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Brixadi®: A New Option for Extended-Release Buprenorphine Treatment

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® at a Glance

Treatment ComponentBrixadi®
Active MedicationBuprenorphine extended-release
Used ForModerate to severe opioid use disorder
FormulationsWeekly and monthly injections
AdministrationProvider-administered injection
Treatment SupportTherapy and counseling, skills training, and relapse-prevention support
Individualized PlanningA licensed MAT provider determines eligibility, dosage, and timing.
Brixadi Buprenorphine Injections (weekly or monthly) for MAT at Brooks in Tennessee

What Is Brixadi?

Brixadi® (buprenorphine extended-release) is a long-acting injectable medication used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder.

It works by:

  • Binding to opioid receptors without producing a full opioid “high”
  • Reducing withdrawal symptoms
  • Lowering cravings
  • Blocking the effects of stronger opioids such as heroin or fentanyl


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.

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Weekly vs. Monthly Brixadi®: What’s the Difference?

The main advantage of Brixadi® is customizable treatment, allowing a smooth transition from early stabilization to long-term maintenance.

FormulationUse CaseTypical Benefit
Brixadi® WeeklyFor people early in recovery or transitioning from other medicationsProvides steady stabilization while reducing risk of relapse during early weeks
Brixadi® MonthlyFor stable individuals who no longer need weekly injectionsSupports long-term maintenance with fewer appointments
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How Brixadi® Works in MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)

MAT combines:

✔ FDA-approved medications
✔ Therapy and counseling
✔ Skills training
✔ Relapse-prevention support

Brixadi® fits into this model by:

  1. Reducing withdrawal
    Buprenorphine prevents painful, destabilizing withdrawal symptoms.
  2. Stopping cravings
    Stabilizing the brain reduces relapse risk significantly.
  3. Supporting focus in treatment
    When withdrawal and cravings are controlled, clients can participate fully in therapy, trauma work, and emotional healing.
  4. Preventing overdose
    By reducing the cravings for heroin or fentanyl, a person is less likely to overdose from a relapse event.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Brixadi® ?

Brixadi® may be appropriate for individuals who:

  • Are diagnosed with opioid use disorder
  • Are transitioning from short-acting opioids or buprenorphine tablets
  • Need weekly or monthly stabilization
  • Prefer injection-based medication rather than daily dosing
  • Struggle with adherence to daily Suboxone films/tablets
  • Want long-acting protection against relapse triggers


A licensed MAT provider determines eligibility, dosage, and timing.

Side Effects of Brixadi®

Most are mild and resolve over time:

  • Injection-site redness or swelling
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating

Serious reactions are rare but possible, including respiratory depression if combined with sedatives, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.

Benefits of Brixadi® for Opioid Addiction

Consistent Medication Levels

With no daily ups and downs like tablets or films, Brixadi® releases medication steadily.

Lower Risk of Diversion

Because it is an injection administered by a provider, it cannot be lost, stolen, or misused.

Reduced Cravings & Withdrawal

People often report feeling “normal” and emotionally stable during treatment.

Long-Term Protection

Monthly doses can provide up to 30 days of stabilization.

Improved Focus in Therapy

Clients can fully engage in treatment without being distracted by cravings.

How Brixadi® Compares to Other Buprenorphine Options

Brixadi is often chosen when a person wants flexibility, gradual stabilization, or an alternative to Sublocade.

MedicationHow It’s TakenDosing FrequencyDiversion Risk
Brixadi® WeeklyProvider-administered injectionEvery 7 daysVery low
Brixadi® MonthlyProvider-administered injectionEvery 28 daysVery low
Suboxone®Film/tablet under the tongueDailyModerate
Sublocade®Monthly injectionMonthlyVery low
MethadoneDaily clinic dispensingDailyLow–moderate

Is Brixadi® Addictive?

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.

Brixadi® Buprenorphine Injections at Brooks Healing Center

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.

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Insurance Coverage

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Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. Our admissions team can verify benefits and review available options before admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Brixadi®

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:

  • Reducing cravings
  • Minimizing withdrawal
  • Blocking the effects of stronger opioids
  • Supporting long-term stability without daily dosing

Not exactly, both medications contain buprenorphine, but in different delivery systems.

  • Sublocade is a monthly injection only.
  • Brixadi offers weekly or monthly doses, allowing more flexibility during early stabilization. Neither is “stronger,” but some people respond better to one formulation depending on metabolism, stability, and treatment goals.

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.

  1. 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 

  2. 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

  3. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025, March 20). Medications to treat opioid use disorder. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder 

  4. 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 

  5. 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/

  6. 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 

  7. 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 

  8. 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