Buvidal Injection - a long acting injectable buprenorphine for Treatment of Opioid Dependence
 

Professional, supportive care — with home visits available

Our Buvidal Service

​

We are a CQC-registered organisation with extensive experience in the delivery of Buvidal injections as part of an overall treatment plan that can assist in the easing of withdrawal experienced by people suffering from opioid dependence.

​

What makes us different to most providers is that our emphasis is to make this treatment as convenient for you as possible.

​

This means we offer the option of home visits for all patients treated.

​

At our clinic, we understand opioid dependence can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Finding effective, discreet, and consistent treatment is essential for recovery and long-term stability. Buvidal injection offers an innovative approach to treating opioid dependence, providing the benefits of long-acting injectable buprenorphine in a convenient weekly or monthly dose.

​

We offer a compassionate, confidential service — including via home visits if required — designed to help you regain control, reduce withdrawal symptoms , and the risk of drug withdrawal syndrome to begin a safer, more stable phase of recovery.

​

What Is Buvidal?

​

Buvidal contains the active substance buprenorphine, which is a type of opioid medicine

​

Buvidal is a long-acting form of buprenorphine used for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. Instead of taking a daily sublingual buprenorphine tablet or other sublingual buprenorphine products such as wafers, patients receive a subcutaneous injection either weekly or monthly, administered by qualified healthcare professionals.

​

This long-acting injectable buprenorphine steadily activates opioid receptors in the brain, helping to prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric effects of other opioid drugs or illicit opioids. It supports opioid dependent patients in achieving stability, reducing the risk of relapse and drug withdrawal syndrome, and improving quality of life.

​

Buvidal is used to treat dependence on illicit opioids such as heroin, or other opioid drugs and medication such as morphine or codeine. It is used in adults and adolescents aged over 16 years who may also be receiving medical, social and psychological treatment.

​

Some buprenorphine patients may take the medicine orally via sublingual buprenorphine tablets which are placed under the tongue. However, Buvidal is a subcutaneous injection which is injected via subcutaneous tissue, this is the fatty tissue just under the skin, between the epidermis and the underlying muscle. This route allows for a slow, steady release of the medication into the bloodstream.

​

The drawbacks of oral (sublingual) buprenorphine compared to Buvidal subcutaneous administration include frequent trips to the pharmacy, supervised consumption, travelling with a controlled drug, which may be the target of theft and needing to be kept away from children.

​

Buvidal via subcutaneous administration can be administered as weekly and monthly injections by a qualified clinician, meaning no daily chemist visits or need to worry about missed doses or possession of controlled drugs.

​

How is Buvidal used? 

​

Buvidal can only be obtained with a prescription and can only be given by a healthcare professional. Buprenophine patients cannot take the medicine home or inject it themselves.

​

The first dose of Buvidal is given when the patient shows clear drug withdrawal symptoms. This is to avoid precipitated opioid withdrawal.

​

The dose of Buvidal can be adjusted and patients can be switched between a weekly Buvidal dose and a monthly Buvidal dose injections according to the patient's need and the judgment of our clinicians 

​

Is Buvidal the same as methadone?

​

Buprenorphine has some of the same effects as other opioids (e.g. heroin, morphine) such as sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, slowed breathing. However, it also tends not to make people as drowsy. Some people report they are more clear-minded and energetic on Buprenorphine compared to methadone.

​

Weekly and Monthly Dosing Options

​

Buvidal offers flexible dosing through weekly and monthly injections, making it easier to adapt treatment to each individual patient’s temporary needs.

​

• Weekly dose: Ideal for treatment initiation or for those who prefer close clinical monitoring during early stages of recovery.

• Monthly dose: Suitable once stability is achieved, offering convenience and privacy with fewer appointments.

​

Buvidal 8 mg, 16 mg, 24 mg and 32 mg are given as a weekly dose.

​

Buvidal 64 mg, 96 mg, 128 mg and 160 mg are given monthly injections.

​

During the initial assessment process, the clinician will discuss with you a starting dose, the target dose and agree a treatment week for administering the medicine.

​

During treatment, the clinician may adjust the dose, depending on how well the medicine works. This may involve a dose reduction for your next dose of your monthly injections or next weekly dose.

​

Our clinicians can provide home visits for patients who may find attending a clinic difficult, ensuring consistent care and administration of your next dose in a comfortable, familiar environment.

​

How Buvidal Works

​

Buvidal contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain. It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings caused by being dependent on opioids, opioid derivatives or short acting opioids. It comes without the intense “high” that comes from full opioid agonists like heroin or certain opioid analgesics.

​

The injection is administered into the subcutaneous tissue, where the medication forms a small deposit that gradually releases buprenorphine over time. This provides stable blood levels and minimises adverse reactions and missed doses.

​

Because Buvidal is long acting, it helps avoid the daily challenges of taking medication and supports a smoother treatment plan.

