Brixadi vs Sublocade: Which Buprenorphine Injection Should You Choose?

Brixadi and Sublocade are both part of medication-assisted treatment used for opioid use disorder despite having buprenorphine as the main ingredient. Buprenorphine is a crucial part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), especially with the convenience that the injection form offers. Sublocade was approved in 2017, while Brixadi is only a year old (May 2023). But with many injectable options available, how can you determine which suits you best? Below are the pros and cons of Brixadi VS. Sublocade. 

Brixadi (Injectable Buprenorphine) is now available at ChoicePoint! Call 844.445.2565 or register here with our rehab in NJ. 

CALL NOW FOR FREE SCREENING

How Does Brixadi and Sublocade Work?

As discussed earlier, Brixadi and Sublocade use buprenorphine as an active ingredient. Buprenorphine works by:

1. When a person stops taking opioids, the opioid receptors become empty
2. These empty receptors produce withdrawal symptoms
3. Buprenorphine works as an opioid antagonist and binds to these mu-opioid receptors in the brain.
4. It does not bind to opioid receptors as strongly as addictive opioids
5. This binding stabilizes the receptors in the absence of opioids and results in lesser withdrawal. 

ChoicePoint offers both Brixadi and Sublocade shots. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment for your custom shot. 

Similarities and Differences Between Brixadi VS. Sublocade

Since the two medications serve the same purpose, they offer a lot of similarities and differences.

Similarities Between Brixadi and Subloade

• Both are buprenorphine products
• Shown similar effectiveness as MOUD
• Brixaid and Sublocade need to be administered through the REMS Program
• Brixaid and Sublocade are both injectables
• Dosages of both medications are higher than most oral forms of buprenorphine.
• Treatment retention of Brixadi and Sublocade is similar

But what sets Brixadi and Sublocade apart?

Brixadi VS. Sublocade: Highlight the Differences Between the Two

Before you select which buprenorphine injection to choose from, understand the differences so that you make an informed decision with your physician. 

The Brixadi and Sublocade Dosage Guidelines 

Brixadi and Sublocade are both available in different doses:

Approved Doses of Brixadi

Brixadi is a buprenorphine injection used to treat opioid use disorder. It is usually administered weekly as well as monthly. The dosages available for Brixadi are:

Monthly doses are higher as they are meant for extended release. The availability of a wide range of dosages allows personalized treatments for everyone. 

Available Dosage of Sublocade

Like Brixadi, Sublocade is a buprenorphine product administered once a month. It has higher dosage levels and is not available for weekly administration. 

Sublocade injection can restrict healthcare providers from offering flexible dosages. According to a study, 90% of people who were prescribed Sublocade were able to avoid opioid use. This was attested with urine samples. 

Which Is Stronger? Brixadi or Sublocade

Brixadi is available in different dosages and is hence stronger than Sublocade. It is more suitable for patients requiring higher doses, whereas Sublocade is more suitable for people who benefit from a lower dose. 

Same Day Prescription Available at ChoicePoint

Insurance Coverage for Brixadi VS. Sublocade

The insurance coverage varies from state to state. Generic and NJ-specific rules are given below:

Sublocade Shots Insurance Coverage

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, and other government and commercial insurance widely cover sublocade. If Medicaid and eligible for co-payments sponsor you, you may pay as little as $1 to $4. If you have commercial insurance, you pay $0 to $1,993, with out-of-pocket costs of $407. 

Brixadi Injections Coverage

Medicaid in most states covers Brixadi. If Medicaid and eligible for co-payments sponsor you, they may be as little as $4 to $8. Those with private insurance can enroll in a copay savings program to help you get Brixaidi at no cost. 

ChoicePoint in NJ accepts Medicaid and other insurance such as:

• Optum NJ
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS of NJ)
• Amerigroup NJ
• Cigna NJ
• Humana NJ
• United Healthcare Insurance
• Medicare, Medicare Part D, or Medicare Advantage plan
• Medicaid
• Tricare

You must understand your insurance plan and get treatment at a fraction of the original cost. Call 844.445.2565 to get buprenorphine injections.

Prescribing Information For Sublocade and Brixadi 

Brixadi and Sublocade are obtained through prescription only and administered by licensed doctors. 

1. These injections are not dispensed directly to the patient. Your doctor will order and administer these for you. 
2.  The retail pharmacies do not carry these injections, so you have to get the prescription and administration from a drug rehab or hospital. 
3. Both Brixadi and Sublocade are not prescribed during pregnancy due to limited data available. You may be recommended Buprenorphine pills instead, such as Suboxone or Subutex. 

Connect with a certified Sublocade doctor near you by calling 844.445.2565.

Get Brixadi or Sublocade Shots in NJ at ChoicePoint

ChoicePoint is a New Jersey-based rehab center in Fair Lawn that offers convenient medication-assisted treatment (MAT). There are many other options available in MAT that include both therapies and the following medications:

• Suboxone
• Insurance-covered Vivitrol injections
• Narcan
• Subutex

The therapies you can couple with Sublocade and Brixadi are:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
• Group Therapy Program
• Individual Therapy Program
• Family Therapy Program
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

Call 844.445.2565 or enter your information in this form to contact top addiction specialists in NJ. 

Which Injection to Choose? The Final Verdict 

Usually, your healthcare provider will make this decision during your consultation. The answer depends on your preference. Before you choose to take either of the injections, consider:

• Your convenience
• Location of the clinic
• Severity of addiction
• Your requirement
• The intensity of withdrawal
• Affordability

Brixadi and Sublocade are both effective treatments. Brixadi has a wide range of available dosages, allowing a more custom dose. Sublocade is more suited to people who require a lower dose. But it all depends on your convenience and the doctor’s recommendations. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Sublocade Permanently Alter Receptors in the Brain?

No, Sublocade’s main ingredient, buprenorphine, is not as strong as permanently altering the brain receptors. 

Can You Take Suboxone and Sublocade Together?

No, Sublocade and Suboxone are not prescribed together. If you have Suboxone pills lying around and you are on Sublocade, you should never combine the two. The main ingredient is the same; therefore, it would be the equivalent of taking two doses simultaneously. 

What is the Most Effective Method of Detoxing From Opiates? How Long Does It Last?

The most effective way to detox from opiates is by getting a medical detox. Since stopping detox suddenly can have dire consequences, you should not try to do this at home. 

What Drug is Similar to Sublocade?

Sublocade is similar to Brixadi, another weekly and monthly-administered injection containing buprenorphine.

References

1. https://www.sublocade.com/cost-savings#:~:text=If%20you%20h20ebsite.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10398112/