Advances in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety

Sublocade: An Encouraging Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Marie Lucia^* Department of Medicine, University of Reims Champagne Ardenne, Reims, France
^*Correspondence: Marie Lucia, Department of Medicine, University of Reims Champagne Ardenne, Reims, France, Email:

Received: 03-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. PDS-23-22754; Editor assigned: 06-Jul-2023, Pre QC No. PDS-23-22754 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-Jul-2023, QC No. PDS-23-22754; Revised: 27-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. PDS-23-22754 (R); Published: 04-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35248/ 2167-1052.23.12.324

Description

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) remains a significant public health challenge, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. The opioid epidemic has led to a pressing need for effective and innovative treatments that can help individuals break free from the cycle of addiction. One such treatment that has garnered attention in recent years is Sublocade.

Understanding opioid use disorder

Before delving into Sublocade, it's essential to grasp the gravity of opioid use disorder. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and illegal drugs like heroin. These substances interact with the brain's opioid receptors, leading to pain relief and euphoria. However, their highly addictive nature often traps individuals in a cycle of dependency that can be incredibly challenging to escape.

Opioid use disorder is characterized by a compulsive pattern of opioid use, even when it results in adverse consequences. Individuals with OUD find it exceedingly difficult to control their drug-seeking behavior, often leading to health issues, strained relationships, loss of employment, and in severe cases, overdose and death. Traditional treatments for OUD have included behavioral therapies, counseling, and opioid replacement therapies using medications like methadone and buprenorphine.

Overview of sublocade

Sublocade (generic name: buprenorphine extended-release) is a relatively new addition to the arsenal of treatments for opioid use disorder. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2017, Sublocade offers a unique approach to managing OUD. It is an extended-release formulation of buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates the opioid receptors but to a lesser extent than full agonists like heroin or oxycodone. This property makes buprenorphine an effective tool for managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the intense euphoria associated with full agonists.

What sets Sublocade apart is its delivery system. It comes in the form of a monthly injection, which provides a sustained release of buprenorphine over an extended period. This contrasts with traditional buprenorphine formulations that require daily oral administration, which can lead to issues with medication adherence.

Benefits of sublocade

Reduced stigma and medication adherence: One of the significant challenges in OUD treatment is the stigma associated with taking medication for addiction. Sublocade's monthly injection regimen eliminates the need for daily pill-taking, potentially reducing the perceived stigma and improving medication adherence.

Steady medication levels: Sublocade's extended-release mechanism ensures a consistent level of buprenorphine in the bloodstream throughout the month. This steadiness helps prevent the highs and lows associated with traditional dosing, contributing to a more stable and controlled recovery journey.

Reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms: As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine helps to alleviate the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms that often trigger relapse. By occupying the opioid receptors to a lesser extent, it can curb cravings without inducing the same level of euphoria as full agonists.

Improved quality of life: Sublocade's once-a-month administration can improve individuals' overall quality of life by reducing the need for daily medication routines and frequent medical appointments.

Lower risk of diversion: Diversion, where prescribed medications end up being used illegally by others, is a concern with any opioid-based treatment. The extended-release nature of Sublocade makes it less prone to diversion compared to oral medications.

Considerations and challenges

While Sublocade has potential, it's essential to acknowledge certain considerations and challenges associated with its use:

Initiation and transition: Before starting Sublocade treatment, individuals must already be stable on a transmucosal buprenorphine dose (such as a tablet or film) for at least seven days. This means there's a transition process involved, which could be challenging for those new to buprenorphine treatment.

Administration complexity: Sublocade administration requires healthcare providers trained in the correct technique, including proper injection site selection and administration. This can limit its availability, particularly in areas with fewer medical professionals experienced in its use.

Side effects: While generally well-tolerated, Sublocade can cause side effects such as constipation, headache, nausea, injection-site reactions, and potential withdrawal symptoms if not initiated correctly.

Cost and access: As with many newer medications, cost and insurance coverage can be barriers to accessing Sublocade. Its monthly injection format may also involve higher initial costs compared to traditional daily medications.

Individual variability: As with any medical treatment, individual responses can vary. Some individuals might find Sublocade highly effective, while others might require different approaches to OUD treatment.

Conclusion

The opioid epidemic continues to pose a significant public health challenge, but innovative treatments like Sublocade offer hope for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. By understanding the gravity of this disorder and the unique properties of Sublocade, we can appreciate the potential benefits it brings to the table.

Sublocade's monthly injection regimen reduces stigma, improves medication adherence, ensures steady medication levels, curbs cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and enhances overall quality of life for those on the path to recovery.