If you are considering Sublocade or already receiving it, you have probably wondered how long it actually stays in your system. The answer is not as simple as a few days or even a few weeks. Sublocade is designed to stay in your body for an extended period of time, and that is part of what makes it effective in treating opioid use disorder.
Instead of wearing off quickly like short-acting medications, it creates a slow, steady release that can last for months.
What Is Sublocade?
Sublocade is a long-acting medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It contains buprenorphine, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same effects as full opioids. Unlike daily medications, Sublocade is given as a once-monthly injection by a healthcare provider. After it is injected, it forms a small deposit under the skin that slowly releases medication into the body over time. This steady release is what makes Sublocade different. Instead of having to take something every day, the medication stays active in your system and provides consistent support throughout the month.
Sublocade is typically used after someone has already started treatment with a short-acting form of buprenorphine, such as Suboxone. Once stabilized, they may transition to the monthly injection for more convenience and consistency. For many people, this approach removes the pressure of daily dosing and helps create a more stable foundation for recovery.
Why Sublocade Stays in the Body Longer Than Most Medications
Sublocade is not taken daily. It is a monthly injection that forms a small deposit of medication under the skin. From there, buprenorphine is released gradually into your bloodstream.
This means your body is not clearing a single dose. It is continuously absorbing medication over time. That is why Sublocade behaves differently than medications like Suboxone, which are taken daily and leave the system more quickly.
How Long Does Sublocade Stay in Your System?
Sublocade can remain in your system for several months after your last injection.
Here is what most people can expect:
- Each injection lasts about 28 to 30 days
- Medication levels build up with repeated use
- Buprenorphine may stay in your system for 2 to 5 months after stopping
- In some cases, it can remain even longer depending on your treatment history
This extended presence is intentional. It helps create stability and reduces the risk of relapse.
What It Actually Feels Like Over Time
One of the most common concerns is not just how long it stays in your system, but how it feels as it wears off.
Most people experience:
- A steady, consistent effect during the month
- Very little fluctuation compared to daily medications
- A gradual taper after stopping instead of a sudden drop
Because of this slow decline, many people do not feel a sharp “comedown.” Instead, the medication fades out over time.
Why Some People Stay on Sublocade Longer Than Others
There is no one-size timeline for treatment. Some people use Sublocade for a few months to stabilize. Others stay on it longer as part of a structured recovery plan.
A few factors that influence this include:
- History of opioid use
- Risk of relapse
- Stability in daily life
- Mental health and support systems
The goal is not to rush off medication. The goal is to stay stable long enough to build a real foundation in recovery.
Does Sublocade Build Up in Your System?
Yes, it does.
With each monthly injection, the medication accumulates in your body. That build-up is what allows it to last longer after your final dose. It is also why stopping Sublocade does not feel the same as stopping short-acting opioids. Your body is still receiving small amounts even after treatment ends.
Can Sublocade Show Up on a Drug Test?
It can, depending on the test. Standard drug screens do not always check for buprenorphine. However, more specific panels will detect it. Because Sublocade stays in your system for months, it may show up long after your last injection. If you are being tested, it is important to let the testing provider know you are prescribed it.
What Happens After You Stop Sublocade?
After your last injection, the medication continues to release slowly. Some people notice:
- Mild fatigue
- Changes in sleep
- Subtle mood shifts
- Occasional cravings
These symptoms are usually less intense than withdrawal from short-acting opioids, but they can still be challenging without support. That is why ongoing care matters, even after medication ends.
Recovery Is More Than Just the Medication
Sublocade can create stability, but it is not the full picture. Long-term recovery comes from structure, support, and addressing the underlying patterns that led to substance use in the first place. Medication can help you get there, but it works best when it is part of a broader treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sublocade
Is Sublocade the same as Suboxone?
No. Both contain buprenorphine, but Suboxone is taken daily while Sublocade is a monthly injection that releases medication over time.
What are the side effects of Sublocade?
Common side effects include constipation, headache, nausea, fatigue, and injection site irritation. More serious risks are less common but can include breathing problems or liver issues.
Does Sublocade get you high?
Sublocade is not designed to produce a high. It provides a steady level of medication that helps prevent withdrawal and cravings without the intense effects of full opioids.
How long does Sublocade last?
Each injection lasts about a month, but the medication can remain in your system for several months after your last dose.
Is Sublocade a controlled substance?
Yes. Sublocade is a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning it has medical use but also some potential for misuse, which is why it is administered under medical supervision.
Sources
-
Andorn, A. C., Haight, B. R., Shinde, S., Fudala, P. J., Zhao, Y., Heidbreder, C., Learned, S. M., Fox, N. L., Nadipelli, V. R., Hassman, D., & Rutrick, D. (2020). Treating opioid use disorder with a monthly subcutaneous buprenorphine depot injection: 12-month safety, tolerability, and efficacy analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 40(3), 231–239. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/psychopharmacology/fulltext/2020/05000/treating_opioid_use_disorder_with_a_monthly.4.aspx
Indivior Inc. (n.d.). Patient information for SUBLOCADE® (buprenorphine extended-release) injection, for subcutaneous use, CIII. Retrieved from https://www.sublocade.com/
Laffont, C. M., Mangal, D., Learned, S. M., Zhao, Y., Heidbreder, C., & Greenwald, M. K. (2022). Buprenorphine exposure levels to optimize treatment outcomes in opioid use disorder. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 1052113. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1052113/full
National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). SUBLOCADE (buprenorphine) solution. DailyMed. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6189fb21-9432-45f8-8481-0bfaf3ccde95
SUBLOCADE REMS. (n.d.). Prescribing information. Retrieved from https://www.sublocaderems.com/pdfs/PrescribingInformation
SUBLOCADE REMS. (n.d.). SUBLOCADE REMS. Retrieved from https://www.sublocaderems.com/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). SUBLOCADE (buprenorphine extended-release) injection, for subcutaneous use, CIII: Prescribing information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/209819s028lbl.pdf