Managing Potential Side Effects of Sublocade Injections
Sublocade, a brand-name prescription medication, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder in adults. This extended-release buprenorphine formula is administered as a subcutaneous injection once per month.
While Sublocade offers significant benefits for managing opioid addiction, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects and precautions.
Possible symptoms of adrenal gland damage, a rare but potential side effect, include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, hypotension, loss of appetite, and weakness. Injection site reactions may also occur, such as pain, itching, skin redness or darkening, skin hardening, swelling, and infection.
Sublocade may cause liver problems, and symptoms to watch out for include jaundice, pale-colored stool, dark-colored urine, decreased appetite, and belly pain. It's important to note that while increased hepatic enzymes have been reported, serious liver toxicity is rare. Liver function tests (LFTs) should be monitored prior to and during treatment with Sublocade.
Mild symptoms of an allergic reaction to Sublocade can be managed by contacting your doctor, but serious reactions require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Sublocade may cause common side effects such as constipation, headache, nausea, pain or itching at the injection site, and vomiting. Mild side effects like dizziness, feeling sleepy or tired, increased level of liver enzymes, and injection site reactions are also possible.
More serious side effects include respiratory and central nervous system depression, which can manifest as confusion, extreme sleepiness, fainting or dizziness, problems with coordination, slow, shallow breathing, and slurred speech. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Sublocade can cause physical dependence, and your body may need the drug to function normally after prolonged use. It's crucial to follow your doctor's advice regarding treatment duration and tapering off the medication.
The active ingredient in Sublocade is buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. This means it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but with less efficacy than full opioid agonists, helping to prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid cessation.
While the frequency of allergic reactions after Sublocade use is unknown, it's essential to be aware of potential symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if needed.
In summary, Sublocade has a known potential for mild to moderate increases in liver enzymes, and liver function monitoring is an established precaution. While serious or long-term liver damage is not commonly reported in typical clinical use, caution and regular liver enzyme monitoring are recommended.
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance regarding Sublocade use and potential side effects. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately or call 911 or your local emergency number if the situation is life-threatening.
Sublocade, with its main active ingredient being buprenorphine, has various effects on health-and-wellness, including mental-health. While it helps manage opioid addiction, it's crucial to be aware of its potential side effects such as liver problems, adrenal gland damage, and allergic reactions. Mental-health implications might include physical dependence after prolonged use, potentially requiring tapering off the medication. Healthcare providers should monitor liver enzymes as a precaution, even though serious or long-term liver damage is uncommon. In case of serious side effects, immediate communication with your doctor or emergency services is advised.
