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What are the different brands of buprenorphine?

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on May 24, 2023.

What are the different brands of buprenorphine? What are the different dosage forms? What are they used for?

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used to treat opioid use disorder and severe pain. It is available in a number of dosage forms under the brand names Belbuca, Brixadi, Buprenex, Butrans, Probuphine (discontinued), Sublocade, and Subutex (discontinued).

Buprenorphine was first approved for medical use in the United States in 1981. It belongs to the class of drugs called narcotic analgesics and is listed under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) due to its potential for abuse.

Buprenorphine Formulations Available in the United States

Brand Dosage Form Administration Use Company Approved Generic Available
Brixadi extended release injection (subcutaneous) every week or
every month
opioid use disorder Braeburn Inc. 2023 No
Sublocade extended release injection (subcutaneous) every month opioid use disorder Indivior Inc. 2017 No

Probuphine
(discontinued)

implant (subdermal) every six months opioid dependence Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2016 No
Belbuca buccal film once daily or every 12 hours severe pain BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. 2015 No
Butrans transdermal system every seven days severe pain Purdue Pharma LP 2010 Yes
Subutex
(discontinued)
sublingual tablets once daily opioid dependence Indivior Inc. 2002 Yes
Buprenex injection (intravenous or intramuscular) every 6 hours severe pain Indivior Inc. 1981 Yes

For detailed information on buprenorphine dosage and administration, see Buprenorphine Dosage.

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