Reviewed by: Dr. David Tittle, BVetMed, CertVA, GPCert (WVA&CPM), MRCVS
Buprenex, a brand name of Buprenorphine, is prescribed by veterinarians to relieve or significantly reduce pain in dogs and cats. Buprenex is an opioid-based medication acknowledged to be on the stronger, more powerful end of the opioid painkiller spectrum.
For reference, Buprenorphine (Buprenex) is thought to be about 30x more potent than Morphine. Opioid medications have been used in human medicine for centuries, and they have become somewhat notorious in our society.
We know the potential dangers and side effects they can bring, so what exactly are these drugs (like Buprenex) used for in our pets, more specifically, our cats?
What Is Buprenex Used for in Cats?
With powerful opioid medications, your veterinarian will usually only prescribe them in situations that present moderate to severe pain. If your cat has just come out of surgery, has been subject to a severe accident like a broken leg, or is suffering from some kind of overwhelming pain, opioid medications like Buprenex are given to try and relieve pain.
Essentially, opioid medications block or significantly reduce pain signals sent by the nervous system to the brain. Once the pain is controlled, this can promote calmness and rest, both are advantageous in terms of recovery.
How Is Buprenorphine Used as a Pain Reliever in Veterinary Medicine?
More specifically, Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid commonly used in veterinary medicine for pain relief, especially in cats.
One common side effect of buprenorphine is sedation, which, while it can be concerning for pet owners, is also indicative of the pain relief process. The sedation usually manifests as sleepiness and a reduction in the pet’s general activity levels.
Veterinarians often administer buprenorphine for postoperative pain management, as it offers a balance between effective pain control and manageable side effects. The FDA has not specifically approved buprenorphine for use in animals, but it is legally prescribed off-label by veterinarians (DVMs).
When used correctly, Buprenorphine’s safety profile makes it a go-to for acute pain and short-term management in cats following surgical procedures. Formulations without preservative can be applied transmucosally, allowing absorption through the membranes in the cheek pouch, and providing a non-invasive method of administration that is less stressful to the animal.
What to Expect When Weaning Your Cat Off Buprenex
If your cat has been on buprenorphine for more than a few days, especially for chronic pain, your veterinarian may recommend tapering the medication rather than stopping it all at once. Buprenorphine like other opioids, interacts with your cat’s nervous system; stopping it suddenly can sometimes lead to withdrawal-like symptoms.
Don’t worry, though. These symptoms are usually mild in cats and may include restlessness, slight changes in behavior, or digestive upset, such as soft stools or reduced appetite. The good news is that with a gradual reduction plan guided by your vet, most cats adjust well and don’t experience major issues.
During this process, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on how your cat is eating, sleeping, and moving. Let your vet know if your cat seems uncomfortable, unusually vocal, or starts showing signs of pain again. In some cases, your vet may suggest transitioning to other types of support, such as anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle changes, or supplements that support comfort and mobility. The goal is always to keep your cat as comfortable as possible, with the least amount of stress.
What Are Other Applications of Buprenorphine in Cats?
Buprenorphine can also be used for chronic pain. Still, it is less common to deploy a strong opioid medication unless the chronic pain is deemed unbearable and other treatments have not seemed to work, as discussed later in this article.
The main reason for this is that it is not preferred to subject someone (feline or human) to constant opioid intake. In time, overuse of opioids can have adverse effects on our cat’s bodies and even cause dependency.
What Are the Side Effects of Buprenorphine in Felines?
All medications will include some side effects. While opioid medications can be somewhat intimidating, buprenorphine comes with relatively mild side effects that include:
- Lethargy/Sleepiness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dependency
If you’ve ever given your cat a painkiller or have taken painkillers yourself, you’ll notice these side effects are pretty much uniform when it comes to these kinds of medications. These side effects are often mild and even expected, yes, but that doesn’t mean opioid medications like Buprenex should be taken lightly.
It is essential to closely monitor your cat during buprenorphine use and inform your veterinarian if you think your cat is reacting negatively or showing signs of severe side effects.
It has become somewhat common knowledge at this point that opioid medications have the potential to cause dependency and addiction. While it is less common in pets, it can still happen.
Eventually, if taken consistently enough, your cat’s body and brain will become accustomed to the drug and start thinking it needs the opioid medication to survive, even if their injury or pain has subsided. If you stop buprenorphine administration abruptly and notice your cat is acting “off” and is showing signs of being unwell, it may be due to withdrawal symptoms. This is something to be aware of before starting an opioid medication like Buprenex.
Buprenorphine is widely used and accepted in veterinary medicine and has been for some time. If the drug was thought unsafe or ineffective, this would not be the case. Risks come with every medication, but you shouldn’t let these potential side effects get in the way of helping your cat.
How Should You Administer Buprenorphine to Your Cat?
Buprenex, like many animal medications, is used “off-label.” Dosing amounts and structure can differ on a case-by-case basis. With buprenorphine being such a powerful medication (remember, 30x more potent than Morphine), dosing can be even more individualized.
