It’s a first of its kind treatment in the fight against opioids, and on Thursday, doctors at DENT Neurologic Institute administered it in Western New York.
The ‘Sublocade’ injection is meant to help opioid addicts as they deal with symptoms of withdrawal.
DENT is the only place the injection is being offered in New York state and one of just a few medical facilities across the country.
Doctors say the medication could be a game-changer when it comes to dealing with the opiate crisis.
Dr. Horacio Capote says Sublocade is a once-a-month injection of Buprenorphine. It cuts down on cravings and helps with withdrawal symptoms.
The patient receiving the first injection did not want to appear on camera, but asked to be identified as a ‘working father who wants to get better to take care of his family.
’“It takes that decision off the table… ‘Am I going to be sober today?’ It’s for patients who want to make a commitment,” said Dr. Michelle Rainka.
The drug is $1,500 a dose and DENT says it’s working with insurance companies on the cost.
Take WKBW Everywhere, on all your devices. Download below!
Phone or Tablet: Apple, Android
Set-top Device: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Alexa
Personalize your news, get the latest 7 First Alert Forecast, and watch 7 Eyewitness News video wherever, whenever.
Learn more here about what 7 Eyewitness News provides on all these devices.
