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FAQ
What do you do at Breakthrough Medical?
With the help of the medication Suboxone® (Buprenorphine & Naloxone), our ultimate mission is to assist each patient in becoming stable and sober from addiction, while restoring stability and function in life; helping you feel normal again. Once stabilization has been reached, our goal is to eventually taper each patient completely off of all addictive medications, with the promise that we will do it in a manner that will not require you to suffer or relapse during the process. We strive to achieve this freedom as soon as we feel it is safe and prudent to do so, thus enabling every patient to achieve lifelong sobriety.
Our philosophy, fees and expectations are personally discussed with every patient, both on the phone when booking the first appointment, and in person during the first patient encounter in the clinic.
What exactly is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine (BYOO-pre-NOR-feen) is an opioid medication used to treat opioid addiction in the privacy of a physician's office. Buprenorphine can be dispensed for take home use by prescription. This, in addition to buprenorphine's pharmacological and safety profile, makes it an attractive treatment for patients who struggle with opioid use.
To learn more about Buprenorphine, click on the PDF icon file below.
What is the Naloxone for?
Naloxone is present to discourage misuse. If injected, the Naloxone may precipitate withdrawal in patients already physically dependent on other opioids.
Taken sublingually as directed, along with the Buprenorphine, Naloxone is clinically insignificant. The safety and efficacy profile of sublingual Buprenorphine/Naloxone is the equivalent to that of Buprenorphine alone.
Is Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®) treatment just trading one addiction for another?
No, with successful Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) treatment, the compulsive behavior, the loss of control with drug use, and constant cravings vanish. When all signs and symptoms of dependence vanish, we call that remission, not switching addictions. The key to understanding this is knowing the difference between physical dependence and addiction.
To learn more about physical dependence, addiction, and how Buprenorphine is not trading one addiction for another, click on the PDF icon below.
Do you prescribe just Buprenorphine tablets (Subutex®)?
No, we do not, even if a patient has documentation related to a Naloxone allergy.
What is Brixadi®?
Brixadi® is a long-acting form of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It is given as an injection under the skin by your healthcare provider either once a week or once a month, depending on your treatment plan. Brixadi® works by reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while helping block the effects of other opioids.
How is Brixadi® different from Subutex® and Suboxone®?
All three medications contain buprenorphine, but they are used a little differently.
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Subutex® contains only buprenorphine and is taken as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue.
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Suboxone® contains buprenorphine plus naloxone. The naloxone helps discourage misuse by injection while having little effect when the medication is taken as directed under the tongue or inside the cheek.
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Brixadi® contains only buprenorphine but is given as a long-acting injection by a healthcare provider, eliminating the need to remember a daily medication.
What are the benefits of Brixadi®?
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No daily tablets or films to remember.
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Provides a steady level of medication throughout the week or month, which may reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
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Removes the need to carry medication with you.
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Greatly reduces the chance of missed doses.
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Eliminates concerns about losing medication or having it stolen.
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Reduces the opportunity for diversion or misuse.
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Allows many patients to focus more on work, family, and recovery rather than taking medication every day.