Sublocade discontinuation in Australia - Guidance for community pharmacists

T​he manufacturer of SUBLOCADE® will discontinue supply in Australia on 31 December 2026.

This is a commercial decision and not related to safety or efficacy.

Other opioid dependence treatment medicines remain available. 

Community pharmacists should work with patients and their prescribers to plan their next steps early to support continuity of treatment. Check the dedicated NSW Health webpage  for updates.

Last updated: 21 August 2026
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​​Communicate changes with patients currently on Sublocade

  • Discuss changes with patients early and acknowledge that this may be distressing for patients.
  • Reassure patients that Sublocade is safe and continues to be available during transition planning to other effective treatment options available, including long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) options.
  • Encourage timely appointments with prescribers to allow ample time for transition.
  • There should be no new initiations for patients on Sublocade, contact the prescriber if a new prescription is presented.
  • A patient FAQ is available to support conversations with your patients.

Supporting patients and prescribers to transition to alternative treatments

  • Options or alternative treatments will depend on patient preference and clinical assessment.
  • A clinical consensus guide has been developed to support prescribers to transition patients to:
    • Another LAIB product (Buvidal)
    • Sublingual buprenorphine (Subutex or Suboxone)
    • Methadone via sublingual buprenorphine, or
    • Completing treatment (if appropriate)
  • Ensure a valid prescription with clear instructions is received from the prescriber to change treatment.
  • Counsel patients on any side effects, symptoms or precautions of (e.g. driving safety).
  • Follow up and review patients regularly - raise concerns with the prescriber.

Offer Take Home Naloxone

Support for patients

NUAA Peerline is available 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Call 1800 644 413 or email peerline@nuaa.org.au to connect to a friendly peer.

The NSW Opioid Treatment Line is available 9:30am - 5pm, 7 days a week (not public holidays) on 1800 642 428

Unused stock of Sublocade

Contact Indivior about any arrangements for return of stock. Any units of Sublocade purchased during the transition period will be eligible for a full refund if unused, subject to the applicable return process.

If destruction is required, please refer to the guide:  Destruction of Schedule 8 medicines at community pharmacies.

Key dates provided by Indivior

  • Stock will remain available, and final orders will be accepted until 11 December 2026.
  • PBS claims for Sublocade may be made until 31 December 2026, subject to applicable PBS requirements.
  • To ensure claims can be reconciled by this date, please place orders by 11 December 2026.

Pharmacist resources

Pharmacist to Pharmacist advice line. Phone: 1300 369 772 (8:30am-5:00pm weekdays) – free for NSW pharmacists providing OTP services.

Drug and Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS) free 24-hour telephone state-wide service. Phone: 1800 023 687.

Indivior contact details: orders and supply: sublocadeorders@indivior.com or phone:02 9025 0200.

Medical information: medinfoau@indivior.com or phone 02 9025 0200

Current as at: Friday 21 August 2026
Contact page owner: Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs