Change is often a great thing, like deciding that you want to start treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). It can bring a positive difference to your life. But change can also bring uncertainty. In this case, we’re discussing what you can expect when you’re changing your current treatment of daily buprenorphine to a monthly injection as part of your OUD treatment.
Daily buprenorphine, such as Suboxone, is often one of the first types of treatment that people receive when they start their recovery journey from opioid addiction. It’s a medication for opioid use disorder, or MOUD. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings as well as lowers the risk of misuse or overdose. But for some people, a monthly dose might be the way to go, such as a Brixadi injection.
We’ll talk about what you can anticipate from the change. We’ll also discuss why some people with OUD start monthly Brixadi injections instead of daily buprenorphine tablets or strips.
What occurs when switching to monthly injections
A monthly injection of buprenorphine refers to Brixadi, an injectable MOUD that can be given either weekly or monthly. In this case, we’ll talk about the monthly dose. A monthly Brixadi injection is an extended release medication, meaning that it spreads out into the body slowly over time. Brixadi dosages can be 64, 96, or 128 mg, depending on what your body needs.
The biggest difference that you may recognize during the switch is that the medication is gradually released at a controlled rate over the course of one month, while your body is used to the immediate release of daily buprenorphine. The steady release means that you’re less likely to experience ups and downs of potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
Brixadi can be injected in several different parts of the body, including the:
- Upper arm
- Abdomen
- Thigh
- Buttocks
Because of the once-a-month dose, a Brixadi injection won’t cause a big interruption to your day-to-day productivity. But there are possible side effects. Common side effects of taking monthly Brixadi include:
- Pain, redness and/or itching at the injection site
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Urinary tract infections
If you develop a bump at the injection site, don’t rub it, as doing so could affect how the injection works. Brixadi injections are also not FDA-approved for use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Something important to keep in mind during the switch is that it may take time for your body to adjust to the injections and reach their full effect. You may need a short period of overlap with your oral medication, known as a bridge dose, during this short transitional period.
When it comes to potential fears about making the switch, Janese Latimer-Pierson, M.D., at Groups said that concerns should be addressed by having an open conversation with the members so they know that they are not alone in this journey.
“We are here to support and help in any way possible,” said Latimer-Pierson.
When you should consider monthly Brixadi injections
A major reason why people consider swapping out daily buprenorphine for monthly doses is because it’s often easier to incorporate into your schedule. Instead of panicking that you missed a dose, or took it too late, you can just add it into your calendar on a monthly basis. When you don’t have to remember to take medication on a daily basis, it’s one less thing on your plate.
Talk to your doctor about injectable buprenorphine if you:
- Have a history of misusing or overusing daily doses
- Are part of a community with a higher rate of overdose, such as being unhoused or leaving incarceration
- Face potential gaps in care due to limited access or unavoidable delays in care, as the FDA requires reassessment if a dose is delayed more than two weeks
- Have difficulty keeping OUD treatment medications safe, like living in unstable settings
- Have experienced significant medical complications of OUD and/or injection of illicit drug use
- Have OUD that doesn’t respond to initial treatment, including ongoing illicit opioid use while taking daily buprenorphine treatment
- Have a significant intolerance of, or documented allergy to, oral buprenorphine
Groups can determine if a Brixadi injection
Groups provides members with fast access to Suboxone, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. It’s a tablet or strip that’s taken daily by placing it under your tongue. But we also recognize that there are other options worth considering, like a Brixadi injection.
Our treatment also includes group support meetings and life goal assistance to help you in every aspect of your recovery.
At Groups, we’re able to offer some members Brixadi monthly injections based on their location and recovery journey progress. We’ll talk you through the pros and cons to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. 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.
