21 September 2026
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Healthcare providers are being advised to begin planning treatment transitions for patients receiving Sublocade® (long-acting injectable buprenorphine), which will be discontinued in Australia after 31 December 2026.
The manufacturer has advised that the decision is not related to concerns about the medicine’s safety, quality or effectiveness. Patients currently receiving Sublocade® should continue treatment as prescribed while appropriate transition plans are developed.
To help support continuity of care, healthcare providers are encouraged to start conversations with affected patients early and develop individualised transition plans well before supply ceases.
Important dates
Key dates for the discontinuation include:
- Final orders for Sublocade® will be accepted until 11 December 2026, subject to stock availability.
- PBS claims for Sublocade® can be made until 31 December 2026, subject to PBS requirements.
- Sublocade® will be discontinued in Australia from 1 January 2027.
Guidance for prescribers
The Victorian Department of Health recommends that new patients should not commence Sublocade® treatment unless there is a documented plan in place, agreed between the patient and prescriber, to transition to an alternative opioid dependence treatment (ODT) medicine before supply ends.
Transition planning should begin early, as buprenorphine from Sublocade® may remain in the body for weeks or months after the final injection. This may influence both the timing and clinical experience of transitioning to another treatment option.
Healthcare providers should work with patients to determine the most appropriate alternative treatment based on individual circumstances, including:
- Clinical history
- Previous treatment response
- Patient preferences
- Safety considerations
- Treatment accessibility
Treatment plans should remain flexible and be reviewed as patient circumstances or preferences change.
Supporting patients through the transition
The discontinuation of Sublocade® may be concerning or distressing for some patients. Healthcare providers are encouraged to provide clear and consistent information, address patient concerns and allow time for questions throughout the transition process.
Patients who discontinue ODT, return to opioid use following treatment, or experience difficulties during the transition period may be at increased risk of overdose due to reduced opioid tolerance.
Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss overdose prevention strategies with patients and promote access to take-home naloxone for patients, their families and broader social networks.
Resources and further information
The Victorian Department of Health has published guidance to support safe, timely and individualised transitions for people currently receiving Sublocade®.
Healthcare providers can also consult local alcohol and other drug treatment services and specialist clinical supports when planning patient transitions.
