Extended-Release Medication
Medication-assisted treatment has helped many patients take important first steps in opioid use disorder care. Daily films and tablets have long played a meaningful role in that process.
As patients make progress, some begin looking for a treatment option that feels simpler, more consistent, and less centered on daily dosing.
Extended-release medications can provide that next phase of support.
These long-acting options offer the same treatment foundation patients look for in MAT while using a more flexible schedule. Depending on the medication, patients may receive an injection weekly or monthly to help maintain stability over time.
At Mahajan Therapeutics, extended-release medication options are intended to reduce the stress of day-to-day medication management while continuing to support long-term recovery.
Note: Medication availability can vary by location. Please check our location information or speak with our team to confirm which options are available near you.
Why Choose an Extended-Release Medication Treatment?
For many patients, the value of extended-release medication is not simply convenience. It is the ability to make treatment work better within everyday routines.
Less Daily Pressure
Daily medication can become a repeated mental checklist. Extended-release treatment removes that everyday dosing step so patients can direct more energy toward work, family, and recovery.
Built for Real Life
Extended-release medication may be especially useful for patients managing:
- Demanding work schedules
- Travel or changing routines
- Parenting and home responsibilities
The goal is to make treatment easier to live with, not harder to maintain.
Increased Privacy
Because there is no daily medication to carry or keep at home, treatment can feel more discreet. That can reduce concern about others finding or handling MAT medication.
Improved Safety
Since the medication is administered by a medical provider:
- It cannot be lost or stolen at home
- Children and pets cannot accidentally ingest it
- There is no concern about misuse or diversion outside the clinic
The Science of the “Steady State”
Extended-release medications do not work like daily doses that can fluctuate throughout the day.
Instead, they release medication gradually and create a steady state that may help:
- Provide more consistent craving control
- Support steadier mood and energy
- Reduce the sense that medication is wearing off
- Create a smoother overall treatment experience
Extended-Release Treatment Options
Extended-release MAT is not the same for every patient. Each medication offers a different path depending on preferences, treatment goals, and stage of recovery.
Many patients first complete at least 7 days of daily buprenorphine treatment before moving to an extended-release option. That early stabilization period helps show that the medication is tolerated well and working as expected.
Below are the three primary extended-release medication options.
Sublocade is a monthly extended-release buprenorphine medication for patients who want consistent support without taking medication every day.
Brixadi is an extended-release buprenorphine medication that offers both weekly and monthly dosing.
This makes it possible to begin with more frequent support and shift to longer intervals as treatment stability improves.
Its smaller injection volume and multiple injection site options make it a flexible choice for many patients.
Vivitrol is a once-monthly, non-opioid extended-release medication that blocks receptors instead of activating them.
It is FDA-approved for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, making it an option for patients seeking a non-narcotic medication path
Is an Extended-Release Medication Option Right for You?
Extended-release treatment can be an excellent next step for many people, but it is not the first step for everyone.
These medications are always administered by trained medical professionals, and medication remains only one part of care. Counseling continues to be an important part of long-term recovery.
At Mahajan Therapeutics, we focus on finding the treatment approach that best supports lasting stability. For many patients, long-term treatment is safe, recommended, and useful in relapse prevention.
A Simpler Way to Stay Consistent, With Mahajan Therapeutics
Recovery already calls for time, effort, and focus. Your treatment plan should help simplify that work.
Extended-release MAT can lessen daily decision-making, lower stress, and provide consistent support in the background so patients can concentrate on moving forward.
If you want to explore an option beyond daily dosing, Mahajan Therapeutics can help you determine whether extended-release medication belongs in your treatment plan.
Speak with our medical team to learn which extended-release medication option matches your goals. We can help you build a plan that includes medication, counseling, and ongoing support.