Sublocade® Injectable MAT
Near Plano, TX —
One Shot. One Month.
Skip the daily pill. Sublocade® is an FDA-approved once-monthly buprenorphine injection for opioid use disorder — administered at MEDIVIRA's Frisco clinic, just 20 minutes from Plano. Board-certified care. Medicaid accepted.
What Is Sublocade® and How Does It Work?
Sublocade® (buprenorphine extended-release injection) is an FDA-approved, once-monthly subcutaneous injection that delivers a consistent, controlled dose of buprenorphine over 28 days. It is manufactured by Indivior and approved for treating moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder (OUD) in adults who have already initiated treatment with a buprenorphine-containing medication.
Unlike daily Suboxone film or tablet — which requires patients to take medication every single day — Sublocade® is injected by a healthcare provider once a month at our Frisco clinic. The injection forms a solid deposit just beneath the skin, which slowly releases buprenorphine at a steady, consistent level over the entire month.
This means no daily pills to manage, no risk of accidentally missing a dose, no fluctuations in medication levels, and no medication that could be misused or diverted. For many patients near Plano, TX — especially busy professionals, parents, or those who value privacy — Sublocade® represents a major quality-of-life upgrade over daily oral MAT.
Buprenorphine works by partially activating opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces cravings and eliminates withdrawal symptoms without producing the dangerous high associated with full opioids. Learn more from SAMHSA's MAT guidelines and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Sublocade® is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the abdomen by your provider. The injection takes less than a minute and forms a small depot under the skin that slowly dissolves over 28–30 days. A small, firm lump at the injection site is normal and expected.
Patients must first be stable on oral buprenorphine (Suboxone) for a minimum period before transitioning to Sublocade®. New patients can begin oral buprenorphine at their first MEDIVIRA appointment and transition to Sublocade® once stable. Dr. Jafar evaluates each patient individually.
Sublocade® received FDA approval in November 2017, based on Phase 3 clinical trials showing statistically significant reductions in opioid use compared to placebo. It is the first and only once-monthly buprenorphine injection approved for OUD.
How to Start Sublocade® Treatment at MEDIVIRA
Most Plano-area patients can start the process the same week they call — beginning with oral buprenorphine and transitioning to monthly Sublocade® injections once stable.
Sublocade® vs. Suboxone — Which Is Right for You?
Both are effective FDA-approved buprenorphine MAT options. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, preference, and where you are in your recovery. Dr. Jafar will help you decide.
| Feature | Sublocade® Injectable | Suboxone Film / Tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing frequency | ✓ Once per month (injection) | Daily — under the tongue |
| Administered by | ✓ Healthcare provider (MEDIVIRA) | Self-administered at home |
| Medication levels | ✓ Steady, consistent all month | Peaks and troughs daily |
| Risk of missed doses | ✓ Eliminated — provider administers | Possible if patient forgets |
| Diversion risk | ✓ None — no take-home medication | Low but possible |
| Privacy / discretion | ✓ No daily medication to explain | Daily routine visible to others |
| Telehealth available | — Injection requires clinic visit | ✓ Full telehealth available |
| Best suited for | Stable patients, busy lifestyles, privacy-focused | New patients, flexible dosing needs |
| Insurance coverage | ✓ Most major plans + Medicaid | ✓ Most major plans + Medicaid |
Who Benefits Most from Sublocade® Near Plano, TX
Sublocade® is particularly well-suited for certain patients and lifestyles. If any of the following describes you, discuss Sublocade® with Dr. Jafar at your first visit.
What to Expect at Your Sublocade® Injection Visit
Your monthly Sublocade® injection appointment at MEDIVIRA is efficient, private, and straightforward. Most visits take 20–30 minutes from check-in to checkout.
Sublocade® is available only through a restricted REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. It must be administered by a certified healthcare provider — it cannot be dispensed directly to patients. MEDIVIRA is a certified Sublocade® REMS provider.
After your injection you will notice a small, firm lump under the skin at the injection site. This is the Sublocade® depot — completely normal and expected. It gradually shrinks over the month as the medication releases. Do not massage, rub, or attempt to move the injection site area.
Our Frisco clinic is a 20-minute drive from most Plano neighborhoods via the Dallas North Tollway. From Legacy West: head north on the Tollway to Stonebrook Parkway — easy, direct, no complex navigation. In-person visits are Mon, Wed, Fri 1pm–5pm.
Dr. Saleha Jafar, MD — Board-Certified Addiction Medicine
Dr. Jafar is the founder and president of MEDIVIRA and one of the most credentialed addiction medicine physicians in North Dallas. She is a certified Sublocade® REMS provider and has extensive experience transitioning patients from daily oral buprenorphine to monthly injectable MAT.
