Opioid addiction affects millions of individuals and families across the United States, and many people need more than counseling or detox alone to achieve lasting recovery. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one of the most studied and effective approaches for treating opioid use disorder, and new therapies like Brixadi® (extended-release buprenorphine) are expanding safe, stable, and long-term treatment options.
Brixadi® is an FDA-approved, extended-release buprenorphine injection designed to reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and stabilize recovery. It is available in both weekly and monthly formulations, allowing providers to tailor treatment based on a person’s stability and needs.
While Brooks Healing Center focuses on whole-person addiction treatment, we also support individuals who use MAT, including the buprenorphine-based medication Brixadi®, to promote long-term sobriety, safety, and wellness.
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Brixadi® (buprenorphine extended-release) is a long-acting injectable medication used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder.
It works by:
Buprenorphine is the same core medication used in Suboxone®, Sublocade®, and other MAT therapies, but Brixadi® offers more flexible dosing and gradual release over days to weeks.
Each new day is a fresh opportunity to make a life-altering change and improve your quality of life. We want to help you identify the underlying challenges to recovery and better understand yourself so you can finally live the life you were always meant to live. Call today to get started and learn more about BHC.
|
Formulation |
Use Case |
Typical Benefit |
|
Brixadi® Weekly |
For people early in recovery or transitioning from other medications |
Provides steady stabilization while reducing risk of relapse during early weeks |
|
Brixadi® Monthly |
For stable individuals who no longer need weekly injections |
Supports long-term maintenance with fewer appointments |
The main advantage of Brixadi® is customizable treatment, allowing a smooth transition from early stabilization to long-term maintenance.
MAT combines:
✔ FDA-approved medications
✔ Therapy and counseling
✔ Skills training
✔ Relapse-prevention support
Brixadi® fits into this model by:
Brixadi® may be appropriate for individuals who:
A licensed MAT provider determines eligibility, dosage, and timing.
|
Medication |
How It’s Taken |
Dosing Frequency |
Diversion Risk |
|
Brixadi® Weekly |
Provider-administered injection |
Every 7 days |
Very low |
|
Brixadi® Monthly |
Provider-administered injection |
Every 28 days |
Very low |
|
Suboxone® |
Film/tablet under the tongue |
Daily |
Moderate |
|
Sublocade® |
Monthly injection |
Monthly |
Very low |
|
Methadone |
Daily clinic dispensing |
Daily |
Low–moderate |
Brixadi is often chosen when a person wants flexibility, gradual stabilization, or an alternative to Sublocade.
Most are mild and resolve over time:
Serious reactions are rare but possible, including respiratory depression if combined with sedatives, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.
No, while buprenorphine is an opioid medication, it does not produce the full euphoric effects of heroin, fentanyl, or painkillers. This medication is also given directly from a licensed provider, rather than taken home where it has potential for abuse. It is clinically proven to reduce addiction symptoms, prevent relapse, and support long-term recovery.
Brooks Healing Center provides clinically grounded, whole-person addiction treatment. We support clients who are using MAT, including buprenorphine therapies such as Brixadi®, while addressing the emotional, psychological, and trauma-related components of opioid addiction.
Our program includes:
Getting treatment with Brixadi® from our providers at Brooks isn’t the whole story, but it can be a powerful foundation for recovery when combined with therapy and compassionate care.
Brixadi is an FDA-approved extended-release buprenorphine injection used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder. It comes in weekly and monthly formulations and helps reduce cravings, control withdrawal, and stabilize long-term recovery.
No. Brixadi does not contain naloxone. It is a buprenorphine-only extended-release injection. While some buprenorphine medications, like Suboxone®—combine buprenorphine with naloxone to discourage misuse, Brixadi is administered by a medical provider, so naloxone is not needed.
Brixadi is used for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to help individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder. It supports recovery by:
Not exactly, both medications contain buprenorphine, but in different delivery systems.
Brixadi remains active for 7 days (weekly dose) or 28 days (monthly dose), depending on the formulation. Because it is an extended-release medication, buprenorphine levels remain steady in the bloodstream for the entire dosing period and may continue showing in urine tests for up to several weeks after the final injection.
Braeburn Inc. (2023, May 23). BRIXADI® (buprenorphine) extended-release injection: Full prescribing information. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/210136Orig1s000lbl.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, December 26). Information about medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025, March 20). Medications to treat opioid use disorder. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025, August 25). Medications for substance use disorders: Treatment options. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
Shulman, M., Brooner, R. K., et al. (2019). Buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder: A review of efficacy and safety. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 13(6), 472–482. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6585403/
Dowell, D., Haegerich, T. M., & Chou, R. (2024). Medications for opioid use disorder can substantially reduce overdose deaths — United States, 2022. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 73(25), 705–710. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7325a1.htm
Office of National Drug Control Policy / NIH. (2021). Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 63: Medications for opioid use disorder. U.S. Government. https://library.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-63-Medications-for-Opioid-Use-Disorder-Full-Document/PEP21-02-01-002
Oesterle, T. S., et al. (2019). Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Evidence Review. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 94(6), 1060–1075. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(19)30393-3/fulltext mayoclinicproceedings.org
