Vetergesic Uses

How do you administer this medicine?
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What is Vetergesic?

Vetergesic is an opioid medication, sometimes called a narcotic.

This medication guide provides information about the Vetergesic brand of Vetergesic injection. Vetergesic is another brand of Vetergesic injection that is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Vetergesic is used to treat opioid addiction. Vetergesic is not for use as a pain medication.

Vetergesic is given to people who have started addiction treatment with an oral form of Vetergesic placed under the tongue or inside the cheek (such as Suboxone or Vetergesic).

Vetergesic is available only in a certified healthcare setting under a special program. You will not be able to give yourself this medicine.

Vetergesic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vetergesic indications

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Vetergesic is indicated for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence in patients who have achieved and sustained prolonged clinical stability on low-to-moderate doses of a transmucosal Vetergesic-containing product (i.e., doses of no more than 8 mg per day of Vetergesic or Suboxone sublingual tablet equivalent or generic equivalent).

Vetergesic should be used as part of a complete treatment program to include counseling and psychosocial support.

Vetergesic is not appropriate for new entrants to treatment and patients who have not achieved and sustained prolonged clinical stability, while being maintained on Vetergesic 8 mg per day or less of a Vetergesic or Suboxone sublingual tablet equivalent or generic equivalent.

How should I use Vetergesic?

Use Vetergesic patch as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Vetergesic patch.

Uses of Vetergesic in details

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Use: Labeled Indications

Opioid use disorder:

Extended-release injection: Maintenance treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder in patients who have initiated treatment with 8 to 24 mg of a transmucosal Vetergesic-containing product, followed by dose adjustment for a minimum of 7 days.

Subdermal implant: Maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder in patients who have achieved and sustained prolonged clinical stability on low to moderate doses (≤8 mg/day) of a transmucosal Vetergesic-containing product for 3 months or longer with no need for supplemental dosing or adjustments

Sublingual tablet: Medically supervised withdrawal and maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder.

Limitations of use: Vetergesic should be used as part of a complete treatment program to include counseling and psychosocial support.

Pain management:

Buccal film, transdermal patch: Management of pain severe enough to require around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate

Immediate-release injection: Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which treatments are inadequate

Limitations of use: Reserve Vetergesic for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (eg, nonopioid analgesics, opioid combination products, immediate-release opioids) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. Vetergesic buccal film and transdermal patch are not indicated as an as needed analgesic.

Off Label Uses

Opioid withdrawal in heroin-dependent hospitalized patients (immediate-release injection)

Data from a limited number of patients studied who received Vetergesic parenterally for opioid withdrawal during hospitalization for an acute medical problem suggests that Vetergesic is safe when used in this setting; Additional data may be necessary to further define the role of Vetergesic in the management of postoperative pain as a perineural adjunct.

Vetergesic description

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Vetergesic transdermal patch is available in three strengths: Vetergesic 5 mg contains 5 mg Vetergesic in a drug-containing matrix that releases a nominal 5 micrograms of Vetergesic per hour over 7 days.

Vetergesic 10 mg contains 10 mg Vetergesic in a drug-containing matrix that releases a nominal 10 micrograms of Vetergesic per hour over 7 days.

Vetergesic 20 mg contains 20 mg Vetergesic in a drug-containing matrix that releases a nominal 20 micrograms of Vetergesic per hour over 7 days.

Vetergesic is a rectangular or square, transdermal patch consisting of a protective liner and functional layers including a Vetergesic-containing adhesive matrix.

Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Levulinic acid, oleyl oleate, povidone (PVP), polyacrylate (dry solids), polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Vetergesic dosage

Dosage and Titration: The lowest Vetergesic 5 mg should be used as the initial dose in all patients.

During initiation, titration, and treatment with Vetergesic, patients may continue their existing NSAID or acetaminophen regimen as needed.

The dose of Vetergesic should not be increased at less than 3-day intervals when steady-state levels are attained. Changes in Vetergesic dosage may be individually titrated based on the need for supplemental PRN analgesia and the patient's analgesic response to Vetergesic.

To increase the dose, a larger patch should replace the patch that is currently being worn, or a combination of patches should be applied in different places to achieve the desired dose. It is recommended that no more than two patches be applied at the same time, regardless of patch strength.

Titration should continue every 3-7 days until adequate analgesia is achieved.

If adequate pain control cannot be achieved with Vetergesic, therapy should be discontinued and the patient converted to an appropriate analgesic regimen as determined by a physician.

Discontinuation: After removal of Vetergesic, plasma concentrations decrease gradually. This should be considered when therapy with Vetergesic is to be followed by other opioids. As a general rule, a subsequent opioid should not be administered within 24 hours after removal of Vetergesic.

