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The National Library of Medicine reports that medication in addiction treatment is associated with a 50% reduction in mortality rates for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Additionally, people in treatment using buprenorphine are 76% less likely to overdose within 3 months and 59% less likely in 12 months.

The data is clear; using medication in OUD treatment proves safe and successful. With this research, the FDA has approved a new prescription medication Brixadi to assist patients with OUD. It’s a helpful piece of a comprehensive treatment plan that, when combined with counseling and therapy, can lead to higher recovery success rates.

At Master Center, we don’t force medication on anyone but rather offer it as a component to their individualized treatment plan based on a trained medical provider’s recommendations. Our goal is to simply present the options available, and Brixadi is one of them.

Let’s dive into what Brixadi is and how it helps patients with OUD.

What is Brixadi?

Brixadi is an injectable once-a-week or once-a-month type of buprenorphine that, alongside counseling and behavioral therapy, assists in providing a comprehensive addiction treatment plan. Buprenorphine is a chemical that blocks opioid receptors in the brain and reduces the risk of overdose, abuse, and addiction. It’s also found in many other medications like Sublocade as well.

The medication is through specialty pharmacies only and requires a healthcare provider to prescribe. It’s given as a weekly or monthly injection to allow for consistent dosing and reduces misuse, overuse, or diversion. Research and studies have shown that Brixadi can be effective in reducing opioid use and improving treatment retention and success.

Pros of Brixadi

In a general sense, medication to treat OUD is an especially useful tool in managing addiction and starting recovery. Medication can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms during detox, prevent overdose in life-threatening situations, and support a holistic treatment plan when coupled alongside counseling and behavioral therapy.

With that said, the benefits of Brixadi are substantial:

1. Brixadi is more long-lasting. Given that it’s an injection, the dosage is released over a longer period, which offers greater length in effectiveness than the short-term effects of taking a daily medication. This is especially helpful for patients who’ve been in treatment for a while or have a higher opioid tolerance.

2. Brixadi is less invasive. The medication can be injected in multiple different sites of the body safely when compared to Sublocade, which can only be administered in the abdomen. This is helpful for patients with needle discomfort or scarring around injection sites.

3. Brixadi doesn’t require tapering. Brixadi has a lower risk of withdrawal symptoms than Sublocade, and therefore doesn’t require a taper period. This can be ideal for patients with withdrawal or relapse concerns.

4. Brixadi offers flexibility. Given that there are various dosages, injection sites, and injection cadency versus Sublocade, patients have more options in their comfort level when it comes to choosing Brixadi. For instance, if they’re not comfortable taking a daily dose or have a habit of forgetting to take their medication, Brixadi has more flexibility in when it needs to be taken. Similarly, providers can adjust dosages more accurately with the different dosage levels offered.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of medication-assisted treatment, we recommend our article on the pros and cons of medication-assisted treatment.

Cons of Brixadi

The cons of Brixadi are just like the risk of taking any other medication, whether it be for heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or others. Specifically, effectiveness can vary, and there’s always a risk of side-effects or adverse reactions. That said, there are some risks to taking Brixadi:

1. Negative injection site reactions. Like when you get a flu shot or other vaccine, some people’s bodies may react negatively to the injection. Although typically mild, these reactions can include pain, redness, or swelling, so it’s important to consult with a specialist beforehand.

2. Side-effects. The side-effects of Brixadi are mild and low risk, but these can include typical effects like headaches, nausea, constipation, and skin reactions. These can also be exacerbated by other medications the patient is currently taking, so it’s crucial they consult their provider about medication reactions.

3. Risk of misuse. This con is highly unlikely, but like with other medications, misuse is a possibility. However, given that it’s administered in a controlled environment by a trained health professional, this risk is much lower.

Is Brixadi Different Than Sublocade?

Both Brixadi and Sublocade contain buprenorphine and are administered through injection, and, in a general sense, they do the same thing; prevent opioid abuse urges and mitigate withdrawal symptoms. However, how they’re administered and their dosage amounts are what separates them, which can make a difference for patients and providers.

Here are a few general differences between the medications:

Similarities:

• Both medications are buprenorphine injections.

• Both medications are proven to be effective in managing OUD including fentanyl, heroin, and other opiates.

• Both medications are designed for long-term use and recovery.

Differences:

• Sublocade is only a monthly injection, while Brixadi can be administered weekly or monthly.

• Sublocade is only available in 2 doses (100mg and 300mg), while Brixadi is available in 3 (64mg, 96mg, and 128mg).

• Sublocade is typically more expensive than Brixadi, given that the dosages range on the higher end comparatively.

• Sublocade requires a tapering period, while Brixadi does not, which can cause the discontinuation process to be more complicated for patients.

• Sublocade has a lower risk of misuse compared to Brixadi.

• Sublocade only has one injection site, while Brixadi has multiple.

Regardless, the decision to use Brixadi or Sublocade depends on the physical limitations, finances, comfort level, and medical availability of the patient. Switching from one to another should always be done in consultation with a trained addiction medical provider.

Getting Started with Brixadi

Brixadi is an effective and safe method of treating opioid use disorder, and research demonstrates its effectiveness in preventing life-threatening relapse and overdose. It’s important to consider these pros and cons when deciding to begin treatment and always consult with your medical provider first.

That said, patients can start by scheduling a medical consultation with an addiction medicine provider at a certified treatment center. Master Center accepts walk-ins and same-day appointments, so patients can be seen for a consultation whenever they’re ready.

Like other types of medication-assisted treatment, Brixadi is just one piece in a person’s recovery journey, and the choice to use it is completely up to them. Learn more about Brixadi on their official website, and explore Master Center’s medication-assisted treatment program to see if it’s the right fit for you.

About Master Center for Addiction Medicine

Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.

Give us a call today at 804.332.5950 to schedule an appointment or learn more about us.