Buprenorphine, Transmucosal
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Buprenorphine, Transmucosal during a consultation by Dr Noor in Perth.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Buprenorphine is a pain medicine in the opioid family.
It comes as a liquid.
It works by soaking in through the moist lining of the mouth (the gums). This is called “transmucosal,” meaning it is taken in through the mouth tissues.
Other common names
- Buprenex
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people.
Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in a way not listed on the label for:
- Pain control in dogs and cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is taking
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in animals:
- That have an allergy to this medicine or to other opioid pain medicines
- That are wearing an amitraz flea collar
Use extra care in animals:
- With disease affecting the lungs, liver, kidneys, or heart
- That have low cortisol (Addison disease) or low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)
- With a head injury
- That are weak, delicate, elderly, or very young
- That are pregnant or nursing
- That are working or service dogs, because they may become too sleepy to do their tasks
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal is in competitions, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
- This is a controlled substance. It must be used only for the animal it was prescribed for. Giving it to someone else or selling it is against the law.
How do I give this medication?
Buprenorphine, Transmucosal is an opioid pain medicine.
- Give this medicine by placing it just under your pet’s tongue or by putting it into the pocket between the cheek and the gums.
- Sleepiness is the side effect seen most often.
- Keep it stored safely and out of sight.
- Use it only for the animal it was prescribed for. It is illegal to give it to anyone else or sell it.
- Give it exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
- You may give it with food or without food.
- Squirt the liquid under the tongue or into the cheek pouch.
- This medicine is meant to soak in through the gums and should not be swallowed.
- The amount given is very small because this is a strong medicine. Measure carefully and give only the exact amount your veterinarian prescribed.
Side effects
Common — call your veterinarian if any of these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Your pet may become sleepy or, in some cases, unusually active
- Vomiting, drooling, or trouble passing stool (constipation)
- In cats, behavior changes such as lots of purring, walking around repeatedly, or hiding
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these problems:
- Restlessness (acting worried, tense, upset, or unable to settle)
- Very heavy sleepiness, trouble walking, or stumbling
- Breathing problems, gums turning blue, or collapse
How will I know it's working?
Your pet should seem improved within 1 to 2 hours.
If your pet’s problems get worse or do not improve, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
The medicine should no longer be working within 24 hours after the last dose.
It may last longer if your pet’s liver does not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Give it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
If this medicine is used for a long time, it must be reduced slowly over time rather than stopped all at once.
Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal side effects.
Speak with your veterinarian before you stop giving it.
Overdose
Too much opioid medicine, including buprenorphine, is dangerous. Animals may show signs such as extreme sleepiness, difficulty standing or walking, weakness, trouble breathing, or pale gums.
If you see or think an overdose may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service (a consultation fee applies):
- If you can, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container.
- Store it at room temperature and keep it away from light, unless your prescription label says something different.
- Keep it where children and animals cannot reach it.
- Because it is a controlled substance, keep it in a secure place that is not visible.
Disposal
Because this is a controlled substance, get rid of any leftover medicine as soon as you can.
Ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Unlike most medicines, this one should be flushed down the toilet.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions about Buprenorphine, Transmucosal?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”