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.
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.
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).