People have long expressed their concerns for compliance on the daily sublingual buprenorphine formulations. Then along came Brixadi, which uses the same active ingredient in weekly and monthly injection options, making it easier than ever to not miss a dose.
Before switching from daily sublingual buprenorphine to Brixadi, many people wonder how affordable it is. The cost of Brixadi treatment (without insurance) for a single weekly injection is around $459, while a monthly injection costs around $1,808 on average.
Let’s explore treatment financing options, including insurance and copay, to take away the financial stresses from the equation and let you focus all your energy towards recovery and wellbeing.
How Much Should I Pay for a Brixadi Injection?
Different factors come into play like insurance coverage, the specific opioid use disorder treatment plan, and the pharmacy you use.
The parent company behind Brixadi offers a Copay Savings Program that brings the cost of injections for as little as $0 for eligible patients with private insurance.
All you need to do is sign up for the assistance perk and once you get approved you receive a copay ID that gives you savings on the out-of-pocket cost for Brixadi at your local pharmacy.
Unfortunately, patients participating in a state- or federally funded insurance program (such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Veteran Affairs health care, etc) aren’t eligible to apply as of April 2024.
Note: In order to avoid any potential precipitated withdrawal symptoms on sudden discontinuation of therapy, you need to discuss a complete treatment plan with your doctor and ensure you’ll have access to the buprenorphine formulation throughout the treatment period.
Tips to Save Money on Brixadi Prescription
Whether you’re taking Brixadi weekly or as monthly injections, the cost can add up. Nevertheless, you can still receive Brixadi buprenorphine regardless of the budget you’re working. Here are some factors to consider to save money on Brixadi:
- While waiting for your insurance approval, you can ask your doctor if they have free samples of Brixadi to get a headstart in your treatment program.
- Don’t jump to the conclusion that your health insurance is cheaper without considering out-of-pocket options. You might receive an expensive copay from your insurance company that makes it not worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Formulations of Brixadi?
The weekly formulations range from 8 mg/0.16 ml to 32 mg/ 0.64 ml, while the monthly doses range from 64 mg/0.18 ml to 128 mg/0.36 ml. Consult your healthcare professional to determine the dose that works best for you.
How Long Does the Effects of Brixadi Last?
Brixadi effects can last for 7 days and up to 28 days depending on the drug formulation used.
Before starting treatment with Brixadi for opioid use disorder (OUD,) your doctor will prescribe a generic version of transmucosal buprenorphine as a premedication before putting you on Brixadi.
When Can I Switch From Oral Buprenorphine to Brixadi?
Once you’re on a stable dose of daily sublingual buprenorphine, you can transition to Brixadi with minimal risks for withdrawal symptoms.
If not, you’ll receive a test dose and your doctor will monitor you for objective signs of withdrawal and have naloxone ready to deal with any major symptoms.
Does Insurance Cover Brixadi?
Many of the commercial insurance plans offer coverage for buprenorphine treatment, including Brixadi. Insurance coverage also includes counseling in many cases, ensuring you can get proper care without financial headaches.
We’ve also touched on how you can apply for assistance perks through the Brixadi Copay Savings program and receive your medications for free in many cases.
Is Brixadi Worth the Cost?
The answer depends on your condition. Brixadi is a prescription medication used alongside counseling and behavioral therapy to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder. If your condition requires buprenorphine therapy, it might be worth a try.
As with any drug, it has its pros and cons. However, the Brixadi REMS program ensures that the treatment benefits outweigh the risk through a restricted distribution program where people receive subcutaneous injections by a certified healthcare provider.
Before receiving the treatment, your doctor will conduct a Brixadi risk evaluation to assess related drug interactions, injection site allergic reactions, other side effects, and the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.
When it comes to the cost of treatment, you have different ways to receive optimal treatment that falls within your budget. Most commercially available insurance plans cover Brixadi, in addition to perk programs that offer copay assistance.
Access Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction Today…
If you, or a loved one, are battling opioid use disorder and would like to know whether medication-assisted treatment is suitable, book an appointment with Curednation today.
