Overview
Brixadi is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder in individuals who have started treatment with a single dose of a transmucosal buprenorphine product or are already receiving buprenorphine. Healthcare providers should consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent (e.g., naloxone) when starting or renewing Brixadi treatment due to the potential risk of relapse and overdose. Brixadi is used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. Brixadi is also known by its drug name, buprenorphine.

Brixadi belongs to the opioid partial agonist drug category. It works by partially activating opioid receptors in the brain, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while lowering the risk of misuse compared to full opioid agonists.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that only healthcare providers should prepare and administer Brixadi as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Brixadi is available in weekly and monthly formulations, which are not interchangeable by dose. It should be injected slowly into the subcutaneous tissue of the buttock, thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Injection sites for weekly doses should be rotated. Brixadi should be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Brixadi include injection site pain, headache, constipation, nausea, injection site erythema (discoloration), pruritus (itching) at the injection site, insomnia, and urinary tract infection.

Rare but serious side effects may include life-threatening respiratory depression, especially if injected intravenously, adrenal insufficiency (reduced hormone production), neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy, risk of opioid withdrawal if treatment is abruptly stopped, liver problems, and allergic reactions to latex in the packaging. People using Brixadi should be monitored for signs of addiction, abuse, or misuse.

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Label: Brixadi — Buprenorphine Injection — DailyMed