​Depot buprenorphine is a new long acting formulation of an existing opioid pharmacotherapy, buprenorphine.

There are two depot buprenorphine products at this time: Buvidal® and Sublocade®. Both are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) under a s100 opioid dependence listing.

Clinical guidelines

Interim guidelines for depot buprenorphine were developed to provide a framework for clinical decision making by clinicians and consumers in a range of service settings involved in the delivery of treatment with long acting depot buprenorphine products. The guidelines should be read in conjunction with the NSW Clinical Guidelines: Treatment of Opioid Dependence.

For additional advice on selected topics not included in the above guidelines, please see the Depot buprenorphine clinical guideline addenda.

Resources for clinicians

Supply and delivery of depot buprenorphine

Prescribers of depot buprenorphine can access the medicine through either arranging supply and delivery with a local pharmacy or wholesaler direct delivery from Healthcare Logistics Australia (HCL).

  • Pharmacists administering depot buprenorphine should refer to the information below. If a pharmacist is dispensing depot buprenorphine for administration by the medical practitioner, arrangements should be made to deliver the product to the clinic, and not given to the patient.
  • Medical practitioners using direct wholesaler delivery or pharmacy delivery should be aware of the S8 storage requirements.
  • Buvidal® can be accessed by emailing australia@camurus.com
  • Sublocade® can be accessed by emailing sublocadeorders@indivior.com or calling (02) 9025 0200.

Information for patients and consumers



Current as at: Tuesday 17 October 2023
Contact page owner: Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs