Buprenorphine Long-Acting Transdermal

What is buprenorphine long-acting transdermal?

Buprenorphine long-acting transdermal (brand name Zorbium®) is an opioid analgesic (pain relieving) medication. It is labeled for use in treating post-surgery pain in cats. This medication is a controlled narcotic available for use in the United States.

It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other types of pain in cats and to treat pain in other species. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully. 

How do I give my pet buprenorphine long-acting transdermal?

Buprenorphine long-acting transdermal comes in liquid transdermal form.

• The liquid is applied topically, directly onto the skin.
• This medication is administered once, before surgery, by your veterinary team. 

This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours. This medication is long-acting, meaning that effects will last up to 4 days but may be prolonged in pets with kidney and/or liver disease.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

This medication is administered once (one time) by your veterinary team. There is no repeat dosing at home.

Are there any potential side effects from buprenorphine long-acting transdermal?

Buprenorphine long-acting transdermal may cause the following side effects:

• changes in body temperature and/or blood pressure
• changes in heart rate or breathing rate
• sedation, dysphoria, hyperactivity
• reduced appetite

The following reactions are rare, but if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face

Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE in animals with known allergies to any components or with known sensitivities to opioids

Use WITH CAUTION in:

• any pet with liver disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, or cardiac disease
• cats younger than 4 months old
• cats weighing less than 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) or more than 7.5 kg (16.5 lb), as safe use in these populations has not been tested

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Certain medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with buprenorphine long-acting transdermal, including: 

• local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine)
• anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and other nervous system depressants
• erythromycin
• ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole
• metoclopramide
• other opioids and opioid-like medications (e.g., tramadol)
• rifampin
• clomipramine, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, trazadone

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Your veterinarian may schedule follow-up visits for monitoring. In this case, follow your veterinarian’s directions.

How do I store buprenorphine long-acting transdermal?

• As buprenorphine long-acting transdermal is a controlled narcotic and labeled for veterinary team administration only, it is stored securely at your veterinary clinic.
• Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.