Opioids are potent drugs used primarily to manage pain. Some examples include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine. However, due to their strength, many individuals can develop a dependency on prescription opioids. When this occurs, professional medical attention is necessary to overcome addiction and heal. Given the strength of opioids, it’s very unlikely anyone can heal from the disease of addiction on their own. Fortunately, opioid use disorder is treatable. One of the most effective ways to address opioid use disorder or addiction is through a medication-assisted treatment or MAT program. One such MAT offered at Sunlight Medical Services in Glendale, AZ, is a Sublocade treatment program.
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat opioid use disorder, that is, addiction. It contains buprenorphine, another medication used in treatment for opioid addiction. Unlike buprenorphine, which patients take orally, Sublocade is an injection. This is usually done in your torso or belly region. The injection creates just under the skin a kind of pellet which gradually releases buprenorphine into the body over the course of a month. Thus, rather than taking medication daily, patients go a month without an additional dose. Sublocade is designed in the way to be a long-term opioid addiction maintenance medication.
The medical professionals at Sunlight Medical Services in Glendale, AZ, will monitor the patient’s condition and progress after starting the Sublocade treatment, determining what strength of dosage to administer. However, before an individual can begin a Sublocade treatment program, they need to undergo what’s called induction treatment. This involves taking the standard form of buprenorphine for at least a week and then transitioning into a Sublocade treatment program.
Sublocade medication helps individuals by easing withdrawal symptoms and preventing cravings. Also, as it blocks the effects of opioids, it goes a long way towards preventing relapse and avoiding overdose.
Things To Remember
As with any medication, there is the possibility of side effects. Fortunately, the side effects of Sublocade are minor such as pain, itching, or redness at the injection site. Also, individuals may experience constipation, headache, nausea, or fatigue. At Sunlight Medical Services, our professional team of doctors in Glendale, AZ, monitors all patient progress after starting the Sublocade treatment, and should side effects arise, we will immediately address them.
Sublocade medication treats some of the strongest and most severe substances available. Therefore, it needs to be strictly administered by medical professionals. When it comes to addiction treatment, there is little room for error. Thus, if you miss an injection/ Sublocade Shot appointment during your time in our Sublocade treatment program, you need to contact our team in Glendale, AZ, immediately. We can reschedule your appointment, so you get your injection as soon as possible. Missing your injection date can cause you to experience mild symptoms of withdrawal, such as:
- Shaking and chills
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Runny nose or watery eyes
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
It’s important to contact our clinic in Glendale, AZ, as soon as you experience these symptoms so our doctors can get you back on track by either altering your dosage or changing your Sublocade treatment program.
Sublocade Treatment Program at Sunlight Medical Services in Glendale, AZ
Opioid use disorder or addiction is a severe illness. It requires compassion and extensive expertise to treat so individuals struggling with opioid addiction can heal. Fortunately, Sunlight Medical Services has the means and resources to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Our Sublocade treatment program is just one option within our medication-assisted treatment program. Sublocade shot along with detox is specifically designed as a long-term means to manage opioid addiction. However, we also offer the following:
Also, within each of our MAT programs, we provide patients with counseling. This approach addresses both the physical side of addiction and the mental giving patients the best chance at making a successful and long-lasting recovery. So reach out to us today at (855) 920-1104 to know more about our Sublocade Treatment or to discover what we have more to offer. We can get you or your loved one the treatment necessary.