. I've had no w/d symptoms, no side effects besides the pain from the shot. I'm writing this to ease your minds about the shot...it's so much better than taking the meds."

• JGa...
• August 3, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "I got 3 shots of Sublocade, the first 2 were 300mg and then the last one was 100mg. They told me I may feel withdrawals before the end of the month before the next shot, but I never did. The first week was hard because I couldn’t sleep and was irritable. After the first week, I was really good. I went for 2 more because I thought I had to, but as I went I didn’t like the lumps and felt I didn’t need it. The last shot was in March and now it’s August, and I never felt any withdrawal. I have tiny lumps still, but they are smaller. I do feel great. I wake up, and I’m normal. The injection stings at first, but the pain goes away. It is life-changing. I didn’t go back for more because I felt I didn’t need to. I finally have my life back for real. No fake BS. I am one that’s completely shocked because I didn’t believe in this. I don’t think you need to take it as long as they say, but everyone is different. If you really want to stop and get your life back, then now is the time, Sublocade is the answer. Good luck!"

• Cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "The shot was not nearly as painful as I expected, and that night I definitely felt glowing and content. The day after, I was alright, but the next day and following days I had zero energy, watery eyes, painful legs, couldn't sleep like normal. I knew by getting the injection I wasn't getting the right dose or even nearly enough as I was on strips. I was so beside myself and angry I'd let the doctor talk me into the shot. It's too new, and not enough information online about it. I feel like a guinea pig! I finally talked the office into letting me come back in for supplemental strips. When I went in, he said I wasn't the only patient having withdrawals after switching. I feel duped and will be going back to strips for a while. It seems to me that Sublocade is more of a stepping stone to help patients get off Suboxone, but certainly not for those newly sober and wanting to just feel normal. I've been through such a hard time with this medication."

• red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2025

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "This is an update. I did my first review 24 hours after receiving a 300 mg injection. I gave it the highest rating possible at the time. I’m happy to say I stand by that as of now, and it has been two weeks since receiving. Naturally, I have that hideous lump about the size of a grape under my skin. Nobody tells you how big, they just say a small lump, which is very subjective. I’ve had no redness, no itching, no pain unless I bump into it, then, it’s tender. I’ve had no withdrawal, no cravings, no side effects related to opiate use, or in comparison to Suboxone. The shot is much better for me because there’s not that roller coaster of up and down as your dose wears off. My plan is to receive this one and only shot and then be done with it all. I will review again at approximately six weeks. Good luck to all! Oh, I’m sorry, I did feel a little bit high for the first two or three days while my body adjusted, then it was just normal, kind of like the first time I took Suboxone."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 30, 2018

For Opioid Use Disorder "I did a study for the shot in 2016. After 7 years of injecting heroin, they accepted me and my fiancé in the study. It was like we hit the lottery. It took a few days for us to adjust to it, but when we did, it was amazing! It really helps with your dopamine levels and cravings. We took it for 13 months, and then we got off it. We didn’t have any withdrawal symptoms or pain at all following our last shot. I highly recommend it to any opiate users. It was the only way we quit using after seven years."

• Anonymous
• July 11, 2019

For Opioid Use Disorder "Sublocade has been amazing!! The injection is painful but worth it!! And if you have been stabbing yourself with needles for years, you can handle this, I promise! I went almost two months without anything after some insurance issues and had zero withdrawal symptoms. You don't have to wake up and think about anything anymore. The freedom that comes with the injection is amazing. Take the chance and try it. I would bet every penny I have that you won't regret it!!"

• No...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "Been struggling with addiction for 10 years. Went from pot to benzos to pain pills to heroin to subs and methadone, but always came back to heroin/fentanyl. I've gone to no less than 18 detoxes, 8 inpatient rehabs, and dozens of therapists. Had some success in AA, but would chronically relapse. Suboxone was helpful, but I would feel sick on it and went through the nightmare of weaning off. Just got the shot of 300 mg Sublocade after tons of research, and while it was a painful shot and still a bit tender, I can tell the difference already. I am so grateful to God for it. Ironically, I really want to get sober and prayed for help. The doctor in detox recommended and ordered it the day I left the hospital, and finally, after 3 weeks of staying on subs, I made the jump. I don't wake up sick and no more playing doctor all the time. This is great... if you want sobriety and you're struggling with maintenance meds, the struggle is over!"

