Different OTP Types

OPT involves different types of medication. You want to be on the best medication to support your lifestyle and goals. To find out what that is, ask your prescriber lots of questions, talk to your peers and read up! Here is an introduction to your options.

Methadone (‘done)

Methadone hydrochloride (HCL) is a long-acting opioid. In Australia, it comes in three forms:

  • Methadone syrup: a thick straw-coloured liquid, which contains a range of additives.

  • Biodone: a reddish liquid, much thinner than methadone syrup. Its only ingredients are methadone, water, and red dye.

  • Physeptone: white, round tablets which contain 10mg methadone HCL as well as fillers and binders. Physeptone is only prescribed on OTP if you are travelling.

All OTP clinics will dose with either methadone syrup or Biodone, and some offer both. If you prefer one over the other, let your prescriber know, and they can help you find a clinic or pharmacy that offers the medication you choose. You can read more about the differences.

Buprenorphine (bupe)

Buprenorphine (pronounced bew-pre-NOR-feen) comes in three forms:

  • Subutex: the brand name for buprenorphine tablets. Subutex comes in three different strengths – 0.4mg, 2mg and 8mg. It is placed under the tongue until it is absorbed. It won’t work if you swallow it.

  • Suboxone: a gel film containing two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is an opioid overdose reversal drug. Naloxone is included to make injecting Suboxone unattractive -- the naloxone stops the buprenorphine from working properly if you inject it. Naloxone has no effect if taken orally. Suboxone comes in 2mg and 8mg doses. It is also taken under the tongue and is absorbed more quickly than Subutex.

  • Buvidal and Sublocade: an injectable forms of buprenorphine. The injection forms a ‘depot’, which is a deposit under your skin that slowly releases buprenorphine. A single injection can last you either a week or a month. Depot bupe is a new medication, so ask your prescriber for more information and to find out if you can access it.

See the chart below for more detail on the differences between options. You can read more in Users News about the differences between ‘done and bupe .