Buprenorphine, Transdermal
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Buprenorphine, Transdermal during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- Buprenorphine is a pain medicine in the opioid family.
- Your veterinarian applies this medicine at the clinic.
- After it is put on, it controls pain for 4 days.
- Sleepiness is the side effect seen most often.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail known about this medicine, and it does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- Opioid pain reliever.
- Comes as a liquid that is placed on the skin and then taken in through the skin (meaning it works by soaking in through the skin).
Other common names
- Zorbium
Uses
Uses approved for animals:
- Used to manage pain after surgery in cats.
Your veterinarian may also choose to use this medicine in other animal types or for other purposes (this is called extra-label use).
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 currently receiving.
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had from medicines in the past.
- The risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in cats:
- If they have an allergy to this medicine or to other opioid pain medicines.
Use this medicine carefully in cats:
- If they weigh under 2.6 pounds or are younger than 4 months.
- If they have disease affecting the lungs, heart, liver, or kidneys.
- If they have had a head injury.
- If they are pregnant or nursing.
- If they are weak, elderly, or frail.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is receiving a medication.
Warnings for humans
You will not be handling this medication.
How do I give this medication?
You will not be giving this medication. Your veterinarian will apply it in the clinic.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if these signs are strong, do not go away, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness or unusual excitement.
- Constipation.
Severe — contact your veterinarian right away if you see any of the following:
- Very heavy sleepiness, trouble walking, or stumbling.
- Agitation (acting anxious, nervous, upset, or unable to settle).
- Breathing with the mouth open, gums that look blue, or collapse.
How will I know it's working?
If your pet’s pain does not seem well controlled, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
Your pet should begin to feel improvement about 1 to 2 hours after it is applied.
This medicine is expected to control pain for 4 days after it is applied.
If your pet’s liver function is reduced, the effects may continue for a longer time.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine is given one time only, as a single dose.
Overdose
Too much opioid medicine, including buprenorphine, is dangerous. Signs can include very strong tiredness, difficulty standing or walking, weakness, trouble breathing, or gums that look pale.
If you think an overdose may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
Missed dose
You will not be giving this medication.
Storage
You will not be keeping this medication at home.
Disposal
You will not be throwing away this medication at home.
Questions?
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.”
Related Medication Information
- Acetaminophen, Codeine
- Buprenorphine, Long-Acting Injection
- Buprenorphine, Transmucosal
- Butorphanol
- Codeine