Exploring Brixadi vs. Sublocade: Which Buprenorphine Medication is Best?
Opioid use disorder is a prevalent issue in the United States, changing the lives of individuals, families, and communities. In 2021 alone, more than 80,000 people passed away due to opioid overdose, highlighting the significant problem that opioids pose to individuals worldwide. Besides its fatal consequences, long-term use of illicit opioids can severely damage the human brain, altering its chemistry and the way it functions so that the dependence worsens and the recovery becomes much more difficult.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is commonly used to combat opioid use disorder, combining effective, FDA-approved medications with comprehensive counseling and therapy services. Two primary medications used in MAT are Brixadi and Sublocade, each helping patients stay in treatment by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. While both include the active ingredient buprenorphine, knowing their differences is essential to finding the best option for you.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol and Opioid Dependence
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol dependence. Unlike medication or counseling alone, MAT addresses the physical and mental aspects of OUD to help patients avoid relapse.
MAT medications work on the same opioid receptors as abused opioids but in a safe and controlled manner, helping to restore balance in the brain while kickstarting the recovery process and mitigating withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for treating opioid use disorder, including:
Buprenorphine:
Available under brand names such as Brixadi®, Sublocade®, Suboxone®, and Zubsolv®, buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain without producing the full opioid effect, helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the high opioid misuse provides.
Methadone:
As a full opioid agonist, Methadone works by binding to the same brain receptors as other opioids, but it does so more gradually without causing the euphoria of drugs like heroin. It helps patients manage long-term withdrawal symptoms and is administered under strict supervision by a practitioner.
Naltrexone:
Used in brand-name drugs such as Vivitrol®, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, blocking the effects of opioids at the receptor sites in the brain. Naltrexone is mainly used to prevent relapse rather than manage withdrawal symptoms and is suitable for patients already detoxified. This medication is available as a pill or as a monthly injection.
Brixadi and Sublocade Similarities: Understanding Buprenorphine Treatment
Brixadi and Sublocade are both buprenorphine injections that treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine, the active ingredient, is a partial opioid agonist that binds to the same receptors in the brain as illicit opioids, helping alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the euphoric effects.
Unlike other buprenorphine medications, which can be taken as a daily sublingual film or tablet, Brixadi and Sublocade are monthly injections that are administered in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional. Additionally, both medications must be prescribed by a qualified physician, most often through a dedicated treatment program.
The Differences Between Brixadi and Sublocade
While both Brixadi and Sublocade contain buprenorphine and are injectable, there are a few significant differences between the medications that could have an impact on your final decision. When determining which MAT option is best for you, it’s essential to explore these various factors:
Dosage
Brixadi has more flexible dosage options, with the ability to choose between weekly or monthly injections. Weekly doses are available in 8, 16, 24, or 32 mg options, while monthly injections are available in 64, 96, or 128 mg doses, allowing patients to find the best dose for their specific recovery needs.
Sublocade, on the other hand, is only offered in two dosage options, either 100 or 300 mg. Many patients start at the 300 mg dose for the first two months of treatment and, when they are further along in their recovery journey, switch to 100 mg injections as needed.
Injection Sites
Brixadi can be injected in a few different locations on the body, including the subcutaneous tissue of the buttock, thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Administering Brixadi in the upper arm offers a painless and accessible option, making administration much more manageable for patients.
Sublocade can only be injected in the lower abdomen or upper gluteus, which may be less accessible for patients and can be a barrier to treatment with Sublocade for some.
Immediate vs. Extended-Release
Brixadi can be injected either weekly or monthly, offering two unique options for patients. With weekly injections, patients receive an immediate-release treatment that can be more effective for short-term withdrawal and craving management. In contrast, the monthly injection offers an extended-release treatment that lasts an entire month.
Sublocade is only available in higher doses. It is an extended-release medication, slowly released into the body over a month. The nature of Sublocade treatment limits it to one injection every 26-28 days, and the effects of the medication are not as immediate as weekly Brixadi injections.
How to Choose the Right Buprenorphine Injection for You
Whether you choose Brixadi or Sublocade, both medications are effective MAT options that use the active ingredient buprenorphine to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping patients stay in treatment and increase their chances of a full recovery. For more immediate symptom relief, Brixadi offers quick-release options like weekly injections.
Both Brixadi and Sublocade are available as extended-release monthly injections, making them valuable options for individuals with busy schedules and those who prefer not to visit a healthcare provider more than once a month for administration.
Access Life-Changing Buprenorphine Treatment at Brightside
Whether you choose Sublocade, Brixadi, or another FDA-approved option, medication-assisted treatment can help patients in all stages of dependence overcome opioid use disorder. Both Brixadi and Sublocade injections can relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping you stay in treatment to achieve a sustainable recovery.
If you or a loved one are battling OUD, Brightside is here to help. Our compassionate and professional doctors can create a tailored treatment plan that meets your unique needs and addresses all facets of addiction. No matter what medication interests you, we encourage you to schedule a telehealth visit with Brightside today to discuss your unique treatment needs and start your journey toward a brighter, drug-free future.