Brixadi General Information
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information contained herein should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition, and those seeking medical advice or guidance should consult with a licensed and qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have learned here or elsewhere.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. No physician-patient or provider-patient relationship is created by this website or its use. Boulder Care makes no representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
Long Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (Brixadi) General Information
What is Brixadi?
Brixadi is a form of buprenorphine, the active drug in Suboxone, which is injected. Its effects last longer than the pill or film form.
We offer this option once an individual has been taking the pill or film form of buprenorphine for at least 7 days. Brixadi comes as a Weekly or Monthly injection with different options for strengths:
How Does Brixadi Work?
Buprenorphine works on the same parts of the brain as opioids like fentanyl, heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It attaches more strongly than most other opioids and can partly block their effects.
Ways this medication can help you:
- Reduce your cravings and use of non-prescribed opioids.
- Lower your risk of opioid overdose.
- Increase your chances of achieving and maintaining your recovery goals.
- Free you from daily dosing — just one injection a month or week (depending on your preference).
How Do I Get Brixadi as a Boulder Care Patient?
Discuss your interest in Brixadi with your clinician at your next visit.
Your clinician will:
- Review treatment options and answer your questions.
- Confirm that you're comfortable with regularly scheduled visits.
- Assess your location and identify the nearest injection site (select pharmacies).
- Send a prescription for your first injection
→ Plus a 1 to 2-week prescription of your current buprenorphine formulation to support the transition.
Brixadi Dosing Information
- Weekly Dosing: You can receive your next injection as early as 5 days and up to 9 days after your last.
- Monthly Dosing: You can receive your next injection as early as 21 days and up to 35 days from your last.
The goal: To bring buprenorphine levels in your system to a stable, therapeutic level.
How Long Does It Take to Reach a Stable Level?
You’ll have buprenorphine in your system immediately after the first injection. For some, this is enough. For others, it may take several weeks or months of injections to stabilize.
Supplementation during the transition: Your clinician will prescribe you some buprenorphine in your current formulation for the next couple of months, if needed, for breakthrough withdrawal symptoms or cravings while your levels stabilize.
- Needs vary per individual, you will work with your clinician to ensure your needs are met during this time.
Often if supplementation is needed during this transitional phase, individuals find they utilize it toward the end of the 28 days (for monthly Brixadi) or the end of the 7 days (for weekly Brixadi)
What If I Miss My Injection?
If it’s been less than 9 days since your last Weekly injection or less than 5 weeks since your last Monthly injection:
- Contact your pharmacy to reschedule and receive your dose.
If it’s been more than 9 days since your last Weekly injection or more than 5 weeks since your last Monthly injection:
- Reach out to Boulder through the app for direction and next steps.
- Follow up with your clinician — we are here to support you.
- You may also request a bridge prescription of your oral buprenorphine formulation until your next scheduled visit.
What If I Decide to Stop Brixadi?
The buprenorphine in your system may remain at effective levels for 1 month (weekly injections) or 4 months (monthly injections), depending on your dose and how long you've been receiving injections.
- Any withdrawal symptoms are typically delayed and milder than those of other opioids.
- Talk with your clinician to make a plan to stop treatment safely and receive support for any symptoms or cravings.
When Should I Ask for Help?
Contact your Boulder Care team if:
- You continue to crave opioids.
- You experience bothersome side effects.
- You have any questions or concerns about Brixadi or your opioid use.
Common Side Effects
Sleep problems
Buprenorphine may disrupt sleep. Contact your Boulder care team if sleep problems persist for four or more weeks after starting Sublocade.
Pain, itching, or bruising at injection site
This is common. Bruising usually goes away within a few days. Do not scratch the area. Try using an ice pack to help with the pain or itching if needed.
Stomach upset or constipation
Drink plenty of water. Speak with your Boulder care team or pharmacist if this does not go away after 2–3 days. Buprenorphine is known to cause constipation, so taking a stool softener as needed is recommended. Talk with your clinician for a prescription if appropriate.
Headache
This should improve over time. Talk with your Boulder care team or pharmacist if it continues to bother you.
More Information
For more information on Brixadi injection administration: Brixadi Administration Instructions
Questions, concerns, or feedback?
You can send a message to your Care Team in the app with non-urgent questions or feedback, or call us at 888-316-0451.