General Description: Buprenorphine is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. Buprenorphine is available as an injectable product (for use in the clinic), but it can be used at home as an oral spray or drop. Simply apply the drug under the tongue and it will be absorbed directly from the mouth.
What is this drug?
A potent analgesic or pain reliever
Marketed as an injectable product (for use in the clinic), it can be used at home as an oral spray or drop (applied under the tongue)
Buprenorphine is a controlled drug. Prescriptions can only be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months of the original prescription date.
Reasons for prescribing:
To treat mild to moderate pain
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Pregnant or nursing animals
Do not use in patients with head trauma, central nervous system disorders, pets with liver disease, respiratory compromise or heart failure
Use with caution in geriatric or debilitated pets, those with severe kidney disease, Addison’s disease or hypothyroidism
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to buprenorphine or other similar drugs
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually giventwo or four times a day .
Note that doses are very small for this powerful drug, so ensure that you are giving the exact prescribed amount.
Squirt the medication just under the tongue or in the cheek pouch for maximum effect.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
Do not allow your pet to eat aged cheese while taking buprenorphine. It may cause a dangerous rise in body temperature and blood pressure.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Sedation, and rare respiratory depression
May cause a drop in heart rate and blood pressure
If you see any significant behavior, appetite, respiratory or cardiac changes or notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with antihistamines or any other drug with a sedating effect, monamine oxidase inhibitors [(MAOIs), ex. Anipryl®, some tick collars/mange dips) and other pain medications
If your pet is taking a MAOI product, a 2-week waiting period is necessary before initiating treatment with buprenorphine.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, buprenorphine should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about buprenorphine. If you have any questions or concerns about buprenorphine or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.