• Ang...
• February 21, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Just wanted to share some info about this due to the discomfort from the shot. After the liquid is injected, it turns into a solid, and that's how it is long-acting and extended-release, but also can be painful, so don't rub it either, it will go away and is normal to have a bump. Also, congrats to everyone fighting this battle."

• iFe...
• November 15, 2018

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I was addicted to pain pills for about six years before I had enough and decided to try and get my life together. Went to rehab and shortly after started Suboxone maintenance. Yes, like most of us, I was happy and my life changed dramatically. But part of me felt like it was just a transfer of one drug to another. After two years of Suboxone treatments, my doctor brought up the topic of Sublocade. Fast forward and I get my first shot. Holy moly, it hurts. I'm a pretty skinny guy, so injecting that much medicine under the skin leaves a huge lump. THAT and that alone is my only issue with the medication. I decided after two shots that I would not continue with the medication and would switch back to the Suboxone. Came time for my next appointment with my doctor, but I still felt amazing. No withdrawal, no issues. So I pushed back my appointment. Long story short, it has been almost 3 months and I have not been back to my doctor. I still feel amazing, no withdrawal, no nothing."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I finally got approval from my insurance for Sublocade, and I can't tell you the difference it's made. Sure, it hurts a tad, but only having to deal with one shot a month is totally worth it. I initially got my two 300 mg doses, and I think I've had four 100 mg doses. I'm going to try to make this my last one. There isn't much (if any) info on stopping Sublocade after a few months. Only what I've read on this forum, and all of those seem to be positive. Can anyone add to this? My doc is going to keep my next dose at the office and will squeeze me in if I start to have withdrawals later down the road, and my regular GP prescribed some low-dose Ativan in case the w/d's are mild. I'm nervous but so excited that for the first time in 10 years, I won't need any of this med!"

• joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Been trying to quit heroin and other opiates since I was 18 or so. Now I'm 32, and I've spent years on Suboxone with some success for periods, but eventually, I'd fall into selling them for pills or bags of dope or whatever else I wanted. Also, I don't want to be on this drug forever. Got my first injection about a month ago, it hurt, and after the initial 'high' wore off, I didn't feel great for about 2 weeks. Not bad, though, don't take that as I was dying or in withdrawal, just not as good as I was on strips. After that first 2 weeks, I started feeling normal, about to get my second injection soon, and I'm looking forward to the future and excited about both not having the option to screw this up by selling my script and the incredibly long life that seems to allow many people to stop without serious withdrawal symptoms. Maybe it's not for everyone, use your judgment, but I don't want to keep repeating the same cycle for me."

• 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."

• Zer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Like most, I'm an ex-IV heroin/oxy user. Been in Suboxone for 2 years, 16 mg daily. Had my first Sublocade shot 48 hours ago at 300 mg. It kinda gave me an opiate high just a couple of hours after the (very painful) injection, and I felt more of a buzz than Suboxone. I'm not like nodding off, but I feel it, which I haven't felt in a very long time. No cravings. I haven't had to take a sublingual dose since the shot. I honestly feel great, but not in a scary way. I highly recommend this for anyone serious about staying clean."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2019

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I've been almost 2 years off heroin! So I was getting tired of taking something every day to not be sick. I took 8.2 strips 2x a day, so my doctor offered me the Sublocade because it's a continuous dose and I wouldn't have to worry about taking something every day! She did warn me that a few patients a week before their next dose started to feel withdrawals, so she would order me strips the last week if I felt sick, so I was very nervous to try it! 2 days ago, I got my first Sublocade shot, the 300 mg, which is the loader dose. They give you 2 rounds of the 300 mg doses, then the 3rd month do the maintenance dose, which is 100 mg! So when I got it, she said I'd feel a sting, it does not feel great, but not horrible for 5 seconds, and it wasn't sore until 24 hours later. Day 2, and it is more sore than the 1st day and warm at the spot! I called my doc, and she said it would be sore for a few days, but I feel great, no withdrawal symptoms or cravings, and I feel leveled out."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2018

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "The shot is painful, but only takes 30 seconds. 30 seconds for 30 days is a trade-off I'm good with. It works. Does everything it claims. Couldn't be happier or agree more with the below positive reviews. I will say, though, if you aren't taking 12 mgs+ a day, that 300 mg shot is going to be very strong, you will sleep hard. Highly recommend! I have great insurance, and I'm willing to pay out-of-network costs just for this."

