Brixadi is a monthly injectable medication for use in treating opioid use disorders (OUDs). Available since 2023, it is similar to Sublocade – another medication for addiction treatment (MAT). Both medications contain buprenorphine and are extended release. Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence.
Morgan Hoover, a Nurse Practitioner at BrightView’s Sandusky, Ohio center says, “We are adding Brixadi to our MAT options because there is no one size fits all when it comes to addiction recovery. This includes MAT. We want our patients to have every opportunity to find the right medication for their treatment plan.”
Here are five things you need to know about Brixadi
1. Brixadi has been proven to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
The FDA approved Brixadi after studying it in several clinical trials. One important trial compared it to a standard treatment using daily sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone. In this trial, Brixadi showed it was as good as the standard treatment and even better in reducing illegal drug use. It also helped reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings quickly for a long time. Brixadi was proven to be safe, with side effects similar to the standard treatment, except for some mild to moderate reactions at the injection site.
2. Brixadi is offered weekly or monthly as an injection.
While most buprenorphine regimens are administered orally each day, Brixadi is a weekly or monthly extended-release medication. It is administered by a medical professional via an injection under the skin. Injectable medications can be beneficial because they can reduce the risk of misuse or diversion compared to medications taken orally and dispensed for home use. And since the patient doesn’t have to take the medication every day, they have more time to spend focusing on the mental and social aspects of their recovery.
“There is no one size fits all approach to addiction recovery.
This includes MAT.”
— Morgan Hoover, Nurse Practitioner, BrightView
3. Brixadi is a partial opioid agonist like Suboxone.
Brixadi belongs to a class of drugs called partial opioid agonists. It works by attaching to opioid receptors in the body. However, Brixadi doesn’t activate these receptors as strongly as other opioids. In this way, Brixadi helps reduce opioid cravings without causing the euphoric feeling that other opioids can cause.
4. Brixadi should only be administered by a licensed medical professional.
Brixadi must be administered subcutaneously – via an injection under the skin. It should never be administered intravenously. That’s because of its crystalline gel formulation, which could cause severe harm or death if injected through the veins.
Before prescribing Brixadi, your BrightView doctor will determine whether it’s safe for you. It is important to be transparent with your doctor about all the medications you may take to determine whether an interaction could occur.
Suddenly stopping Brixadi might lead to symptoms of opioid withdrawal, so talking with your doctor at BrightView is the first step to stopping this medication. Your doctor can help you stop safely by lowering your dose slowly over time.
5. Brixadi is one part of a comprehensive MAT program designed to address each patient’s medical, social, and psychological needs.
Brixadi is part of a complete treatment strategy for an OUD, involving wrap around services like counseling, group therapy, and case management. Your doctor and counselor will evaluate the effectiveness of Brixadi by observing its impact on your opioid cravings, withdrawal symptoms and your overall feedback on how the medication makes you feel.
MAT is More Than Just Meds
You or a loved one can start to feel better tomorrow. If you or someone you know needs treatment for a substance use disorder, complete our online form, or contact us today at 833.510.4357 to learn more about our treatment programs.
