Opioid Agonist Treatment, delivered with dignity
Long-acting injectable buprenorphine, administered by an accredited pharmacist at Priceline Pharmacy Sunshine Marketplace. We coordinate with your prescriber, dose you in a private consultation room, and treat your treatment as the medical care it is.
No appointment required for an initial conversation. We'll never name your reason for visiting in front of other customers.
How we run this service
Treatment for opioid dependence works best when it's consistent, easy to access, and free of stigma. These are the four principles we work to.
Private and confidential
Your treatment is recorded only on the pharmacy clinical system and any registers required by law. We do not share your information with employers, family members, or anyone else without your written consent.
Judgement-free
Opioid Agonist Treatment is medical care. Our pharmacy team treats every client with the same professionalism, dignity and respect we extend to anyone receiving any medication.
Trained, accredited team
Administering injectable opioid pharmacotherapy is a regulated activity. The pharmacists involved are AHPRA-registered, accredited under the Victorian dosing-point framework, and follow current ATAGI / SafeScript / state-health protocols.
Less time tied to a daily dose
Long-acting injectable buprenorphine is given weekly or monthly, depending on your prescription. For many people this means no more daily pharmacy visits, no take-away doses to manage, and more flexibility for work, study, family and travel.
From first conversation to ongoing dosing
Four steps. Each one happens at your pace, with your prescriber leading the clinical decisions.
Consult your prescriber
A GP, addiction-medicine specialist or community-health doctor first assesses suitability and writes a treatment plan. We coordinate with your prescriber rather than acting as one.
Register with us
Once your prescriber has finalised your plan, we set you up at the pharmacy: a brief intake, identification check, contact details, your prescriber's details, and your preferred dosing day. Usually 15 minutes.
First dose at the pharmacy
Your first dose is administered by the pharmacist in our private consultation room. You'll be observed afterwards in line with the standard post-injection protocol.
Ongoing — weekly or monthly
Subsequent doses are scheduled at the interval your prescriber sets. We send reminders and coordinate any changes back to your prescriber.
Long-acting injectable formulations
We administer the long-acting injectable buprenorphine formulations that your prescriber may include in your treatment plan. Two interval options are commonly prescribed:
- Weekly — subcutaneous injection, every seven days.
- Monthly — subcutaneous injection, every 28 days.
Both formulations release medication slowly and steadily, removing the need for daily dosing visits and the risks that come with take-home doses.
Specific brand names are not listed publicly in line with Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code rules for Schedule 8 medicines (s.42DL Therapeutic Goods Act 1989). Your prescriber and pharmacist will discuss the specific product, dose and timing with you privately.
Booking and arrival
Call us before you come in for the first time so we can set up your record and time your first dose without a wait. After that, you'll have a recurring slot that fits your work and family schedule.
- Private consultation room used for every dose.
- Records stored only on the pharmacy clinical system.
- Allow ~30 minutes for the first visit, ~15 minutes thereafter.
What people often ask
Do I need a referral?
You need a treatment plan from a doctor authorised to prescribe under the Victorian opioid-dependence treatment program. We can give you a list of community-health and bulk-billing services if you're looking for a prescriber.
How much does it cost?
For Schedule 8 medications we cannot publish prices. Treatment costs depend on your prescription and PBS eligibility. Talk to your prescriber, or call us privately on (03) 9364 7133 — we will discuss your specific situation discreetly.
How private is the visit?
We use a private consultation room, not the open dispensary counter. Your reason for being at the pharmacy is not visible to other customers. Records are stored on the pharmacy clinical system; only the staff involved in your care can access them.
Can I travel? What if I miss a dose?
Long-acting formulations make travel much more practical than daily dosing. Inform your prescriber and the pharmacy of any planned absence so we can coordinate timing. If you miss a scheduled dose, contact us as soon as possible — your prescriber will advise on next steps.
Will my information go to AIR or anywhere else?
No. AIR is an immunisation register and is not used for opioid-dependence treatment. Treatment is documented per Victorian Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances regulations and reported to SafeScript and your prescriber where required.
If you're looking for support or a prescriber
These free, confidential services help you find a prescriber, talk through options, or just have someone to speak to.
Ready when you are
Call (03) 9364 7133 and ask for the OAT pharmacist. We answer phones during opening hours and your conversation is private.