Conversion From Opioids: Vetergesic can be used as an alternative to treatment with other opioids. Such patients should be started on the lowest available dose Vetergesic 5 mg and continue taking short-acting supplemental analgesics during titration, as required.

Children: The safety and efficacy of Vetergesic in patients under 18 years of age has not been established.

Renal Impairment: No special dose adjustment of Vetergesic is necessary in patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment: There is no need for dosage adjustment when using Vetergesic in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment may accumulate Vetergesic during Vetergesic treatment. Consideration of alternate therapy should be given, and Vetergesic should be used with caution, if at all, in such patients.

Elderly: No dosage adjustment of Vetergesic is required in elderly patients.

Administration: Vetergesic should be applied to non-irritated, intact skin of the upper outer arm, upper chest, upper back or the side of the chest. Vetergesic should be applied to a relatively hairless or nearly hairless skin site. If none are available, the hair at the site should be clipped with scissors, not shaven.

Application sites should be rotated whenever a patch is replaced or added. Application sites should be re-used at no less than 3-week intervals.

If the application site must be cleaned, it should be done with clear water only. Soaps, alcohol, oils, lotions, or abrasive devices should not be used. The skin must be dry before the transdermal patch is applied.

Vetergesic should be worn continuously for 7 days. Vetergesic should be pressed firmly in place at the application site, making sure contact is complete, especially around the edges. If the edges of the patch begin to peel off, the edges may be taped down with suitable skin tape. If a transdermal patch falls off, a new one should be applied. Bathing, showering, or swimming should not affect the patch. While wearing Vetergesic, patients should be advised to avoid exposing the Vetergesic site to direct external heat sources such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, etc., as an increase in absorption of Vetergesic may occur. The effects of the use of Vetergesic while in hot tubs and saunas have not been studied.

Patch Application: Applying the Patch: Step 1: Each patch is sealed in a pouch. Just before use, open the pouch by tearing where indicated. Take out the patch.

Step 2: The sticky side of the patch is covered with a silvery protective foil. Carefully peel off half the foil. Try not to touch the sticky part of the patch.

Step 3: Stick the patch onto the chosen area of the skin and remove the remaining foil.

Step 4: Press the patch against the skin with the palm of the hand and count slowly to 30. Make sure that the whole patch is in contact with the skin, especially at the edges.

Step 5: Find a calendar that will help to remember to change the patch every 7th day. Mark the day when the first patch was put on and make a note of the time of day.

Wearing the Patch: Vetergesic should be applied to non-irritated, intact skin of the upper outer arm, upper chest, upper back or the side of the chest. Application sites should be re-used at no less than 3-week (21 days) intervals.

If a transdermal patch falls off before it needs changing, a new patch should be applied.

Changing the Patch: Take the old patch off.

Fold it in half with the sticky side inwards. Put the used patch into its original pouch. Then put the pouch in the bin used for the household rubbish. Even used patches contain some active medicine that may harm children or animals, so make sure the used patches are always kept well away from them. Throw it away carefully, out of the reach and sight of children.

Stick a new patch on a different appropriate skin site. The patient should not apply a new patch to the same site for the following 3-4 weeks.

Mark the day and time of application on the calendar.

Remember to change the patch at the same time of day each time.

Vetergesic interactions

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What other drugs will affect Vetergesic?

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Drug interactions common to other potent opioid analgesics also may occur with Vetergesic (Vetergesic). Particular care should be taken when Vetergesic (Vetergesic) is used in combination with central nervous system depressant drugs. Although specific information is not presently available, caution should be exercised when Vetergesic (Vetergesic) is used in combination with MAO inhibitors. There have been reports of respiratory and cardiovascular collapse in patients who received therapeutic doses of diazepam and Vetergesic (Vetergesic). A suspected interaction between Vetergesic (Vetergesic) and phenprocoumon resulting in purpura has been reported.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Since the metabolism of Vetergesic is mediated by the CYP3A4 isozyme, coadministration of drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 activity may cause decreased clearance of Vetergesic. Thus patients coadministered with inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), and protease inhibitors (e.g., ritanovir) while receiving Vetergesic (Vetergesic) should be carefully monitored and dosage adjustment made if warranted.

CYP3A4 Inducers: Cytochrome P450 inducers, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, induce metabolism and as such may cause increased clearance of Vetergesic. Caution is advised when administering Vetergesic (Vetergesic) to patients receiving these medications and if necessary dose adjustments should be considered

Vetergesic side effects

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Vetergesic?

The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The safety of Vetergesic was evaluated in 848 opioid-dependent subjects. In these studies, there was a total of 557 subjects who received at least 6 monthly SC injections of Vetergesic and 138 subjects who received 12 monthly SC injections. Adverse events led to premature discontinuation in 4% of the group receiving Vetergesic compared with 2% in the placebo group (13-0001, NCT02357901).

