Medication is an essential aspect of many people’s addiction recovery journey, but it’s important to figure out which option is right for you. There are multiple medication options, including different types and forms, available.
Suboxone is known as one of the gold standard treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) and helps people get back to their “normal.” Along with naloxone, which deters people from misuse with injection or snorting, one of the main ingredients of Suboxone is buprenorphine. It’s a medication for opioid use disorder, or MOUD. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and lowers the risk of overdose. It also blocks the effects of opioid use, such as euphoria.
While Suboxone can be taken as either an oral film or tablet that’s placed under the tongue, it’s not the only option for buprenorphine. The MOUD can come in other forms as a replacement for Suboxone, such as Sublocade or Brixadi.
We’ll discuss Suboxone alternatives, such as buprenorphine injections and oral tablets. You can get a better idea of how to know if they are right for you. At Groups, we may offer our members Sublocade or Brixadi. It depends on where you are in your recovery journey and where you are located.
Buprenorphine injections as Suboxone alternatives
Suboxone is often one of the first options discussed between a provider and a person experiencing opioid addiction. Even though Suboxone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for people with OUD, there are alternatives that also include buprenorphine that are worth exploring, such as Sublocade and Brixadi.
Sublocade injections
Let’s start off with Sublocade. This buprenorphine medication is provided through an injection by a licensed provider once a month. The injection can be given in four areas: abdomen, thigh, buttock, or back of the upper arm. While it’s injected as a liquid, it turns into depot, which is a solid gel, for extended release. It provides a gradual, steady release of buprenorphine throughout the month. The level peaks approximately 24 hours after the injection is given. The dosage starts off at 300 mg before often being reduced to 100 mg.
Brixadi injections
Another Suboxone alternative is called Brixadi. It’s a medication that can be given as either a weekly or monthly injection, depending on your needs. It’s an extended-release medication can be injected in several different parts of the body, including the:
- Upper arm
- Abdomen
- Thigh
- Buttocks
For weekly injections, the site will rotate. Weekly dosage can be 8, 16, 24, or 32 mg. Monthly dosage can be 64, 96, or 128 mg, which is gradually released.
It’s important to remember that injections are only prescribed to people who have previously, or are currently taking, oral MOUD, such as Suboxone. They are also not FDA-approved for use during pregnancy.
Choosing between Suboxone tablets and injection alternatives
If you’re not sure whether oral tablets or injections are the right way for your body to take buprenorphine, talking to your provider should always be the first step. They can provide you with potential differences in side effects, convenience and how they can work with your particular OUD.
Your provider can determine if you meet the criteria for a safe and effective injectable buprenorphine. They’ll also take a look at your current treatment plan and any challenges you’ve had with taking buprenorphine pills. For example, you may find it hard to be consistent with taking a daily tablet. It’s also possible you’re experiencing side effects that are interfering with your daily routines.
It’s always helpful to weigh the pros and cons of different MOUD options if you’re thinking about switching from oral tablets to injections. Work with your provider to figure out how switching to an injection can impact your recovery journey.
Looking at Suboxone alternatives is also an example of why open communication with your provider is important. It’s their job to help you understand the risk and benefits of an injectable to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Groups can help you figure out if a Suboxone alternative is right for you
Your OUD treatment is all about making sure that you’re taking the safest and most effective steps to move through recovery. That means you might sometimes have to change directions or try something different. It’s possible that taking oral tablets or film of Suboxone isn’t the right choice for you, and that’s OK.
At Groups, quick access to Suboxone is an important part of our treatment for members receiving treatment for OUD. But in certain Groups locations, you may have access to injections like Sublocade or Brixadi. We’re here to discuss your options and help you get the treatment you need.
Have questions about your treatment options? Our Recovery Support Specialists are here to help. Whether you’re just starting or thinking about switching medications, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
