FAQs about Buprenorphine-containing products

Buprenorphine is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It is the first medication for treating OUD that can be prescribed and/or dispensed in physician offices, significantly increasing access to treatment for OUD.

Brixadi is a long-acting buprenorphine injection for moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD). It provides continuous medication release throughout the month and is approved for consumers who have started treatment with a transmucosal buprenorphine dose or are already on buprenorphine. 

Brixadi is injected subcutaneously into the subcutaneous tissue of the buttock, thigh, abdomen or upper arm. It is available in both weekly and monthly options, so the dose can be adjusted to fit each person’s needs and help keep treatment steady.

Sublocade® is an extended-release form of buprenorphine that continuously releases and sustains medicine levels throughout the month. It blocks the rewarding effects of opioids, and when paired with a full treatment plan can be an effective tool in combatting opioid use disorder. Sublocade® is indicated for patients who have initiated treatment with a single dose of a transmucosal buprenorphine product or who are already being treated with buprenorphine. 

Sublocade® is injected subcutaneously by a healthcare provider as a liquid, which then forms a solid gel depot inside the body. It can be injected into the back of the arm, abdomen, thighs and/or buttocks. Administration may occur one hour after a single dose of transmucosal buprenorphine, provided no adverse events occur. A second 300 mg dose may be given as early as one week later.

Yes, for safety reasons Sublocade® and Brixadi are included in the REMS program. Only certain pharmacies can dispense Sublocade® and Brixadi and it can only be dispensed to a licensed medical provider, not to individual consumers. Furthermore, Sublocade® and Brixadi can only be delivered to a prescriber’s DEA registered address.

Suboxone is a medicine that fuses buprenorphine and naloxone – a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids - that works to decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce a patient’s dependence on opioids.

Patients living with opioid use disorder often have comorbidities or other health concerns that are occurring alongside their opioid use disorder diagnosis. Additionally, anytime that you start a patient on a new drug therapy, its best to have a baseline understanding of the patient’s health profile. For these reasons and more, a medical exam is recommended before prescribing Suboxone for a patient.

Yes, the patient’s insurance plan is billed directly.