The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved BRIXADI,  also known as buprenorphine, for people with moderate to severe opioid use disorder. The drug is an extended-release injection for subcutaneous use (CIII), meant to be taken weekly or monthly at a healthcare provider’s office. Brixadi is a form of Medication-Assisted Treatment meant to help people with opioid use disorder cease using opioids.

Who Can Take Brixadi?

Brixadi will be available in September 2023 for patients who have already begun Treatment with sublingual buprenorphine-containing products. Once they have been on those products, they can ask to switch to the equivalent doses of Brixadi weekly or monthly. Medication-Assisted Treatment is considered the “gold standard” of Treatment by the FDA as long as it takes place alongside a therapeutic drug program. People who use MAT typically go to drug treatment or therapy.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) does not discriminate, and people from all walks of life struggle with opioid use disorder. Up to 19% of people who take prescription opioid medication may develop OUD. Many people try to switch from one drug to another but still can’t get sober from opioids without professional help. Science has revealed to us that opioid use disorder is a disorder of the brain. Many people who have OUD may deny it and can’t recognize the symptoms in themselves. That’s why it’s so important to have options like Brixadi available; the more portions, the better.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT is a treatment option for opioid use disorder that helps people achieve long-term abstinence. FDA-approved medication such as Suboxone, Brixadi, Methadone, or other drugs is recommended by a healthcare professional, usually a doctor. The patient will adhere to the medication schedule under their provider’s care. At the same time, they are typically enrolled in an inpatient or outpatient drug treatment program. During their early recovery, they will learn more about opioid use disorder and new coping skills for triggers they may encounter.

MAT medications decrease cravings associated with addiction. They don’t get people “high” but instead help block intense cravings. They give the person taking them the ability to step back and begin to care for themselves more than their addiction.

Brixadi is another tool for doctors and addiction professionals to help their clients.

Medication-Assisted Treatment is safer than opioid use and safe for pregnant or nursing women. Studies have recently shown that women are more likely to adhere to their prenatal care milestones when on medication to help cope with their opioid use disorder.