Brixadi treatment in Frankfort KY offers weekly or monthly buprenorphine injections to reduce cravings and support recovery.
If stopping opioids has felt overwhelming, you are not alone. At CommonHealth Recovery in Frankfort, we offer Brixadi treatment as part of a structured outpatient program designed to provide steady, reliable support.
Brixadi is a long-acting medication approved for opioid use disorder, available in weekly or monthly dosing. Our medical team combines medication with counseling and ongoing care to help you build lasting stability.
Medication is only one part of recovery. At CommonHealth Recovery, Brixadi treatment is combined with counseling, case management, and regular medical supervision to support long-term progress.
Our Frankfort location serves individuals across central Kentucky who want a consistent, structured path forward.
Brixadi is an FDA-approved medication for treating moderate to severe opioid use disorder. Specifically, it’s an extended-release buprenorphine injection. The FDA approved Brixadi in May 2023. Therefore, it represents one of the newest treatment options available.
Healthcare providers administer Brixadi as a subcutaneous injection. In other words, the medication goes under the skin. Then, it slowly releases buprenorphine over time. Consequently, you don’t need to take daily pills or films.
According to the FDA approval announcement, Brixadi offers important advantages for patients and providers. Specifically, the flexible dosing schedule makes it unique among extended-release options.
The active ingredient in Brixadi is buprenorphine. This is a partial opioid agonist. In other words, it binds to opioid receptors in your brain. However, buprenorphine produces much milder effects than full opioids. Therefore, it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating intense euphoria.
Flexible Dosing Schedule Unlike other extended-release options, Brixadi offers weekly or monthly dosing. Therefore, you can choose what works best for your recovery. Additionally, this flexibility helps you transition into treatment more gradually.
Multiple Injection Sites Available Brixadi can be injected in various body locations. For instance, the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or back of the upper arm work well. Consequently, you have more comfort and convenience options.
Weekly Option for Starting Treatment Many patients start with weekly injections. Then, they transition to monthly doses. As a result, this gradual approach helps your body adjust. Moreover, it provides extra support during early recovery.
No Daily Medication Required You don’t need to remember daily doses. Instead, one injection provides week-long or month-long coverage. Therefore, you can focus on recovery rather than managing medication.
Reduced Misuse Potential Since providers give all doses, the medication cannot be diverted. Additionally, this increases safety. Furthermore, it reduces concerns about medication falling into the wrong hands.
Brixadi uses an innovative FluidCrystal® injection technology. When injected under the skin, the medication forms a depot. Then, it slowly releases buprenorphine over the dosing period. Specifically, this can be one week or one month depending on the dose strength.
This technology eliminates the peaks and valleys associated with daily medication. As a result, you get steady support throughout your recovery. Moreover, the gradual release maintains consistent medication levels in your bloodstream.
Clinical research demonstrates strong effectiveness for Brixadi. In fact, the FDA reviewed extensive safety and efficacy data before approval. According to research published in peer-reviewed journals, Brixadi shows excellent outcomes for opioid use disorder treatment.
Key Clinical Benefits Include:
Brixadi offers more flexibility than other extended-release options. Specifically, you have several dosing choices:
Weekly Dosing:
Monthly Dosing:
Your provider will work with you to determine the best dosing schedule. Additionally, you can transition between weekly and monthly as your needs change. Therefore, treatment adapts to your recovery journey.
Like other buprenorphine medications, starting Brixadi requires careful timing. Specifically, you should begin when you’re experiencing mild opioid withdrawal symptoms. This ensures the medication works properly.
However, if you’re already taking buprenorphine medications like Suboxone, transitioning is straightforward. In fact, you can often switch to Brixadi the same day. Therefore, the process is simple and convenient.
Choose between weekly or monthly injections based on your needs. For instance, weekly dosing provides more frequent support during early recovery. Then, transition to monthly when you're more stable. Therefore, treatment adapts to your progress.
Skip the daily routine of taking pills or dissolving films. Instead, Brixadi provides continuous medication for one week or one month. As a result, you can focus on recovery activities. Additionally, you don't need to worry about forgetting doses.
Unlike some alternatives, Brixadi works in various injection locations. For example, abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm all work well. Therefore, you have comfort and convenience options. Moreover, you can rotate sites to reduce injection site reactions.
Brixadi occupies opioid receptors in your brain. Consequently, it blocks the euphoric effects if you were to use other opioids. Therefore, this reduces the reinforcement of drug use. Furthermore, it supports your commitment to staying in recovery.
Daily medications can have peaks and valleys in blood levels. However, Brixadi maintains steady buprenorphine concentrations. Therefore, you experience consistent symptom control. Additionally, this means no daily ups and downs.
Since providers administer all doses, there's no medication at home. Therefore, you don't need to worry about others discovering your treatment. Additionally, this eliminates concerns about medication theft or diversion.
