Limb amputation after Buprenorphine in cats

The FDA has received 20 reports of limb amputation in cats after Buprenorphine. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.0% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

20Reports

100%Marked serious

35%Recovered

5.0%Died or euthanised

–Typical onset

How the animals did

Recovered

5 25%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 10%

Still unwell when reported

6 30%

Died

1 5.0%

Not known

6 30%

Problems reported at the same time

Injection site reaction

15 75%

5 25%

4 20%

4 20%

4 20%

4 20%

4 20%

Lymphadenopathy

3 15%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Buprenorphine pain relief (an opioid).

Questions owners ask

Can Buprenorphine cause limb amputation in cats?: 20 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

All reported side effects of Buprenorphine in cats · Medicines most reported with limb amputation