​

Buvidal and other opioids

​

After they are taken, opioids enter the bloodstream and travel through the body and to the brain. They bind to specific molecules called opioid receptors on certain nerve cells in the brain, the spinal cord, and throughout the body.4,5

​

These receptors normally interact with naturally occurring molecules in the body to regulate essential functions. They help control pain, regulate breathing (respiration), and help with stress responses.6  For example, opioid receptors are found on nerve cells that send pain signals from the body to the brain. When opioid drugs bind to these receptors, they trigger changes in nerve cells that can stop the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord. They also dull the perception of pain in the brain.5 That’s why opioids are effective pain medications.

​

Additionally, receptors are found in brain regions collectively called the reward system. The body’s own opioid-like signaling molecules bind to those receptors. In response to natural rewards, such as food and social interactions, they trigger brain processes that make us feel good and make us want to repeat the healthy behaviors that help us survive.7 (Opioids | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA))

​

Advantages of Buvidal Injection

​

• Consistent and controlled treatment: No need for daily medication.

• Reduced risk of diversion or misuse compared with other opioids.

• Fewer concerns about the safety of medicines stored at home as with other opioids.

• Good option for people who are working or in education and have difficulties adhering to daily supervised opioid substitution medication (e.g. methadone) or other opioids such as sublingual buprenorphine compared to Buvidal.

• Improved stability: Patients often report fewer withdrawal symptoms and a stronger sense of routine.

• Flexible treatment options: Weekly and monthly dosing to suit your stage of recovery.

• Supportive care: Includes psychological treatment, counselling, and regular patient follow-up visits.

• Home visits available: For discretion and comfort.

​

Our experienced healthcare professionals provide thorough assessments before starting therapy, ensuring Buvidal is suitable for your medical and psychological needs.

​

Getting Started With Buvidal Treatment

​

Initial Assessment

​

Starting Buvidal treatment begins with a confidential assessment by our medical team. We’ll discuss your history with illicit opioids or other opioids, any adverse reactions or medical concerns, and whether you are suitable for a weekly dose or monthly dose.

​

We also offer home visits for eligible patients, ensuring comfort and privacy throughout your treatment of opioid dependence.

​

Treatment Week

​

Once your treatment week has been agreed, you will be made aware of the day of administration of the Buvidal injection.

​

The First Dose

​

The first dose of Buvidal will be given to you when you show clear signs of withdrawal.

​

If you are dependent on short-acting opioids (e.g. morphine or heroin), the first dose of Buvidal will be given to you at least 6 hours after you last used an opioid.

​

You may be asked to complete urine samples prior to administration.

​

Methadone Patients

​

If you are dependent on long-acting opioids (e.g. methadone), your dose of methadone will be reduced to below 30 mg per day before beginning with Buvidal. The first dose of this medicine will be given to you at least 24 hours after you last used methadone.

​

What dose will I start on?

​

If you are not already receiving sublingual buprenorphine (the same active substance as in Buvidal), the recommended starting dose is 16 mg, with one or two additional Buvidal 8 mg doses given at least 1 day apart during the first week. This means a dose of 24 mg or 32 mg during the first week of treatment. If you have not used buprenorphine before you will receive a 4 mg sublingual buprenorphine dose and be observed for an hour before the first Buvidal dose.

​

Buvidal for monthly treatment can be used, if appropriate for you, once stabilisation has been achieved with Buvidal for weekly treatment (four weeks treatment or more, where practical).

​

Switching from sublingual buprenorphine medication to Buvidal

​

Some buprenorphine patients may be already taking sublingual buprenorphine, if so, you can start receiving Buvidal the day after your last treatment. The clinical team calculate the dose conversion and will prescribe the correct starting dose of Buvidal for you depending on the dose of sublingual buprenorphine you are now taking.

​

Patients treated with sublingual buprenorphine may be switched directly to weekly or monthly Buvidal, starting on the day after the last daily buprenorphine sublingual treatment dose in accordance with the dosing recommendations.

​

Ongoing Monitoring

​

During continued treatment with Buvidal, the clinician may decrease your dose to achieve decreased buprenorphine levels or increase your dose according to your needs and symptomatic treatment. You may be switched from weekly and monthly treatment and from monthly to weekly treatment. Therefore, your next dose may be different to your last monthly dose or last weekly dose.

​

During continued treatment, you might receive one additional Buvidal 8 mg dose between your weekly or monthly treatments if your clinician thinks this is appropriate for you. The maximum dose per week if you are on weekly Buvidal treatment is 32 mg with an additional 8 mg dose. The maximum dose per month if you are on monthly Buvidal treatment is 160 mg.

​

Route of administration

​

Buvidal is given as a single injection under the skin (subcutaneously). It can be given at multiple injection sites in any of the allowed areas which include buttock, thigh, abdomen or upper arm where there is enough subcutaneous tissue.

​

You can receive several injections in the same injection area, but the exact injection sites will be different from your previously used injection site from your last monthly injection last weekly injection.

