BUPE = HOPE

There's no shame in addiction, and there's help available. Buprenorphine is a medication that can significantly aid you in quitting opioids. Start your journey towards recovery today.

What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), manage pain, and assist with opioid detoxification.

For OUD, it can be prescribed within specialized treatment programs or conveniently in community settings by doctors and office-based opioid treatment providers. This makes treatment more accessible.

It's important to know that buprenorphine is most effective when part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and other support services, focusing on overall well-being.

How Does It Work?

Think of it this way: buprenorphine attaches to the same places in the brain as opioids like heroin, but it doesn't fully activate them. This helps in a few key ways:

• Reduces Withdrawal and Cravings: By partially activating those brain receptors, it eases the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal and lessens the intense urge to use opioids.
• Increases Safety (Limits Overdose Risk): Buprenorphine has a "ceiling effect," meaning its impact on breathing slows down and plateaus, making it safer in case of accidental overdose.
• Lowers Misuse Potential: When combined with naloxone (often the case), and due to its partial binding, buprenorphine produces less of a "high" and deters injection.

Is it Safe?

Yes, when taken as prescribed by your health care provider, buprenorphine is a safe and effective medication. It's crucial to always tell your doctor about any other medications or substances being used.

How Do I Get Buprenorphine?

There are a few ways to access buprenorphine:

• Your Doctor: Your primary care physician or another health care provider may be able to prescribe it.
• Anne Arundel County Department of Health - Mobile Wellness Services: For low-barrier access to buprenorphine 7 days a week, call 410-UBE-WELL (823-9355).
• Hub and Spoke Program (Anne Arundel County): This program offers case management, extra support and connections to community providers for ongoing buprenorphine treatment. You can access these services by calling the same number: 410-UBE-WELL (823-9355).

How Much Does It Cost?

Let's talk about the financial aspect:

• Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans, including Maryland Medicaid, typically cover buprenorphine. For questions about specific plans, please contact your insurance provider directly.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs (with Insurance): Costs will depend on your insurance plan's details, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
• Cost Without Insurance: Without insurance, the cost can vary significantly (ranging from approximately $30 to $540 per month) depending on the form (tablets or films), dosage and pharmacy.
• Help with Costs: Discount cards and patient assistance programs may be available to lower the cost. The Anne Arundel County Mobile Wellness program (410-UBE-WELL (823-9355)) can help to explore these options.
• Uninsured Assistance: If you are uninsured and need help accessing buprenorphine and medical insurance, please call 410-UBE-WELL (823-9355).

Are There Options?

Buprenorphine comes in different forms:

• Sublingual: Tablets or films that dissolve under the tongue.
• Extended-Release Injection: A longer-acting injectable form.
• Transdermal Patches: Patches applied to the skin.

Talk to your doctor to determine the most suitable form for your recovery journey.

Besides buprenorphine, other medications are commonly used for opioid use disorder:

• Methadone: For information on accessing methadone, please contact the Road to Recovery program in Glen Burnie at 410-222-0100 or in Annapolis at 410-222-6001.
• Naltrexone: You can also reach the Road to Recovery program at the numbers above (410-222-0100 or 410-222-6001) for information on naltrexone.

Additional Resource

For more detailed information, visit:

samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options/buprenorphine