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation by our medical team. First, we review your substance use history in detail. Then, we assess your current health status and medication history. Additionally, we discuss your recovery goals and treatment preferences.
This assessment includes several important components. For example, you’ll receive a complete physical examination. Furthermore, we discuss your opioid use patterns and previous treatment attempts. Moreover, we review any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Next, you’ll work with your provider to develop a customized plan. Specifically, this includes choosing your Brixadi dosing schedule. For instance, you might start with weekly injections. Then, transition to monthly as you progress.
Additionally, we address your counseling needs and frequency. Moreover, we discuss case management support and practical assistance. Furthermore, we verify your insurance coverage at this time. As a result, you’ll know all costs before starting treatment.
If you’re currently taking buprenorphine medications, the transition is simple. In fact, you can often switch to Brixadi the same day. However, the timing depends on your last dose of other medications.
If you’re new to buprenorphine treatment, the process differs slightly. First, you need to be in mild withdrawal from opioids. Then, you may receive a test dose of oral buprenorphine. After monitoring your response, you can receive your first Brixadi injection.
After starting treatment, you’ll follow your chosen dosing schedule. For instance, if you selected weekly dosing, you’ll return each week. Alternatively, monthly patients return once per month. Additionally, your provider monitors your progress at each visit.
During these appointments, several things happen. First, you receive your Brixadi injection. Then, your provider checks for any side effects or concerns. Moreover, they assess your recovery progress and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, you can discuss any challenges or questions.
Between injections, you’ll participate in various recovery activities. For example, individual counseling addresses personal challenges. Additionally, group therapy provides peer support and shared experiences. Moreover, case management helps with practical needs like housing or employment.
Our team monitors your progress continuously. Furthermore, we address any challenges that arise quickly. As a result, we can adjust your treatment plan as needed. Therefore, you always receive optimal support.
As you progress in recovery, we help you develop long-term skills. For instance, relapse prevention strategies prepare you for challenges. Additionally, coping skills help manage stress and triggers. Moreover, we support your personal goals like education or career advancement.
Many patients continue Brixadi treatment for 6-12 months or longer. However, the duration depends on your individual needs. Ultimately, we work with you to determine the best timeline. Furthermore, we support you through any transitions in your care.
Recovery involves more than just medication. Our integrated approach addresses all aspects of your well-being.
Addiction rarely exists alone. In fact, many individuals with opioid use disorder also struggle with mental health conditions. For example, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder commonly co-occur. According to research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), treating both conditions simultaneously improves outcomes. Therefore, our integrated approach addresses addiction and mental health together. Specifically, we provide therapy for underlying emotional issues. Additionally, psychiatric support helps manage mental health symptoms. As a result, you receive complete, whole-person healing.
Recovery involves more than just stopping drug use. Consequently, our case managers help you rebuild your life. For instance, they assist with practical challenges that often accompany addiction. Our case managers help with: Housing assistance and residential stability Employment support and job readiness skills Transportation coordination to appointments Legal system navigation and advocacy Family reunification and relationship repair Community resource connections Benefits enrollment like Medicaid or SNAP Healthcare coordination with other providers Therefore, you get support for every aspect of your recovery. Additionally, this comprehensive approach improves long-term success rates.
Addiction affects entire family systems. Therefore, we offer family education and counseling services. Specifically, we help loved ones understand the disease of addiction. Additionally, they learn healthy communication patterns and boundary setting. Moreover, family therapy addresses relationship damage caused by addiction. Furthermore, we teach families how to support recovery constructively. As a result, healing extends beyond the individual patient. In fact, strong family support often predicts better recovery outcomes.
Many patients wonder about the difference between Brixadi and Sublocade. This is one of the most common questions we receive. Both medications are extended-release buprenorphine injections. Additionally, both are highly effective for treating opioid use disorder. However, they differ in several important ways.
Brixadi offers weekly or monthly options:
Sublocade provides monthly-only dosing:
Therefore, Brixadi provides more flexibility. Specifically, weekly dosing helps some patients transition more gradually. Additionally, it provides more frequent touchpoints with providers during early recovery.
Brixadi can be injected in four locations:
Sublocade is primarily used in:
Therefore, Brixadi offers more injection site options from the start. Consequently, this provides greater comfort and convenience. Moreover, you can rotate sites more easily to reduce reactions.
This is another common question. Like Sublocade, Brixadi contains only buprenorphine. Specifically, it does not contain naloxone.
In contrast, Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. The naloxone in Suboxone serves to deter misuse. However, since providers administer all Brixadi doses, naloxone isn’t necessary. Therefore, the formulation includes only buprenorphine.
Both medications require you to be on oral buprenorphine first or experience mild withdrawal. However, Brixadi’s weekly option allows more gradual initiation. Therefore, some patients find it easier to start with Brixadi. Additionally, weekly dosing provides extra support during the challenging early recovery period.
