Vetergesic Multidose, 0.3 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs, Cats and Horses

None

Revised: September 2025
AN: 01877/2025

i) Special precautions for use in animals
Buprenorphine may cause respiratory depression and as with other opioid
drugs, care should be taken when treating animals with impaired
respiratory function or animals that are receiving drugs that can cause
respiratory depression.
In case of renal, cardiac or hepatic dysfunction or shock, there may be
greater risk associated with the use of the product. The benefit: risk
assessment for using the product should be made by the attending vet.
Safety has not been fully evaluated in clinically compromised cats.
Buprenorphine should be used with caution in animals with impaired liver
function, especially biliary tract disease, as the substance is metabolised
by the liver and its intensity and duration of action may be affected in such
animals.
The safety of buprenorphine has not been demonstrated in animals less
than 7 weeks of age, therefore, use in such animals should be based on
the risk: benefit assessment of the veterinarian.
Repeat administration earlier than the recommended repeat interval
suggested in Section 4.9 is not recommended.
Long-term safety of buprenorphine has not been investigated beyond 5
consecutive days of administration in cats or 4 separate administrations on
three consecutive days in horses.
The effect of an opioid on head injury is dependent on the type and
severity of the injury and the respiratory support supplied. The product
should be used in accordance with the benefit:risk assessment of the
attending veterinarian.
Safety has not been evaluated in clinically-compromised horses. In
horses, use of opioids has been associated with excitation, but effects with
buprenorphine are minimal when administered in conjunction with
sedatives and tranquilisers such as detomidine, romifidine, xylazine and
acepromazine. The safety of buprenorphine has not been demonstrated
in horses younger than 10 months old and weighing less than 150kg;
therefore, use in such animals should be based on the risk: benefit
assessment of the veterinarian.
Ataxia is a known effect of detomidine and similar agents; consequently it
may be seen after administration of buprenorphine with such substances.
Occasionally, ataxia may be marked. To ensure ataxic horses sedated
with detomidine/buprenorphine do not lose their balance, they should not
be moved or otherwise handled in any way that would compromise their
stability.
ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary
medicinal product to animals
Wash hands/affected area thoroughly after any accidental spillage.
As buprenorphine has opioid-like activity, care should be taken to avoid
self-injection. In case of accidental self-injection or ingestion, seek medical

Revised: September 2025
AN: 01877/2025
advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the
physician.
Following eye contamination or skin contact, wash thoroughly with cold
running water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.