Brixadi Vs Sublocade. Which Suboxone shot works best, and which should patients with opioid use disorder ask for?

Brixadi is a long-acting buprenorphine injection, known by some as the “Suboxone shot.” While this subcutaneous injection for moderate to severe opioid use disorder was developed at least several years ago, it only recently gained approval in the US.

Until now, doctors treating opioid withdrawal and addiction were limited to sublingual, or transmucosal buprenorphine. There is another buprenorphine extended release injection, Sublocade. But Sublocade is expensive, and difficult to obtain.

Unlike a transmucosal buprenorphine product, such as Suboxone, Subutex, or ZubSolv, a monthly injection, like Brixadi is a single dose administered in a doctor’s office as part of a complete treatment plan for opioid dependence. Brixadi can be given as a monthly or a weekly injection by a qualified healthcare provider.

Braeburn was finally successful with their new drug application after years of legal battles. In order to ensure safety, they have developed the Brixadi REMS program.

Healthcare providers must be trained in subcutaneous use of this new injection from Braeburn Pharmaceuticals.

While the effects and adverse reactions of the medication are similar to oral buprenorphine, there are some important differences.

With Braeburn’s Brixadi, there is a risk of injection site pain, just like with the Sublocade injection. There is also a risk of soft tissue reactions to the medication or additional ingredients.

Unlike Sublocade, Brixadi can be given as a monthly or a weekly dose. And, it can be given at multiple injection sites, and it does not have to be kept cold. These are all advantages of Brixadi vs Sublocade.

How can a healthcare professional who treats substance use disorder and moderate to severe OUD get started with Brixadi?

First, a doctor who is considering offering Brixadi shots to their patients should visit the Braeburn Brixadi website. There, they will find the steps needed to prepare their practice to become a Brixadi clinic.

As patients become aware of the approved status of the Brixadi injection, they will be looking for OUD clinics that offer the subcutaneous shot. It is important that Brixadi doctors submit their information to get listed on the provider directory page.

This is an exciting time, having two FDA-approved buprenorphine injections. Doctors can now discuss with their patients the advantages and disadvantages of either Sublocade or Brixadi.

Additionally, doctors and patients still have all the sublingual buprenorphine strips and pills available if needed. Each patient has unique needs for treating their opioid addiction, so it is important that doctors have a variety of tools at their disposal.

Read more: Mixing Alcohol And Suboxone: Why Is Buprenorphine And Alcohol A Deadly Mix?

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) requires talk therapy in addition to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

And, it is critically important to offer psychotherapy to patients to help them get to the root of their addiction issues, and also to learn new ways to avoid relapse. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients to identify and address internal triggers and external triggers.

Another consideration is using Brixadi as a tapering tool. Some doctors have used Sublocade tapering, by giving a patient an injection and allowing it to wear off over several months. Could Brixadi tapering work better than Sublocade tapering?

You may have many questions about Brixadi, and how it can help. Is Brixadi covered by insurance? Is there a patient assistance program where patients can get free Brixadi treatment or sliding scale treatment? How about a copay assistance program?

Brixadi approval is still new, so we are still learning about how this new, exciting tool will be integrated into the healthcare system. “Doctors should look up this new buprenorphine extended release injection to learn about how it might be helpful for their patients. Visit Mark Leeds, D.O to learn more about the treatment.

Contact us today to explore how Brixadi might be the right solution for your recovery plan.