What Is Brixadi?

Brixadi® is an FDA-approved, extended-release formulation of buprenorphine delivered as a subcutaneous injection for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Unlike daily Suboxone film or tablets, Brixadi is administered by a provider at the clinic on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule — a single injection delivers a steady, controlled dose of buprenorphine over the following days or weeks. Brixadi is manufactured by Braeburn, Inc. and was FDA-approved in 2023 for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder.

For many patients in medication-assisted treatment, Brixadi represents a more flexible path than monthly-only extended-release options. It offers the same benefits of injectable buprenorphine — consistent medication levels, no daily dosing, reduced diversion risk — while giving patients and their providers more control over the dosing interval.

How Brixadi Differs from Sublocade

Both Sublocade and Brixadi are extended-release buprenorphine injections for opioid use disorder, and both are effective treatments. They differ in a few clinically meaningful ways.

Dosing flexibility. Sublocade is administered once per month. Brixadi offers weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly dosing options — useful for patients who are still finding the right maintenance dose, patients who prefer more frequent clinic contact, or patients transitioning gradually toward a longer interval.
Time to first injection. Sublocade requires at least 7 days of stable daily transmucosal buprenorphine (Suboxone film or tablets) before the first injection can be given. Brixadi can be initiated after only a single induction dose of transmucosal buprenorphine, meaning eligible patients can often start Brixadi the same day or within a day or two of presenting for treatment — a significant clinical advantage for patients who want to move quickly to an injection.
Injection site options. Brixadi can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Sublocade is labeled for abdominal injection only. This gives Brixadi patients more site rotation flexibility over time.
Manufacturer. Brixadi is made by Braeburn, Inc. Sublocade is made by Indivior UK Limited. Both are FDA-approved, but availability and insurance coverage may vary by plan.

The choice between Brixadi and Sublocade depends on where you are in your treatment journey, how quickly you want to begin an extended-release option, and what dosing interval fits your life. Our providers will help you weigh the options at your evaluation.

Who Is a Candidate for Brixadi?

Brixadi is an option for a broader range of patients than Sublocade because its initiation requirements are less restrictive. Common candidates include:

New patients who want an extended-release option from the start. After an induction dose of transmucosal buprenorphine and a period of clinical observation, eligible patients can transition directly to Brixadi rather than waiting a full week on daily medication.
Patients currently on Suboxone who want to move to an injection but prefer a shorter interval than monthly, or who want to try a weekly cadence first.
Patients returning to treatment after a gap, where a weekly or bi-weekly injection offers more consistent medication coverage during early stabilization.
Patients for whom monthly dosing has been difficult, either clinically (breakthrough cravings near the end of the month) or logistically (difficulty keeping a monthly appointment schedule).

Brixadi is not prescribed to patients who have not yet had an induction dose of transmucosal buprenorphine or who are not appropriate candidates for buprenorphine-based medication. Your provider will confirm eligibility during your intake evaluation, which includes a DSM-5 assessment and a COWS (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale) score to confirm you are clinically ready to begin buprenorphine without risking precipitated withdrawal.

How the Brixadi Injection Works

The Brixadi injection is administered by a healthcare provider at the clinic. It cannot be self-administered or taken home. Each visit takes only a few minutes.

During the injection, the provider delivers Brixadi subcutaneously into one of four approved sites: the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Once injected, the medication forms a small depot beneath the skin that slowly releases buprenorphine into the bloodstream over the approved dosing interval. Patients may notice a small firm area at the injection site for a period after the dose, which is normal and resolves over time.

Brixadi comes in multiple FDA-approved strengths. Weekly doses are available in 8, 16, 24, and 32 mg. Monthly doses are available in 64, 96, and 128 mg. Your provider selects the dose and interval based on your clinical response, prior Suboxone dose (if applicable), and treatment goals. Many patients begin on a weekly schedule for the first several weeks to dial in the right dose, then transition to a longer interval as their treatment stabilizes.

Benefits of Brixadi Treatment

Patients who choose Brixadi for their medication-assisted treatment often report several practical and clinical advantages:

Faster access to injectable buprenorphine. Because Brixadi can be initiated after a single induction dose rather than 7 days on Suboxone, eligible patients get the benefits of extended-release medication much sooner.
Dosing flexibility. Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly options let the treatment plan adapt to the patient rather than forcing the patient to adapt to the medication’s schedule.
Consistent medication levels. The depot delivery system provides steady buprenorphine levels across the dosing interval, which can mean fewer cravings and less day-to-day variability than daily oral dosing.
Reduced diversion risk. Because Brixadi is administered in the clinic and cannot be taken home, it significantly reduces the risk of medication misuse or diversion.
No daily dosing decisions. One injection replaces days or weeks of daily film administration, removing a common source of treatment friction and simplifying travel and daily routines.
Integrates with full recovery care. Brixadi works alongside counseling, IOP, and certified peer support. The medication addresses the physical component of opioid dependence while patients continue building the skills and support systems needed for long-term recovery.

What to Expect During Treatment

Patients receiving Brixadi at Restoration Recovery will visit the clinic weekly, every other week, or monthly for their injection, depending on the dosing interval chosen. Each visit also serves as an opportunity to check in with the care team and discuss progress. A typical injection visit includes:

A brief clinical assessment and vitals check
Administration of the Brixadi injection at one of the approved sites
A short observation period following the injection
Discussion of any side effects, changes in health, or adjustments to the treatment plan

Counseling and peer support continue alongside medication. Medication alone is not a complete treatment for opioid use disorder, and patients are encouraged to engage fully in all components of their care plan — including individual counseling, group IOP where clinically indicated, and integrated care for any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or hepatitis C.

Common side effects of Brixadi may include mild pain, redness, or itching at the injection site. These reactions are generally temporary and resolve within a few days. Your provider will review all potential side effects with you before your first injection.

Insurance and Access

Restoration Recovery accepts most major insurance plans for Brixadi treatment, including TennCare, Medicaid, and many commercial insurance plans. Our patient services team can verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. Visit our insurance page for the full list of accepted carriers, or contact us directly to have our team check your benefits.

If you have questions about cost or coverage, call before your appointment. Our goal is to make sure that financial concerns do not stand in the way of effective treatment.

Our Clinic Locations

Brixadi injections are available at all four Restoration Recovery clinic locations across Tennessee and Georgia:

Chattanooga, TN — Main clinic at 6141 Shallowford Rd, Suite 100
Cleveland, TN
Soddy-Daisy, TN
Ringgold, GA

Each location is staffed by providers experienced in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Same-week appointments are often available for new patients looking to begin treatment.

Taking the Next Step

If you are currently on daily Suboxone and interested in whether Brixadi could simplify your treatment, bring it up with your provider at your next appointment. If you are new to treatment and want to learn about all of your medication options — daily Suboxone, monthly Sublocade, and weekly or monthly Brixadi — our team is ready to help you understand the path forward.

Restoration Recovery offers a full range of outpatient treatment services for opioid use disorder, including medication management, individual counseling, IOP, and peer support. Every treatment plan is built around the individual patient, and our providers will work with you to find the approach that best fits your life and your goals.

Brixadi Treatment (Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Injection)