​

The injection site will be changed each time. One common side effect at the injection site may be injection site erythema, but this usually rare and mild and resolves quickly.

​

Missed doses

​

It is very important to keep all your appointments to receive Buvidal. If you miss an appointment or think you may miss an appointment you must contact the admin as soon as possible to schedule your next dose. A cancellation fee may apply.

​

To avoid missed doses, the weekly dose may be administered up to 2 days before or after the weekly time point, and the monthly dose may be administered up to 1 week before or after the monthly time point.

​

How much does Buvidal cost?

​

Prices start from £875

​

Safety and Clinical Considerations

​

Before starting buprenorphine treatment, a full clinical assessment is essential. Some patients, such as elderly patients or those with certain medical conditions (for example, moderate hepatic impairment or severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment), may require adjusted dosing and close supervision.

​

Buvidal should be provided by qualified professionals who can monitor for adverse effects such as injection site reactions or injection site pain. Our medical team also educates patients about potential interactions with other opioids, central nervous system depressants, and other nervous system drugs.

​

For anyone previously exposed to buprenorphine or switching from sublingual buprenorphine, your clinician will carefully confirm tolerability, discuss your initial dose, and ensure dose adjustment as needed. In some cases, supplemental dosing or dose reduction may be required as part of your individualised treatment.

​

Who will not be eligible for Buvidal Injection?

​

Patients who have the following are contraindicated for using Buvidal:

​

• Severe respiratory insufficiency

• Severely impaired hepatic function

• Acute alcoholism or delirium tremens

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance (buprenorphine) or to any of the excipients (ingredients) in the Buvidal injection.

 

Special Precautions and Adverse Reactions

​

Respiratory depression

​

A number of cases of death due to respiratory depression have been reported for patients being treated with buprenorphine, particularly when used in combination with benzodiazepines or when buprenorphine was not used according to prescribing information.

​

Our teams conduct regular urine tests to avoid concomitant use with benzodiazepines.

​

CNS depression

​

Buprenorphine may cause drowsiness particularly when taken together with alcohol or central nervous system depressants such as benzodiazepines, tranquilisers, sedatives, gabapentinoids or hypnotics.

​

Hepatitis and hepatic events

​

Baseline liver function tests will be required prior to starting treatment because people who have existing liver dysfunction are at greater risk of liver injury.

​

Buprenorphine is extensively metabolised in the liver. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment should be monitored for signs and symptoms of precipitated withdrawal from opiods, toxicity or overdose caused by increased levels of buprenorphine.

​

People with severe hepatic impairment cannot have Buvidal.

​

Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with moderate hepatic impairment.

​

Renal impairment

​

Metabolites of buprenorphine accumulate in patients with renal failure. Therefore, kidney function assessment will be required prior to starting treatment

​

Acute pain management

​

For management of acute pain during continued use of Buvidal, a combination of use of opioids with high mu-opioid receptor affinity (e.g. fentanyl), non-opioid analgesics and regional anaesthesia might be necessary to achieve adequate analgesia (pain relief)

​

Ongoing Support and Maintenance Treatment

​

Each patient receives a tailored care plan that includes both medical and psychological treatment elements. We understand recovery is about more than just medication — it’s about rebuilding stability, relationships, and confidence.

​

Our team provides ongoing monitoring, including urine samples when appropriate, to support progress and safety throughout your recovery. We encourage regular follow-ups to discuss goals, wellbeing, and any side effects.

​

Dose reduction and termination of treatment

​

The decision to reduce to end treatment in partnership between the patient and clinical team.

​

When considering dose reduction or stopping treatment, your perception of withdrawal symptoms will be fully considered.

​

Sometimes patients can be switched to treatment with sublingual buprenorphine, this is done one week after the last weekly dose or one month after the last monthly dose of Buvidal.

​

How long does a Buvidal injection stay in your system?

​

Buvidal will slowly leave the body over a number of weeks or months. For the monthly product it could be over 3 months after last injection before the body clears buprenorphine reserves completely.

​

Evidence Base

​

A study involving 428 patients with opioid dependence showed that Buvidal was effective at reducing patients' intake of opioid drugs. In this study, Buvidal was compared with sublingual tablets containing buprenorphine and another medicine, naloxone (which is used to prevent misuse). The main measure of effectiveness was based on the number of urine samples that tested negative for opioids. During the 25 weeks of treatment, 35% of patients given Buvidal had a negative urine test, compared with 28% of patients taking the comparator tablets.

 

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

​

Contact us today

​

If you or someone you care about is ready to take the next step toward recovery, reach out to our friendly team today. Our professionals are here to answer your questions, explain Buvidal injection treatment options, and help create a safe, supportive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

To learn more about Buvidal injection, weekly and monthly dosing, or home visits, please call our team or fill out the enquiry form below. Recovery is possible — and with the right help, it starts here