This page provides an overview of Buvidal (prolonged-release buprenorphine), an innovative medication for opioid dependence. It covers treatment benefits, effectiveness, administration, potential side effects, and service considerations.
🔍 What is Buvidal?
Buvidal is a prolonged-release buprenorphine depot injection used for opioid substitution therapy (OST). It provides a long-acting alternative to daily oral buprenorphine or methadone, reducing the need for frequent dosing and improving adherence.
- Active Ingredient: Buprenorphine
- Formulation: Weekly or Monthly depot injection
- Administration: Subcutaneous (SC) injection
- Effectiveness: Reduces opioid cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of illicit opioid use.
- Primary Users: People in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs seeking a less intrusive treatment option.
🩺 How Does Buvidal Work?
Buvidal works as a partial opioid agonist, binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain. This reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms while blocking the effects of illicit opioids.
✅ Advantages of Buvidal Over Oral OST
- ✔ Reduced diversion risk (cannot be misused like oral buprenorphine).
- ✔ More stable opioid levels, minimizing withdrawal fluctuations.
- ✔ Improved adherence—weekly or monthly injections instead of daily dosing.
- ✔ Lower stigma—no need for supervised daily pick-ups at pharmacies.
- ✔ Convenient for employment, education, or family life.
- ✔ Reduces risk to children (no medication stored at home).
🏥 Administration & Dosage
Buvidal is administered as a subcutaneous injection by a healthcare professional. The dose is titrated based on individual needs.
| Buvidal Injection | Dose (mg) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 8mg, 16mg, 24mg, 32mg | Every 7 days |
| Monthly | 64mg, 96mg, 128mg, 160mg | Every 28 days |
💊 Equivalent Dose from Espranor
| Espranor Dose | Buvidal Weekly Dose | Buvidal Monthly Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 4mg | 8-16mg | 64mg |
| 8mg | 16-24mg | 96mg |
| 12mg | 24-32mg | 128mg |
| 16mg+ | 32mg | 160mg |
📊 Effectiveness & Outcomes
- 📉 83% of participants tested negative for opiates at follow-up.
- 📉 Self-reported opioid use days dropped from 5.91 to 1.78 per month.
- ✅ Majority of participants found it more convenient and less intrusive.
- 🔄 Only 4% of participants completed the full 6-month study (drop-out rates remain a challenge).
⚠️ Side Effects & Considerations
| Common Side Effects | Less Common but Serious Risks |
|---|---|
| Injection site pain | Liver function abnormalities |
| Nausea & vomiting | Precipitated withdrawal |
| Fatigue & dizziness | Respiratory depression (rare) |
📢 Signs of Overdose & Emergency Response
Recognising an opioid overdose early can save lives. Signs include:
- Slow or stopped breathing.
- Pale, blue, or cold skin.
- Pinpoint pupils.
- Unconsciousness or non-responsiveness.
Emergency response: Call 999, administer Naloxone (if available), place the person in the recovery position, and monitor until help arrives.