Under U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Buprenorphine is a controlled substance. This is a medication that has the potential for abuse. These medications can assist in providing appropriate patient care but also require a valid veterinary client-patient relationship and a veterinary prescription. Further legislation regarding storage, prescription, dispensing, and record keeping have been put in place to prevent drug abuse.

Buprenorphine can be used in conjunction with other premedicants or as a preanesthetic agent for pain control prior to surgery.

Buprenorphine can be used in conjunction with other medications for a local anesthetic or an epidural.

This medication is labeled for use in cats and should be administered only when and as prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.

Use of this medication in any other species should be in consultation with a veterinarian.

For oral formulations, read and follow the prescription label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

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 into the cheek pouch for maximum effect.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

If you miss a dose and your cat seems in pain, do not double up on dosing. Simply give the dose you missed now and resume an every 12 hour administration period starting now.

Baseline blood work may be recommended to assess your pet’s general health before using this medication.

Dose adjustments may be made based upon an assessment of how your pet is responding clinically. It is not uncommon to require dose adjustments if pain levels escalate.

If your pet experiences digestive upset following medication administration, try offering with a small amount of food or a treat. 

Do not allow your pet to eat aged cheese while taking buprenorphine. It may cause a dangerous rise in body temperature and blood pressure.

Do not give this medication with any other over the counter medications that are used for treating pain without consulting your veterinarian.

This medication will take effect quickly, in less than 1 hour. Improvements in clinical signs should follow.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.

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.

Due to the potential for abuse, Buprenorphine should be stored in a locked cabinet.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

This medication can affect the central nervous system causing sedation and rarely respiratory depression. Seizures are listed as a potential side effect in humans.

This medication can affect the gastrointestinal system causing reduced appetite, anorexia, salivation and vomiting

This medication may cause a reduced heart rate and blood pressure

If you see any significant behavior, respiratory or cardiac changes or notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian

Possible interactions may occur may occur when giving buprenorphine in conjunction with anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin), azole antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), benzodiazepines, cisapride, central nervous system depressants (anesthetic agents, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, phenothiazines, tranquilizers), cyclobenzaprine, desmopressin, erythromycin, fentanyl, halothane, local anesthetics (bupiviacaine, mepivacaine), metoclopramide, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, naloxone, pancuronium, phenobarbital, rifampin, serotonergic agents (clomipramine, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, trazodone) and tramadol.

If your pet is taking a MAOI product, a 2-week waiting period is necessary before initiating treatment with Buprenorphine.

Drugs other than those listed may interact with Buprenorphine.

If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet receives more than the prescribed amount. 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, at the prescribed dose, as directed by your veterinarian.