Extended-Release Buprenorphine: Frequently asked questions
1. What is injectable buprenorphine?
Injectable buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It’s administered as a shot, also known as an injection, by a healthcare provider. Injectable buprenorphine helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
2. How does the injection work?
The medication is injected as a liquid and, once inside the body, turns to a solid gel called a depot (pronounced ‘dee-poh’). Over time, the depot slowly releases medication at a controlled rate.
3. What forms of injectable buprenorphine will Better Life Partners offer?
We offer 2 different brands of injectable buprenorphine: Brixadi and Sublocade. Both formulations contain buprenorphine, but the dosing and the administration timelines are different for each of them.
4. How does injectable buprenorphine differ from other forms of buprenorphine (e.g., sublingual)?
Unlike oral or sublingual (under-the-tongue) forms of buprenorphine, injectable buprenorphine provides a longer-lasting effect, which means it does not need to be taken daily. Depending on the formulation, injections may be administered weekly or monthly.
5. Who is eligible to receive injectable buprenorphine?
Eligibility depends on factors like your medical history, current health condition, and prior treatments for opioid dependence. If you are interested, our medical providers will partner with you to determine if injectable buprenorphine is right for you.
Another factor could be whether or not your insurance carrier provides prior authorization for the medication. Prior authorization is the process insurance carriers use to determine whether they will cover the costs of certain prescriptions or procedures. If you decide to try injectable buprenorphine, we’ll handle the prior authorization process for you.
6. How can members receive injectable buprenorphine?
If injectable buprenorphine is right for you, our medical providers will write a prescription for injectable buprenorphine. We will partner with you to schedule an appointment for in-person administration (injection) of the medication.
7. If a member is interested in a buprenorphine injection, how soon can they get one?
For members transitioning to injectable buprenorphine, it will take generally 1-2 weeks to receive the first injection. This allows time for their initial screening, insurance prior authorization submission and decision, and scheduling of the administration appointment. Members will stay on their usual sublingual buprenorphine dose during that time.
8. What are the benefits of injectable buprenorphine over other treatments?
Injectable buprenorphine offers the convenience of less frequent dosing and helps maintain steady medication levels which can improve treatment effectiveness.
9. What are the potential side effects of injectable buprenorphine?
Potential side effects of injectable buprenorphine are similar to those with sublingual buprenorphine, such as nausea, headache, and constipation.
You may also have some pain or redness at the injection site. This affects about 10% of people who receive the injection and generally lasts for about 10 minutes.
10. Is injectable buprenorphine covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for injectable buprenorphine varies by insurance provider and plan. We will submit a prior authorization, which will let us know if the medication will be covered by your insurance.
11. Can members still use other medications while on injectable buprenorphine?
It is important to discuss all medications, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements, with your healthcare provider before starting injectable buprenorphine or any new medication, as unsafe interactions are possible.
12. If a member is receiving buprenorphine injections, will they still be expected to attend group meetings?
Yes, all members receiving buprenorphine injections will still be expected to attend their regularly scheduled counseling sessions and group meetings. There will be no change to attendance requirements if you start receiving injectable buprenorphine.
13. How can members get more information about injectable buprenorphine?
Call or text Central, our member support line, requesting to set up a visit to discuss injectable buprenorphine. We’ll help you from there! You can also let your provider know when you next see them.
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