Buvidal – Depot Injection

Buvidal is depot buprenorphine, also known as long-acting injectable Buprenorphine, a new treatment option available in Ciconia Recovery London. Buvidal is given as an injection under the skin – this is known as a ‘subcutaneous’ injection, or a ‘subcut’. Once injected, the medication forms a deposit of Buprenorphine under your skin.

You can get further information about Buvidal at  NICE and the  European Medicines Agency.

Buprenorphine has some of the same effects as other opioids (e.g. heroin, morphine). However, it tends not to make people as drowsy. Many people report they are more clear-minded and energetic on Buprenorphine compared to methadone.

Buvidal does not contain naloxone, which is put in other medications such as Suboxone to make injecting it less attractive.

Buvidal is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. When injected, it turns into a deposit, or “depot”, of Buprenorphine. The depot is slowly absorbed by the body, lasting for a specific time (a week or a month depending on the given dose).

You may have heard of, or even used, medications and contraceptives that are given as a depot. Being on a depot medication means the medication is stored under your skin and releases gradually, instead of having to be taken daily.

Depot products are not like implants. You do not have to get anything removed before you are re-dosed. With Buvidal, your system will have absorbed most of the medication by the end of the set period.

Some people get Buvidal confused with a different product, the naltrexone implant, which is an entirely different medication.

Buprenorphine’s effects come from how it interacts with two types of opioid receptors in your brain – the mu receptors and the kappa receptors. Most opioids (e.g. heroin, fentanyl, morphine) are ‘full agonists’ at these receptors, meaning they fully trigger them. Buprenorphine is different to these opioids in a few ways.

Buprenorphine is a strong ‘partial agonist’ at the mu receptor, which gives it a lot of its unique effects. It binds to these receptors much more tightly than other opioids. It can even ‘kick-off’ other opioids from this receptor. However, because it is only a ‘partial agonist’, Buprenorphine does not give you the same opioid-like effects as methadone, heroin, or other opioids.

Buprenorphine is also an ‘antagonist’ at the kappa receptors. This means that Buprenorphine blocks these receptors, which is one of the reasons Buprenorphine can block the effects of other opioids.

Buvidal is available weekly and monthly in many dose strengths in prefilled syringes with a 23-gauge needle.

You may be worried that your injection will not hold you the full week or month. Generally, there will be no problem because depot Buprenorphine builds up and stays in your body for a long time.

When deciding whether to try depot buprenorphine or any daily medication, you should think carefully about their pros and cons. Depot Buprenorphine does not work the same for everybody. However, clients we spoke with who were on Buvidal generally were pleased with the results and were happy with their treatment often returning for further injections.

Some of our ‘pros’ will be ‘cons’ for you, and vice versa, so think about what you want out of treatment before making a decision. For example, some people liked the even effect of the long-acting doses. In contrast, others missed being able to under-dose and double-dose to control their level of energy.

For many, not having to dose every day will be a huge relief. However, not having this routine means you will likely have a lot more free time, which may lead to you feeling directionless or bored. It is essential to spend this time positively and productively.

The best way to replace an old routine is to pick up a new one – try adopting a daily routine that fits in with your interests and lifestyle. You may want to try regular exercise, attending evening classes, helping with family responsibilities, or picking up a new hobby.

Some people find that Buvidal makes them feel so ‘even’ that they think they do not need their next dose. This is similar to not finishing a course of antibiotics because you feel much better. With daily dosing, we are often prompted to take our next dose based on the sniffles and other withdrawal symptoms. With monthly dosing, we are less likely to get a reminder from our bodies.

However, even if you do not feel you need your next dose, you should always discuss with your prescribing doctor first before you make the decision to stop. Taking your medication when you are supposed to, means you should not start going into withdrawals.

If you have more control over your drug use than when you started, and you have support from family or friends, you may be ready to stop the Buvidal. You are more likely to stay off medication if you have fulfilling and positive ways to spend your time. These may include:

If you would like to know more about Buvidal, why not contact us today for an informal and confidential chat with one of our experienced staff at Ciconia Recovery London to discuss your best options?