In the US, there are several buprenorphine options, primarily categorized as buprenorphine monoproducts and buprenorphine-naloxone combination products. Here is a quick review of what is widely available at VA. Note that buprenorphine is also available in an IV formulation, but not widely available within VA (yet).
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone Combination):
Administered sublingually or buccally (between the gum and cheek).
Combines buprenorphine with naloxone to deter intravenous misuse.
Available in both film and tablet forms.
Subutex (Buprenorphine Monotherapy):
Administered sublingually (under the tongue).
Typically used at the initiation of treatment.
Available in tablet form.
Belbuca (Buprenorphine Buccal Film):
Primarily indicated for chronic pain management.
Administered buccally.
Provides continuous pain relief with a lower risk of dependency.
Butrans (Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch):
Administered transdermally (through the skin).
Primarily indicated for chronic pain management.
Provides continuous pain relief for up to seven days.
Designed for patients requiring around-the-clock opioid treatment.
Sublocade (Buprenorphine Extended-Release Injection):
Administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once a month.
Provides long-acting effects and has been shown to maintain therapeutic levels of buprenorphine over a month.
Brixadi (Buprenorphine Extended-Release Injection):
Administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week or once a month.
Designed for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Provides flexible dosing options to maintain therapeutic levels of buprenorphine.
Buprenex (Buprenorphine Injection):
Administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
Primarily used for the management of moderate to severe pain.
Provides rapid pain relief in a clinical setting.
Reference:
1. Buprenorphine: Drug Information. UpToDate website. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/buprenorphine-drug-information?source=auto_suggest&selectedTitle=12---12---bupren&search=buprenorphine. Updated 2023. Accessed October 5, 2023.