• Jer...
• July 27, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "I was one of the first to try Sublocade, and it has completely turned my life around. It really makes you feel normal, and you don't experience any change in levels, up or down. I now forget about having my next appointment because you don't even think about it. The shot is painful, but it is over quick. If you have insurance, the co-pay assistance program is excellent, and it only costs me $5 per month out of pocket. I have had almost 24 injections so far and did not have any infections or issues. The reviews where people had necrosis have scared me a little, but I luckily have not had a problem. I did the typical schedule to start with 300 mg and move to 100 mg. For me, it felt like week 4 of the 100 mg shot was underpowered, so I went back up to 300 mg, and that really did the trick. Be careful if you plan on taking Sublocade, as you can get really bad precipitated withdrawals, just like any other buprenorphine medication. I would probably not go from illicit drugs to Sublocade-do films first, then transition."

• SGT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2020

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "Had my very first Sublocade injection today. So far, I’m really good, it seems to work. HOWEVER! The injection hurt so much, I almost passed out. Know, I’m no stranger to pain, having completed seven years in the US Army (honorably), so know when I say that the Sublocade injection was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever had to endure, like fire being poured into my nervous system for a full minute (I had the larger dose), that you will know I am not faint of heart or have a low pain threshold. Seriously, I don’t know if I can do that again... willingly."

• Sod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2019

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I just got my first shot today. I have been on Suboxone sublingual meds for around 4 years now. The injection was kind of painful for just a minute, but all went away before I left the doctor's office. So far, I feel fine, it has already taken a lot off my mind not having to worry about taking medicine tomorrow. If you are worried about the pain of the injection, don't let that hold you back."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "Been on 32 mgs daily, so 4 films every day for 6 months - today I get Sublocade injection, and I did feel a big rush when she injected me, which surprised me, but I didn't complain. It stung for like 15 seconds bad, then a dull ache for a few hours. So far, so good."

• Cai...
• June 30, 2018

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "So I got the Sublocade shot three days ago, and the actual injection was so much more painful than I could have imagined. It stung so bad for a good half hour after getting the shot. I feel fine as far as the dosing goes, and it's relaxing not having to remember to bring my Suboxone with me to work every day. I also would run out too early and have to deal with taking half my prescription dose the last two weeks of the month. So far, so good, I'll get it again next month despite the pain. There is a lump at the injection site as well that is bruised and is sore to the touch. Overall, I think the benefit of peace of mind outweighs the pain."

• Liz...
• July 11, 2018

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I got my first Sublocade injection about three weeks ago. The injection was pretty painful, but the pain only lasted for about 15 minutes. I felt great the first several days, but I started feeling like I was going through withdrawals on day 4-no energy, headache, nausea, stomach cramps, and hot flashes. My doctor called in some strips so I could take one a day, and that has helped a little. However, I still feel like I need to take two 8 mg strips a day to feel “normal.” I was taking 24 mg per day for the past 6 months before getting the shot. After thinking about it a lot, I have decided not to get the second injection. I was doing great on 24 mg a day, so I’m going to go back to Suboxone. I don’t want to spend another month feeling like crap. Hopefully, the shot will work for others, but it wasn’t for me. It seems to work well for those who have been on a low dose of Suboxone (8 mg or less per day)."

• Lee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2023

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "I was on and off Suboxone for years and could never stay on it long enough for it to become an effective treatment for me. Only after 1 month of being on Sublocade, I had zero cravings and was finally able to wake up in peace like a “normal” person. I could not be thankful enough for having this medication in my life. I’ve been on it for over 2 years now and can only hope that more people will have just as much success in their recovery with Sublocade as I have. The only downside I know that could turn people away is the pain you experience getting the injection, especially the first and/or second one. However, for only a few mins of pain, you get a whole month of normalcy. Ice packs help significantly with the pain if you ice the area of the injection 30 mins beforehand and keep icing it afterwards. If you’re thinking about it, JUST DO IT. If you’ve already done 1 or 2 and want to quit, DON’T! Just give it a chance. I promise you WON'T REGRET IT!"