Liver problems after Buprenorphine in dogs

270 reports to the FDA describe liver problems in dogs given Buprenorphine. That is 17% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

270Reports

82%Marked serious

9.3%Recovered

47%Died or euthanised

4 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

46 20%

1–2 days

54 23%

3–7 days

42 18%

1–4 weeks

56 24%

Over a month

37 16%

How the animals did

Recovered

25 9.3%

Still unwell when reported

86 32%

Died

30 11%

Euthanised

97 36%

Not known

32 12%

Problems reported at the same time

163 60%

141 52%

130 48%

126 47%

116 43%

82 30%

68 25%

Abnormal ultrasound finding

67 25%

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 liver problems in dogs?: 270 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.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 4 days of the first dose.
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).

Liver problems with similar medicines

Liver problems after Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) 291 reports · 5.3% of its reports

All reported side effects of Buprenorphine in dogs · Medicines most reported with liver problems