Ordering Buprenorphine ER
Contacts
Note: You do not need to amend your DEA and SUA registrations if you switch from Buprenorphine to Buprenorphine Extended Release (ER).
Buprenorphine ER, manufactured by Wedgewood Pharmacy, is a sustained-release analgesic that provides extended pain relief to laboratory animals. You must have a current prescription (Rx) from an RARC veterinarian to order this drug from Wedgewood Pharmacy. (The Rx expires after 6 months; you must ask an RARC veterinarian to submit a new Rx after expiration.)
Buprenorphine ER is available in two concentrations: 0.5 mg/ml (mice) and 1.0 mg/ml (rats). Both are available in a 5.0 ml bottle.
RARC veterinarian recommended dosing:
- Rat - 1.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 48 hours
- Mouse - 0.6 mg/kg subcutaneously, every 48 hours
Follow these four steps to order Buprenorphine ER:
- Complete the following in the Wedgewood Pharmacy Rx form:
Box 1: Fill in the Researcher's (DEA-SUA licensee) information. The address must match the address listed on the DEA-SUA licenses.
Box 2: Fill in the prescribing information. Make sure it matches your approved animal-use protocol description for Buprenorphine ER use. The Rx must include the following: drug name, concentration, volume, and directions for use (e.g., administer 0.6 mg/kg, subcutaneously in the scruff, every 48 hours.)
Indicate how many refills you would like during the 6-month prescription period.
Quantity of Bottles and Number of Refills must be written alpha-numerically (e.g., (3) three bottles, (2) two refills).
Box 3: An RARC veterinarian will complete.
- Email the Rx form to rodentanalgesia@rarc.wisc.edu. An RARC veterinarian will confirm details on your animal-use protocol and communicate with you about the drug’s use.
- The RARC veterinarian will then complete Box 3, sign the Rx, and submit it to Wedgewood Pharmacy.
- Researchers (DEA/SUA holders) ordering for the first time must call Wedgewood Pharmacy to set up an account. You can authorize a different person in your lab or unit to pay for prescriptions with a unit or department credit card. Call 1-855-490-7699 to reach a Wedgewood Pharmacy Customer Care representative.
