News from the PNW Node: Videos & Factsheets about XR-Injectable Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is one of three medications (methadone and naltrexone being the other two) approved for use to treat opioid use disorder. It is available as a film or tablet, and more recently as two long-acting extended-release injectables.
Sublocade™ was first to be approved by the FDA in November 2017. More recently, in May 2023, Brixadi™ received approval. In January 2024 it was added to the WA state Medicaid formulary. Fewer clinicians have experience using Brixadi™ than Sublocade™.
The CTN Pacific Northwest Node has developed a set of videos and information sheets to help prescribers in their conversations with patients interested in these buprenorphine options.
The videos (which are also available in an audio-only podcast format) cover the basics of extended-release buprenorphine, settings & access to medication, who could benefit, the different formulations that are available, how to get patients started, and provider and patient experiences.