Sublocade to Be Withdrawn from Australia, Raising Concerns for Opioid Treatment
01 Jul 2026
The manufacturer, Indivior, says Sublocade will be removed from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the Australian market for commercial reasons.
Sublocade is one of two long-acting buprenorphine injections currently available through the PBS to help treat opioid dependence. While the alternative medication, Buvidal, will remain available, many doctors say changing patients to another treatment may be difficult.
The announcement comes as Australia continues to see rising drug-induced deaths, with opioids remaining the most commonly involved drug.
GP and addiction medicine specialist Dr Simon Holliday said many of his patients have achieved long-term stability with Sublocade. He warned that changing treatment could disrupt their recovery and increase the risk of relapse.
PBS data shows more than 42,000 Sublocade prescriptions were supplied in the 12 months to April 2026, including both the 100 mg and 300 mg formulations.
Patients have also expressed concern about the decision. One Melbourne patient said Sublocade had transformed his life by helping him manage opioid dependence without the serious side effects he experienced with previous treatments. He said the medication improved both his physical and mental wellbeing and allowed him to spend more time with his family.
Melbourne GP Dr Owen Harris said long-acting injections such as Sublocade and Buvidal have helped many people live more independently by removing the need for daily pharmacy visits. However, he believes many patients prefer Sublocade and that switching treatments could be challenging.
RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine Chair Dr Hester Wilson described the withdrawal as disappointing and confirmed work is underway to help GPs safely transition patients to alternative therapies. She encouraged doctors to support patients through the change while continuing to advocate for access to effective treatment.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said it is aware of the decision but noted that medicine withdrawals are commercial decisions made by pharmaceutical companies. Indivior said it will continue supplying Sublocade until 31 December 2026 and work with health authorities to minimise disruption during the transition.
Sublocade to Be Withdrawn from Australia, Raising Concerns for Opioid Treatment
Source: newsGP