Tons of people face issues with opioid addiction. Sublocade is deemed a very powerful tool that aids in fighting this. In this blog, we will take you through what it is, the side effects of Sublocade injections, and much more.
Without delay, let us get started and learn all about Sublocade shot side effects and more:
Sublocade Shot Side Effects: Overview of Sublocade
Sublocade is deemed a modern solution for patients struggling with opioid use disorder, a serious condition that includes dependence on opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, prescription drugs, etc. Sublocade is given to patients in the form an injection.
Using buprenorphine as the active ingredient, Sublocade acts as an integral part of a complete treatment plan or MAT (medication-assisted treatment) programs. This specific approach blends counseling along with changes in lifestyle to provide a comprehensive tactical strategy against opioid dependence.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has officially sanctioned this kind of therapy primarily for adults with moderate to intense addiction issues who have previously been stabilized on low as well as moderate doses of buprenorphine in a transmucosal form. Buprenorphine, which is the primary cornerstone of the formulation of Sublocade, addresses both the opioid withdrawal symptoms as well as psychological cravings that may accompany opioid detoxification.
Administered using subcutaneous injection by doctors or healthcare professionals once every month or every week after initial stabilization makes sure that patients get their required medication within a controlled environment. To conclude, it is a highly effective medication that most doctors use to treat opioid use disorder.
Common Side Effects of Sublocade | Mild Side Effects of Sublocade
Injection Site Reactions
As mentioned earlier, Sublocade is injected into patients’ body during treatment. Reactions at injection sites are very common after receiving Sublocade shots. You may feel pain, experience redness, or even notice the skin itching or turning dark specifically in the location where you received the shot. Such symptoms generally go away without needing additional treatment.
To aid with the discomfort, you can get over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc. Wear clothes that are loose in order to avoid rubbing the injection site. Ensure not to touch or rub the spot excessively.
Constipation
Another side effect may be constipation when using Sublocade for treating opioid use disorder. To deal smartly with this, experts recommend consuming foods that are fiber-rich in addition to drinking high amounts of water.
Exercising also aids in such cases. If the said steps do not work, an experienced doctor may recommend taking laxatives as a safe avenue. A healthy and nutritious diet, proper hydration, as well as regular physical activity – all are important in the management of constipation caused due to medication.
Nausea
A common side effect of the medication is nausea or feeling sick to the stomach. This side effect was generally reported in clinical trials. Individuals might feel that they are going to vomit or throw up. This particular issue can begin a few days post receiving the injection and may last for many weeks.
If the adverse effect does not naturally go away or worsens, it is very important to consult a doctor or pharmacist. They may even recommend different ways to aid with the problem or inspect if something else is resulting in it.
Headaches
Headaches are generally reported by individuals who are using Sublocade, as witnessed in clinical trials. The frequency of such headaches may extend from one or two days to multiple weeks.
The intensity of the headaches varies amongst users; some might find them to be minor, whereas others may experience them in a more intense manner. Taking help from experienced healthcare professionals at a renowned treatment clinic is highly recommended, especially if the headaches last for longer periods.
Serious Side Effects of Sublocade
Respiratory Depression
Respiratory depression takes place when the breathing of an individual becomes excessively shallow or slow. This can pave the path towards lower oxygen levels in the blood and enhanced carbon dioxide. Consuming Sublocade with depressants besides abusing it can make matters much worse.
Individuals may experience extreme sleepiness or face trouble when trying to take deep breaths. Immediate medical attention is a must if someone exhibits symptoms of respiratory depression.
High doses of Sublocade are very risky and may lead to breathing issues. Therefore, it is very important for patients to closely follow doctor’s orders in order to avoid facing this kind of serious side effects.
Physical Dependence
Another possible side effect is physical dependence. Physical dependence takes place with long-term Sublocade usage. This simply means that the body begins to require the drug in order to feel normal. Individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms such as diarrhea, aches and muscle pain, and throwing up if they abstain from consuming it.