Your veterinarian will assess your cat’s current pain, weight, and other factors that will determine their exact recommendations. As always, it is important to closely follow your veterinarian’s instructions while monitoring your cat closely. The dosing amounts and frequency will likely differ immensely from what is listed on the bottle!
Some preparations of buprenorphine can be given orally, usually once or multiple times a day depending on formulation, in liquid form. Veterinarians recommend inserting the liquid in your cat’s cheek or under their tongue, as absorption is improved via the transmucosal route. Injections are also available, but this will have to be performed by a veterinary professional.
Once the drug is administered, you should see it taking effect within fairly rapidly.
Can Buprenex Be Combined with Other Medications?
It’s not uncommon for cats to need more than one form of support during recovery. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend using Buprenex® alongside other medications to create a well-rounded pain management plan. This approach is called multimodal pain relief. It can help reduce the amount of any single medication needed, which may lessen potential side effects.
For example, your vet may suggest combining buprenorphine with non-opioid medications such as anti-inflammatories, depending on your cat’s overall health and the source of pain. In surgical settings, it’s sometimes paired with other drugs to improve comfort during and after procedures. However, certain combinations, particularly those involving sedatives or other central nervous system depressants, may increase the risk of adverse effects and should be used with caution. That’s why it’s critical to follow your vet’s exact instructions and never mix medications on your own.
If you’re considering adding supplements or alternative therapies, such as joint support or calming aids, make sure to loop your veterinarian in. They’ll be able to assess whether those options complement your cat’s current treatment plan. With careful oversight, combining medications can offer a more complete approach to comfort without compromising your cat’s safety.
How Long Does Buprenex Last in Cats?
Buprenorphine typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and can provide pain relief between 6 and 12 hours. Its duration depends on factors like your cat’s metabolism, the route of administration, and the severity of pain being treated.
When given as an oral transmucosal dose (absorbed through the cheek pouch), it may take slightly longer to kick in than an injection, but the effects last just as long. Most cats are dosed once or twice daily, depending on how they respond and the duration of relief between doses.
Every cat processes medication a little differently, so it’s important to monitor their behavior. If your cat seems uncomfortable before their next scheduled dose, your vet may recommend a different timing or dosage plan.
How Can Buprenorphine Help With Feline Chronic Pain and Disease Management?
For cats with chronic pain, perhaps due to conditions like arthritis or terminal cancer, buprenorphine offers a level of comfort that can improve quality of life. However, when prescribing this opioid medication for long-term use, veterinarians take extra precautions, particularly with cats that have liver or kidney disease.
The metabolization of the drug can be slower in these patients, leading to increased levels in the bloodstream and potentially more risk of side effects or adverse reactions. The analgesic effect of buprenorphine works by attaching to the body’s natural opioid receptors, modulating the pain signals.
While providing pain relief, it’s essential to monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature since opioids can impact these parameters. While respiratory depression is a severe side effect of many opioid drugs, buprenorphine tends to have less impact on respiration at therapeutic doses.
However, at higher doses, this may become a concern, and drugs like naloxone may be kept on hand as an antidote for opioid overdose or severe respiratory depression. To reiterate, at clinical doses, buprenorphine is considered safe with minimal negative effects.
What Is the Role of Buprenorphine in Emergency Situations?
Buprenorphine has applications beyond routine surgical pain management. In emergency situations involving traumatic injuries such as head trauma, it provides rapid pain control, which is critical in stabilizing the animal’s condition.
As an opioid, buprenorphine’s ability to quickly suppress severe pain makes it an invaluable part of the veterinary pain management toolkit. Veterinarians might also use buprenorphine in conjunction with anesthetics during surgical procedures to provide a multimodal approach to pain relief, reducing the amount of general anesthetic needed.
This is particularly useful in pets with Addison’s disease or other conditions where the common side effects of general anesthesia pose increased risks. The drug’s classification as a controlled substance mandates careful handling and precise drug administration to prevent misuse or accidental overdose.
For the safety and well-being of the pet, all opioid medications, including buprenorphine, should only be given under the strict guidance of a licensed veterinarian, who will also provide detailed instructions on monitoring for potential side effects and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction.
Should I Try Buprenorphine for My Cat?
Buprenorphine is a powerful medication and, used correctly under proper guidance, it is unquestionably effective in reducing pain and promoting comfort. If your cat has endured an injury or is heading into surgery, educate yourself on opioid medications like buprenorphine.
Talk with your veterinarian about other management options, and figure out the right approach for you and your feline friend!
Sources:
Cancer in Cats | International Cat Care
Chronic Kidney Disease | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Shock Lung) in Cats | VCA Animal Hospitals
Atypical hypoadrenocorticism in a Birman cat | NIH
Any health or medical information in ElleVet blogs is from a variety of public and reputable sources. This information is intended as an educational resource only and is not a substitute for expert professional care.