Sublocade is a monthly injectable medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It contains buprenorphine, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Many people wonder: How Long Does Sublocade Stay In Your System? Understanding its duration is important for treatment planning, drug testing, and safety considerations.

What Is Sublocade?

Sublocade is a long-acting, extended-release injection administered under the skin (subcutaneous). It slowly releases buprenorphine over 30 days, providing consistent support for individuals in recovery from opioid addiction.

How Long Does Sublocade Stay in Your System?

General Timeline

  • Sublocade can remain in the body for 5 to 12 months after the last injection.

  • Its extended-release formulation creates a depot under the skin, allowing buprenorphine to be released gradually.

Detection in Tests

  • Blood: Typically detectable for 2–5 months.

  • Urine: Can be detected 6–12 months, depending on dosage and metabolism.

  • Hair: May be detectable up to 12 months or longer.

Factors Affecting How Long Sublocade Stays

  1. Dosage: Higher doses remain longer in the system.

  2. Metabolism: Slower metabolism prolongs detection.

  3. Body Fat: Buprenorphine binds to fat, increasing detection time in individuals with higher body fat.

  4. Injection Frequency: Repeated monthly injections accumulate, extending the presence of the drug in the body.

Does Sublocade Show Up on Drug Tests?

  • Standard drug tests typically do not detect Sublocade.

  • Specialized buprenorphine tests can detect it for months after the last injection.

Safety Considerations

The extended presence of Sublocade is intentional to:

  • Prevent opioid cravings

  • Reduce relapse risk

  • Support consistent recovery

It is safe when administered as prescribed under medical supervision.

When Does Sublocade Fully Leave the Body?

Most individuals clear Sublocade within 10–12 months after the last injection, though this varies based on metabolism, body composition, and dosage history.

Conclusion

Sublocade stays in your system for several months, sometimes up to a year, due to its extended-release formulation. This long-lasting effect helps maintain stable recovery, reduce cravings, and support long-term sobriety from opioids. Knowing how long Sublocade remains in your body helps patients and healthcare providers plan treatment and drug testing effectively.