Sublocade vs. Subutex: Injectable Depot vs. Sublingual Tablet
Subutex and Sublocade both contain only buprenorphine, without naloxone. One is a daily tablet. The other is a monthly injection.
Written by Benjamin Zohar, NCACIP · Edited by Ezra Zohar, M.S. Ed. · Published · Updated · Medically reviewed by Brandon McNally, RN on
Quick answer
The Subutex brand was discontinued in the U.S., but generic buprenorphine-only sublingual tablets are still available. People often still call them "Subutex." Sublocade is a monthly injection of extended-release buprenorphine given in a certified healthcare setting.
- Neither contains naloxone.
- Brand Subutex is discontinued; generic tablets remain.
- Tablets are taken daily at home; Sublocade is given monthly in a clinic.
- Mono-product tablets are sometimes used during pregnancy, per prescriber judgment.
Sublocade vs. Subutex at a glance
| Feature | Sublocade | Subutex |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient | Buprenorphine extended-release | Buprenorphine (no naloxone) |
| Form | Subcutaneous injection | Sublingual tablet |
| How often | Monthly | Usually daily |
| Brand status | Available | Brand discontinued; generics available |
| Misuse potential | Low (clinic-administered) | Higher (can be diverted or injected) |
Based on current FDA prescribing information. Labels change; your prescriber follows the latest version.
Why buprenorphine-only tablets are still used
Mono-product buprenorphine has historically been used in pregnancy and for people who cannot tolerate naloxone. Current guidance also considers the combination product acceptable in pregnancy for many patients. A prescriber decides.
Diversion concerns
Without naloxone, tablets can be misused by injection. That is one reason many prescribers prefer the combination or an injectable. Sublocade cannot be handled by the patient.
Moving from tablets to Sublocade
People taking daily buprenorphine may be candidates for Sublocade. The prescriber follows the FDA label for timing and dose.
Side effects and safety
- Buprenorphine-only tablets have no naloxone, so they are easier to misuse by injection. Safe storage at home is important.
- Both carry the same buprenorphine risks with sedatives and alcohol.
- Tablets must dissolve fully under the tongue; swallowing them lowers how much medicine is absorbed.
- Sublocade can cause injection-site pain or a lump, and carries a boxed warning about entry into a vein.
Questions about switching to ask a clinician
Switching between these medications should only be planned with a prescriber. These questions can help that conversation.
- Is my current tablet dose a good starting point for Sublocade?
- If I am pregnant or planning pregnancy, which buprenorphine product does my care team recommend?
- Would I still need tablets for breakthrough cravings early on?
- How often would I need visits in the first months on the injection?
Insurance and access
- Generic buprenorphine tablets are widely stocked by pharmacies. Some pharmacies may need to order them.
- If you are pregnant, ask for a prenatal provider who works with addiction specialists, so both teams share one plan.
- Ask your plan whether it prefers the combination product, which can affect coverage of mono-product tablets.
Finding care on Long Island
Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, office-based buprenorphine prescribers are more common than clinics offering injectables. Methadone for opioid use disorder is only available through certified opioid treatment programs.
- Ask directly: "Do you offer Sublocade and Subutex, and do you keep them in stock?"
- First visit: ask what the assessment includes and how soon medication can start.
- Insurance: call the number on your card and ask about prior authorization before the first dose.
- Scheduling: ask how often visits happen in the first month and later.
- Continuity: ask who to call between visits, and what happens if you move or change plans.
New York State lists certified programs through the OASAS provider directory.
Appointment checklist
Bring these to your first visit:
- A list of every medicine and supplement you take, including doses.
- Your recent substance use, including the last time you used opioids.
- Your insurance card and any prior authorization paperwork.
- Questions about the schedule, side effects and what to do if you miss a visit.
- Contact details for any other doctors involved in your care.
Evidence and uncertainty
FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder are strongly supported by research, according to NIDA. Direct head-to-head trials between specific long-acting products are limited. Choices depend on history, goals, other health conditions and access.
Related guides
- Suboxone treatment overview
- What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
- MAT options on Long Island
- Opioid addiction on Long Island
- Naloxone (Narcan) basics
More medication comparisons
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Call 844-338-6969Sources and editorial information
- FDA: Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release) prescribing information
- NIH StatPearls: Buprenorphine
- FDA: Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
- NIDA: Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder research report
Written by Benjamin Zohar, NCACIP, and edited by Ezra Zohar, M.S. Ed. Medically reviewed by Brandon McNally, RN. See our editorial guidelines.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Long Island Rehab Helpline is an independent treatment-navigation resource, not a treatment provider. Talk with a licensed prescriber about your situation.
Questions about medication options?
If you would like help finding licensed providers on Long Island that offer these medications, you can explore MAT options or talk with a treatment navigator at (844) 338-6969.