Opioid use disorder is a prevalent and life-threatening condition that continues to grow in prevalence. The disease has been responsible for thousands of overdoses and deaths mostly due to the over prescription of opioid medications. As a result, healthcare providers have developed new treatments to help reduce the risk of overdose and addiction when using opioids.
One such medication is Sublocade, which is also known as an extended-release injectable formulation of naltrexone. If you’re considering treatment for OUD, your doctor may recommend Sublocade as part of your recovery plan. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment option…
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is an extended-release injectable formulation of the medication naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that works by blocking the effects of opioids. This means that when someone who is addicted to opioids uses an opioid, the medication in Sublocade blocks the effects of the opioid from being felt. When used as part of an opioid treatment program, Sublocade has been shown to help patients reduce their risk of opioid use and cravings. It’s also been shown to reduce the risk of overdose by blocking opioids from binding to opioid receptors in the body.
How does Sublocade Help with Opioid Addiction?
When a person is addicted to opioids, their body and brain have become reliant on the drug. As a result, they are unable to feel “normal” without the drug. This is due to the way that opioids work in the body. Specifically, they bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to create a feeling of euphoria. Since those receptors are necessary for maintaining bodily functions, the brain can’t function properly without those opioids in the blood.
This is one of the reasons why opioid addiction is so dangerous. When someone is addicted to opioids, they cannot stop using by choice. They need medical intervention. With Sublocade, you’re receiving a dose of naltrexone that’s delivered directly into your bloodstream. This helps you to reduce cravings for opioids and avoid relapse.
How does Sublocade Help Reduce Overdose Risk?
In addition to helping you to avoid relapse, Sublocade can also reduce your risk of overdose. This is due to the way the medication works in the body. When someone is addicted to opioids, they are at a very high risk of overdose. If someone has taken an overdose, they are at risk of an overdose again. This is because their bodies have become so dependent on opioids that they can’t function properly without them.
With Sublocade, you’re blocking the effects of opioids from being felt in the body. In doing so, you reduce the risk of overdose by making it impossible for opioids to function in the brain. When you reduce the risk of overdose, you’re also reducing the risk of death.
Who Should be Considered for Treatment with Sublocade?
If you have been diagnosed with opioid use disorder, you are a candidate for treatment with Sublocade. This applies to both in- and out-patient treatment programs. You should also be receiving treatment with a doctor who can prescribe Sublocade.
If you don’t have a doctor you can see, you can find one by entering your information here. Alternatively, you can call the National Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to find assistance.
How is Sublocade Administered and Overseen During Treatment?
Before you begin treatment with Sublocade, your doctor will conduct a thorough exam to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment with the medication. Your treatment plan will depend on a variety of different factors, including: your age, medical history, current state of health, and current medications Treatment with Sublocade will be overseen by your doctor. This will include prescribing the proper dosage, monitoring your reactions to the medication, and overseeing your treatment plan.
Your doctor will also be responsible for overseeing any additional therapies that you may be receiving as part of your overall treatment plan. Your doctor will also be responsible for providing you with advice on how to reduce the risk of serious side effects.
Like many medications, Sublocade comes with a risk of side effects. If you’re taking Sublocade as a treatment for opioid use disorder, you should be prepared to experience some side effects. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived, although they can sometimes be intense. Some of the most common side effects of Sublocade include: nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache You can minimize the risk of experiencing side effects by following your doctor’s instructions carefully.
If you experience side effects, notify your doctor. In some cases, the side effects of Sublocade can be severe enough to require treatment. In these cases, you may be required to undergo an interruption of Sublocade. This is a medical procedure in which the medication is withdrawn from the body.
Conclusion:
If you’re considering treatment for opioid use disorder, Sublocade may be an option for you. This extended-release injectable formulation of naltrexone has been shown to help patients reduce cravings for opioids and prevent relapse. Additionally, treatment with Sublocade has been shown to lower the risk of overdose by blocking opioids from binding to opioid receptors in the body. If you’re interested in treatment with Sublocade, you should be in contact with a doctor who can prescribe the medication. Your doctor will help you determine if Sublocade is the right treatment option for you.