Experienced healthcare professionals aid in the management of the said withdrawal symptoms. It is vital to consult them before stopping consuming Sublocade. They know precisely how to deal with or manage opioid withdrawal syndrome, facilitating in easing the process without leading to additional harm.
Allergic Reactions to Sublocade
Allergic reactions caused due to Sublocade can be very serious. Some individuals might get a rash, swelling in the face or throat, as well as excessive dizziness. Such indications showcase that the body is not willingly accepting the medication.
If breathing becomes difficult, it is another clear indication of trouble. This requires quick help from healthcare professionals. Note that even mild or little signs of allergy are vital to talk about with the doctor right away. However, all reactions do not mean that you need to stop using Sublocade.
Specifics of Sublocade Side Effects
Injection Site Reaction Details
After receiving a Sublocade injection, some individuals might experience itchiness or feel injection site pain. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the skin may turn extremely red or turn darker. In certain cases, the spot may harden or turn into a lump. When undergoing treatment with Sublocade, such issues are very common and generally go away without requiring treatment.
Symptoms of Respiratory Depression
- Individuals with respiratory depression generally breathe very slowly.
- They might feel very sleepy and face issues waking up.
- Feeling confused is also very common, making it tough to think in a clear manner.
- Some individuals may experience loss of consciousness or feel extremely dizzy when trying to get up.
- In serious cases, this condition may lead to a coma.
Indications of Allergic Reactions
- Rash: This can exhibit itself as red, itchy bumps present on the skin.
- Face or Throat Swelling: This makes it very hard to break and requires quick action.
- Intense Dizziness: Feeling dizzy suddenly is often an indication of a bad reaction.
- Difficulty Breathing: If it suddenly becomes tough to breathe properly, this is a very serious warning sign.
- Quick medical attention for intense reactions is of utmost atmosphere. If you witness the mentioned signs, get help as fast as possible.
- Report mild reactions to your doctor immediately. Even the minutest of signs can transform into major issues if they remain ignored.
Precautions & Warnings
Risk of Serious Danger If the Shot is Injected Directly into a Vein
If not administered properly, Sublocade can cause death. Injecting Sublocade directly into a vein can be very dangerous and result in death. This particular medication must only go under the patient’s skin. If it enters the patient’s vein, it can cause blockages or blood clots. Such problems are very serious and require instant treatment.
Sublocade also has a special warning related to misusing it. Moreover, improperly injecting Sublocade may cause major health risks, like opioid overdose or severe injection site reactions.
Alcohol Usage During Sublocade Treatment
Consuming alcohol while receiving Sublocade injections is very risky. Both alcohol and Sublocade slow the brain down. Mixing them can pave the way towards serious slowdowns in the way the human brain works. This could make it very hard to think, lead to deep sleep, or even cause life-threatening situations.
Doctors tell you not to consume alcohol during treatment. The medication remains in the body for numerous months after the final shot or the last dose of Sublocade, which is why you should seriously avoid alcohol for a long period. It is the perfect way to converse with a doctor regarding any sort of drinking habit before beginning Sublocade. They can provide you guidance on how to remain safe and healthy while in treatment.
Usage During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, Sublocade holds the potential to harm your child. It might lead to NOWS (Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome), which is a very hard condition for newborn babies. Talk it out with doctors before receiving Sublocade if you plan on having a child or are nursing.
The drug can also get mixed with or passed into breast milk and may cause harm to a nursing newborn. Ensuring that both the mother as well as the child remain safe is very important. Hence, skiing medical advice beforehand aids in managing any risk that is associated with pregnancy or breastfeeding while being on medication.
Final Thoughts
Understanding all the side effects of Sublocade shots or injections aids in keeping individuals safe. The side effects of the treatment option range from mild, such as soreness at the site of the injection, to serious, such as breathing issues and intense allergic reactions.
Using Sublocade smartly means knowing all the risks associated with it. It is very important to consult an experienced professional from a renowned treatment clinic regarding any concern related to this avenue of treatment for opioid use disorder. This particular step is an integral part of a much bigger plan for managing OUD safely using medications such as buprenorphine.