Brixadi

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2022, an estimated 6.1 million people in the United States over the age of 12 have an opioid use disorder (OUD). However, of the millions of individuals who need treatment for OUDs each year, many people go without necessary care.

According to one 2020 study, one of the key causes for the continued use of opioids in individuals is withdrawal symptoms. When an individual uses a substance for a prolonged period of time, the body can become accustomed to the changes. For example, opioids can increase the level of certain brain chemicals. As the body and brain begin to revert to natural levels, this can cause a variety of uncomfortable or unpleasant symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction and substance use disorders can affect every part of a person’s life, and withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to access the necessary care and treatment they need. However, through comprehensive treatment approaches like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that treat the entire person, lasting recovery is possible.

Below, learn about the role of medication-assisted treatment in substance use disorders, as well as about Brixadi, a common medication used in MAT for opioid addiction.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based approach to substance use disorders. This treatment approach employs the use of medications to treat the symptoms of mental health disorders like OUD.

Medication-assisted treatment offers many benefits, but different people may respond in different ways. As a result, like with all types of treatments, it may not be as effective for everyone.

While medication-assisted treatment can be a helpful part of a comprehensive approach, it is not designed to be used alone.

Instead, MAT should be utilized alongside other forms of treatment, including therapies and counseling or other holistic approaches. By combining MAT with other forms of treatment, this approach treats the entire person—not just their symptoms.

Several medications can be used in medication-assisted therapy. The exact prescriptions needed for an individual can vary based on their needs, the availability of certain treatments, and the type of substance use disorder being treated. For example, one medication that may be used during medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder is Brixadi.

What Is Brixadi?

Brixadi is a prescription for those navigating opioid use disorder. The active ingredient in Brixadi is buprenorphine.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2023, Brixadi is currently the only injectable extended-release form of buprenorphine that is available in both monthly and weekly injections. This can help provide more flexibility in scheduling, providing individuals with options for their treatment approach.

What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is one of the most common medications used in MAT for the treatment of opioid use disorder. In fact,  millions of buprenorphine prescriptions are dispersed each year.

This common medication falls into a category of substances known as opioid partial agonists. Opioid partial agonists disrupt the way that opioids interact with the body, preventing or reducing the addictive qualities of those substances.

When an individual uses an opioid, it attaches to special proteins located on nerve cells known as opioid receptors. This can send the brain signals about pain or pleasure.

Because of this, opioids can trigger the brain’s reward system, sending signals that activate the production of dopamine. Overall, dopamine acts as the “feel-good” chemical of the brain, giving feelings of pleasure and motivation. These qualities can make it addictive.

Buprenorphine and other opioid partial agonists, however, prevent this interaction from happening. Buprenorphine binds to the same receptors as opioids, displacing these substances and preventing them from sending signals to the brain. Despite binding to the same location, the effects of buprenorphine are milder than that of opioids due to it only partially activating the receptors.

As a result, buprenorphine works by taking up space and preventing opioids from having the same reaction as they would without medication-assisted treatment. This can help reduce symptoms like cravings. For many people, this can help relieve some of the unpleasant feelings or symptoms associated with withdrawal, helping them to instead focus on their journey to lasting health and recovery.

What Is Brixadi Used To Treat?

Brixaidi is used in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. This medication can treat addiction to both synthetic and natural opioids.

How Is Brixadi Administered?

Brixadi is administered solely as an injection through a professional healthcare provider. Currently, there are two different forms of Brixadi. One is administered weekly, while the other is administered monthly.

This schedule introduces flexibility into a patient’s treatment plan, helping better tailor treatment approaches to their needs. Since it is only available through a healthcare professional, individuals also won’t need to worry about keeping Brixadi in their homes. This can help provide ease of mind for those with children seeking treatment for opioid use disorder.

Because Brixadi is an extended-release form of buprenorphine, after injection, buprenorphine is slowly released into the body. As a result, the effects of this medication can last for an extended period.

While Brixadi is only available as a monthly or weekly injection, the active ingredient of this medication, buprenorphine, can come in several different forms. This includes tablets and films alongside injections like Brixadi.

What Are The Side Effects Of Brixadi?

For those struggling with the challenges of addiction and opioid use disorder, Brixadi and buprenorphine can offer invaluable help during recovery. However, OUD treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and some individuals may not respond the same way to medication-assisted treatment as others.

Despite the benefits available through Brixadi and buprenorphine, some individuals may experience side effects with medications. Some of the most common buprenorphine side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches and cramps
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Difficulty paying attention or concentrating
• Fatigue

Side effects and their severity can vary, and not every individual who takes buprenorphine will experience side effects. In rarer cases, individuals may experience more severe side effects, including allergic reactions, swelling, and itching.

If you do experience side effects with buprenorphine or any other medication used in medication-assisted treatment, it’s important to reach out to your doctor to discuss severity and treatment alternatives if needed.

MAT and Brixadi Frequently Asked Questions

If you or someone you know is considering medication-assisted treatment with Brixadi for an opioid use disorder, then you may have further questions. Learning about Brixadi, buprenorphine, and the different aspects of treatment like duration and expenses can help you better understand the options available for you.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questioned about medication-assisted treatment with Brixadi.

Is There A Danger Of Addiction With Brixadi?

Because the active ingredient in Brixadi is buprenorphine, there is a risk of addiction. Buprenorphine interacts with opioid receptors in the body in a manner similar to that of opioids, though to a lesser extent. However, in some individuals, these effects can cause dependency and addiction.

Talking with your healthcare provider can help you better understand the risks of addiction with Brixadi, buprenorphine, and other medications that may be used in medication-assisted treatment.

In most cases, when Brixadi or buprenorphine is taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional, the risk for addiction is low.

How Long Does Treatment With Brixadi Last?

There is so no single timeline with how long treatment will last when an individual enrolls in a medication-assisted treatment program. Just as with the potential of side effects, individuals respond differently to treatment, and some people may require more time and care than others.

Opioid use disorder can be a chronic condition that affects individuals for years, even during treatment. As a result, it’s important to communicate regularly with your healthcare provider to determine your individual timeline. Some individuals may need medication-assisted treatment with Brixadi indefinitely, while others may need a few months or weeks.

There are several factors that can impact how long treatment lasts for individuals with substance use disorders. Some of the factors that may contribute to the duration of medication-assisted treatment include:

• The severity of the substance use disorder
• The types of substances being abused
• Any co=existing mental and physical conditions
• The root cause of addiction
• How the individual responds to treatment
• What other psychotherapies, counseling, and holistic approaches are used

Does Insurance Cover Brixadi Treatment?

Whether or not your insurance plan covers Brixadi varies. Many individuals enrolled in public or private health insurance programs are eligible for medication-assisted treatment with Brixadi or buprenorphine. However, not every insurance provides coverage for this medication, and some insurance companies may only provide partial coverage.

If you or a loved one are looking into medication-assisted treatment with Brixadi or any other medications, it can be helpful to reach out to your insurance company for questions about coverage. Speaking with a representative may be able to provide you with more information about your specific healthcare plan and the treatment covered through it.

For those without insurance, or whose insurance won’t cover medication-assisted treatment, consider speaking to your healthcare provider. Regardless of your financial situation, there is hope for recovery.

Your doctor can help you explore alternative treatment options if medication-assisted treatment or certain medications are unavailable through your insurance plan. They may also be able to direct you to government and private assistance programs., though these vary in availability and eligibility criteria.