Her philosophy is simple: every patient deserves individualized, evidence-based care delivered with compassion and zero judgment. She completed her residency at UPMC in 1998 and brings 27 years of medical experience to every patient encounter.
- ✓ Certified Sublocade® REMS provider
- ✓ Buprenorphine-waivered prescriber — authorized for MAT
- ✓ Member, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
- ✓ Member, American Medical Association (AMA)
- ✓ Specializes in dual diagnosis — addiction + mental health
- ✓ 27 years of medical experience in addiction & internal medicine
What Plano-Area Patients Say About MEDIVIRA
"I switched to Sublocade injections from daily Suboxone and it changed everything. No more daily pills to manage, no fluctuations in how I feel throughout the day. Dr. Jafar walked me through the transition with total care and patience."
"The monthly injection means I only think about treatment once a month. As someone who works long hours at a company in Legacy West, this has been a complete game changer. Dr. Jafar is outstanding."
"I was on daily Suboxone for over a year and the transition to Sublocade was seamless. Dr. Jafar explained every step, the injection itself was quick, and now I just come in once a month. Recovery feels sustainable now."
Insurance Coverage for Sublocade® Near Plano, TX
Most major insurance plans cover Sublocade® injectable MAT. MEDIVIRA's team verifies your specific coverage before your first appointment — no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sublocade® Near Plano, TX
What is Sublocade® and how is it different from Suboxone?
Sublocade® is a once-monthly injectable form of buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder. Unlike Suboxone, which is taken as a daily film or tablet placed under the tongue, Sublocade® is administered as a subcutaneous injection by a healthcare provider once per month. It delivers a steady, consistent level of buprenorphine — with no daily dosing required.
Does MEDIVIRA offer Sublocade® injections near Plano, TX?
Yes. MEDIVIRA offers Sublocade® injectable MAT at our clinic at 400 Stonebrook Parkway, Frisco, TX — approximately 20 miles and a 20-minute drive from Plano via the Dallas North Tollway. Injections are administered in-office by Dr. Saleha Jafar, MD, a triple board-certified addiction medicine physician and certified Sublocade® REMS provider.
Who is a good candidate for Sublocade® near Plano, TX?
Sublocade® is ideal for patients who are already stable on buprenorphine (Suboxone) and want to eliminate daily medication management. It is also a strong option for patients who struggle with medication adherence, those who value complete privacy from daily pill-taking, and busy professionals in Plano and surrounding areas who prefer a once-monthly clinic visit over daily dosing.
Does insurance cover Sublocade® injections near Plano, TX?
Yes. Most major insurance plans cover Sublocade® including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare, and Texas Medicaid. Coverage requirements vary by plan. MEDIVIRA's team will verify your specific insurance benefits before your first injection appointment — call (845) 566-1656 to verify coverage today.
Can I switch from Suboxone to Sublocade® at MEDIVIRA?
Yes. MEDIVIRA regularly transitions patients from daily Suboxone film or tablet to monthly Sublocade® injections. You must first be stable on a buprenorphine dose before transitioning. If you are already stable on Suboxone, Dr. Jafar can evaluate your readiness for Sublocade® at your very first appointment.
How is Sublocade® administered and does it hurt?
Sublocade® is given as a subcutaneous (just under the skin) injection into the abdomen, administered by Dr. Jafar once per month. Most patients describe it as a brief pinch — similar to a routine vaccine. No sedation is required and you can drive yourself home immediately afterward. A small, firm lump will form at the injection site and gradually disappear over the month as medication releases — this is completely normal.
How far is MEDIVIRA's Sublocade® clinic from Plano, TX?
MEDIVIRA is located at 400 Stonebrook Parkway, STE 902, Frisco, TX 75036 — approximately 20 miles north of Plano via the Dallas North Tollway. From most Plano neighborhoods, including Legacy West, Willow Bend, and Downtown Plano, the drive takes 20–25 minutes with straightforward navigation. Get directions →
Is Sublocade® treatment confidential for Plano patients?
Yes. All treatment at MEDIVIRA is 100% confidential and protected under federal HIPAA law and 42 CFR Part 2, which provides additional specific confidentiality protections for substance use disorder records. Your Sublocade® treatment information cannot be shared with anyone — including employers, family members, or insurers — without your explicit written consent.
How to Get to MEDIVIRA from Plano, TX
Telehealth: Mon–Sun — 9am to 9pm
After-hours: 24/7 text support