Both Brixadi and Sublocade are typically covered by insurance. However, coverage varies by plan. Additionally, both manufacturers offer copay assistance programs. Therefore, at CommonHealth Recovery, we verify your insurance before starting treatment. As a result, you understand your out-of-pocket costs upfront.
The best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. For instance, if you want weekly support initially, Brixadi might be ideal. Alternatively, if you prefer monthly visits from the start, Sublocade works well. Ultimately, your provider will help you decide. Additionally, both are excellent, evidence-based treatment options.
This is one of the most common questions about Sublocade. The extended-release formulation means buprenorphine remains in your body for an extended period. However, understanding the timeline is important.
Each Sublocade injection provides therapeutic medication levels for 28-30 days. Therefore, monthly dosing maintains consistent treatment effects. Additionally, you remain protected throughout the entire month.
Due to its long-acting nature, Sublocade continues working after your last dose. Specifically, detectable levels of buprenorphine can remain for several months. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, this gradual decline helps reduce withdrawal severity.
Essentially, your body slowly metabolizes the remaining medication over time. As a result, this provides a natural taper effect. Therefore, withdrawal symptoms are typically milder than with short-acting medications.
This extended duration has several important implications. First, even if you miss an appointment by 1-2 weeks, you typically won’t experience significant withdrawal. Additionally, considerations about drug interactions remain relevant for months after stopping.
Furthermore, pain management considerations may continue to be important. Therefore, inform all your healthcare providers about Sublocade treatment history.
Brixadi treats moderate to severe opioid use disorder in adults. Specifically, the FDA approved it for patients who have already started treatment with buprenorphine. Additionally, it works for people dependent on prescription opioids or illicit opioids like heroin or fentanyl.
However, Brixadi is not for pain management. Instead, it’s specifically designed for addiction treatment. Therefore, it must be combined with counseling and behavioral support.
This depends on whether you receive weekly or monthly doses. For weekly injections, medication levels decline over 7-14 days. For monthly injections, levels decline over 4-6 weeks.
However, even after stopping treatment, detectable levels may remain for weeks or months. Therefore, considerations about drug interactions and pain management remain relevant. Additionally, if you discontinue treatment, your provider monitors you for withdrawal symptoms.
Common side effects include injection site reactions. For instance, pain, redness, swelling, or itching may occur where the injection was given. Additionally, some patients experience:
Most side effects are mild and improve over time. However, serious but rare side effects can occur. For example, respiratory depression can happen if combined with benzodiazepines or alcohol. Therefore, your provider monitors you closely, especially initially.
Brixadi offers flexible dosing options. Specifically, you can choose weekly or monthly schedules:
Weekly dosing:
Monthly dosing:
Your provider determines the specific dose based on your needs. Additionally, you can transition between schedules as your recovery progresses.
The cost varies depending on your insurance coverage. However, most insurance plans cover Brixadi treatment. Specifically, this typically includes Kentucky Medicaid and Medicare.
Additionally, the manufacturer offers copay assistance for eligible patients. Therefore, at CommonHealth Recovery, our billing team verifies coverage before treatment. As a result, you understand your costs upfront. Furthermore, we help you access any available financial assistance programs.
Yes, but you’ll need to be in mild opioid withdrawal first. Specifically, you must show signs of withdrawal before receiving your first Brixadi injection. This ensures the medication works properly and doesn’t cause precipitated withdrawal.
Some patients receive a test dose of oral buprenorphine first. Then, after tolerating it well, they receive their first Brixadi injection. Therefore, starting Brixadi is possible even without previous buprenorphine treatment.
If you miss your scheduled injection, contact your provider immediately. They’ll schedule you for your dose as soon as possible. Additionally, they’ll determine if you need any interim support.
For weekly patients, missing one dose may cause mild withdrawal symptoms. However, for monthly patients, you typically have more cushion. Nevertheless, it’s important to stay on schedule. Therefore, set reminders for your appointment days.
Yes, traveling is possible with Brixadi treatment. However, planning is essential. For weekly patients, coordinate with your provider before extended travel. Additionally, they may be able to adjust your schedule temporarily.
For monthly patients, travel is easier since doses are less frequent. Nevertheless, ensure you can return for your next scheduled injection. Furthermore, if traveling internationally, carry documentation about your treatment.
REMS stands for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. Specifically, the BRIXADI REMS Program is an FDA-required safety program. It ensures only certified healthcare providers administer the medication in appropriate settings.
This program prevents serious risks associated with intravenous self-injection. Therefore, Brixadi is only available through certified providers. CommonHealth Recovery is fully certified in the BRIXADI REMS Program. As a result, we can safely provide this treatment.
Several factors determine if Brixadi is appropriate for your situation. For instance, it works well if you:
Your provider will assess your specific situation. Additionally, they’ll consider your medical history and preferences. Therefore, together you’ll decide if Brixadi is the best choice for your recovery journey.
