Sublocade is a brand-name, extended-release injection of buprenorphine used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). Unlike other forms of buprenorphine, such as Suboxone, which are taken daily, Sublocade is a monthly injection. This makes it a popular choice for individuals in recovery, as it eliminates the daily routine of taking medication and reduces the risk of misuse. However, a common question for those considering or using Sublocade is: “How Long Does Sublocade Stay In Your System?”
The short answer is that Sublocade stays in your system for a significant amount of time, much longer than a single dose of oral buprenorphine. The long-acting nature of the injection is what makes it so effective, but it’s also important to understand the full timeline.
Understanding the Half-Life of Sublocade
To understand how long a drug stays in your system, you need to look at its half-life. A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in your body to be reduced by half.
- Buprenorphine (active ingredient): When taken orally, buprenorphine has a half-life of about 25-70 hours.
- Sublocade: The extended-release formula of Sublocade significantly prolongs this. The half-life of Sublocade is estimated to be between 43 and 60 days.
It typically takes about four to five half-lives for a drug to be completely eliminated from the body. Given Sublocade’s long half-life, this means the medication can remain in your system for several months after the last injection. In some cases, it may be detectable for up to a year or longer in blood and urine tests.
Factors that Influence the Timeline
While the average half-life provides a general guideline, the exact amount of time Sublocade stays in your system can vary from person to person. Several factors can influence how quickly your body metabolizes the medication:
- Metabolism and Body Weight: Individuals with a faster metabolism or lower body weight may process the drug more quickly.
- Organ Health: The liver and kidneys play a key role in metabolizing and eliminating drugs. Any pre-existing conditions in these organs can affect how long Sublocade remains in your system.
- Duration of Use and Dosage: The length of time you’ve been on Sublocade and the dosage you receive can impact the duration of its presence in your body.
- Other Medications: Interactions with other drugs can also alter the metabolism of Sublocade.
Sublocade and Drug Testing
It’s important to note that most standard drug tests do not screen for buprenorphine. However, specialized tests can detect its presence. If a test is specifically ordered to screen for Sublocade or buprenorphine, it could be detectable for up to a year or more, especially in urine and blood samples.
Conclusion
Sublocade is a powerful tool in the fight against opioid addiction, offering a consistent and reliable way to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, its long-acting nature means it stays in your system for an extended period. This is an important consideration for anyone using or planning to use Sublocade as part of their recovery journey. It’s always best to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about your treatment plan and what to expect.