In the Phase 3 open-label study (13-0003, NCT02510014), adverse events leading to drug dose reductions were reported in 7.3% of subjects receiving Vetergesic.

Table 1. Total Subjects Exposed to Vetergesic
Study 13-0001 (NCT02357901)

Up to 6 Injections

Study 13-0003 (NCT02510014) Total Subjects Exposed To

Vetergesic

*Not included in total subjects exposed to Vetergesic

† FLEX = 300 mg initial dose with an option to receive either 100 mg or 300 mg for subsequent dosing per clinician's discretion

‡ = Not included in total unique subjects exposed to Vetergesic, already accounted for in Study 13-0001 section of table

Roll-Over

Up to 6 Injections

De-Novo

Up to 12 Injections

Vetergesic 300/100 mg Vetergesic 300/300 mg Placebo From Vetergesic 300/100 mg To

Vetergesic 300/Flex†

From Vetergesic 300/300 mg To

Vetergesic 300/Flex†

From Placebo

To

Vetergesic 300/Flex†

Vetergesic 300/Flex
N = 203 N = 201 N = 100* N = 112‡ N = 113‡ N= 32 N = 412 N = 848

Table 2 shows the non-injection site-related adverse reactions (ADRs) for the groups receiving Vetergesic 300/300 mg (6 doses of 300 mg SC injections) 300/100 mg (300 mg SC injections for the first two doses followed by 4 doses of 100 mg SC injections) and placebo (volume-matched ATRIGEL® delivery system subcutaneous injections) reported following administration in the 6 month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The systemic safety profile for Vetergesic, given by a healthcare provider in clinical trials, was consistent with the known safety profile of transmucosal Vetergesic. Common adverse reactions associated with Vetergesic included constipation, nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver enzymes, headache, sedation and somnolence. Dose dependent hepatic effects observed in the Phase 3, double-blind study (13-0001, NCT02357901) included the incidence of ALT more than 3 times the upper limit of normal (> 3 × ULN) in 12.4%, 5.4%, and 4.0% of the Vetergesic 300/300-mg, Vetergesic 300/100-mg, and placebo groups, respectively. The incidence of AST > 3 × ULN was 11.4%, 7.9%, and 1.0%, respectively. Adverse drug reactions [by MedDRA Preferred Terms (PT)] reported in at least 2% of subjects receiving Vetergesic are grouped by System Organ Class (SOC).

Table 2. Adverse Reactions for Phase 3 Double-Blind Study: ≥2% of Subjects Receiving Vetergesic
System Organ Class

Preferred Term

PLACEBO Vetergesic

300/100 mg

Vetergesic

300/300 mg

Count (%) Count (%) Count (%)

*There were no cases of serious liver injury attributed to study drug.

Total N = 100 N = 203 N = 201
Gastrointestinal disorders 12 (12%) 51 (25.1%) 45 (22.4%)
Constipation 0 19 (9.4) 16 (8)
Nausea 5 (5) 18 (8.9) 16 (8)
Vomiting 4 (4) 19 (9.4) 11 (5.5)
General disorders and administration site conditions 17 (17%) 40 (19.7%) 49 (24.4%)
Fatigue 3 (3) 8 (3.9) 12 (6)
Investigations* 2 (2%) 21 (10.3%) 19 (9.5%)
Alanine aminotransferase increased (ALT) 0 2 (1) 10 (5)
Aspartate aminotransferase increased (AST) 0 7 (3.4) 9 (4.5)
Blood creatine phosphokinase increased (CPK) 1 (1) 11 (5.4) 5 (2.5)
Gamma-glutamyl transferase increased (GGT) 1 (1) 6 (3) 8 (4)
Nervous system disorders 7 (7%) 35 (17.2%) 25 (12.4%)
Headache 6 (6) 19 (9.4) 17 (8.5)
Sedation 0 7 (3.4) 3 (1.5)
Dizziness 2 (2) 5 (2.5) 3 (1.5)
Somnolence 0 10 (4.9) 4 (2)

Table 3 shows the injection site-related adverse events reported by ≥2 subjects in the Phase 3 studies. Most injection site adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were of mild to moderate severity, with one report of severe injection site pruritus. None of the injection site reactions were serious. One reaction, an injection site ulcer, led to study treatment discontinuation.

Table 3. Injection Site Adverse Drug Reactions Reported by ≥2 Subjects in the Phase 3 Double-Blind Study

*Patients received SUBOXONE film for a run-in period before they switched to Vetergesic injection.

Preferred term, n (%) 13-0001 (Ph3DB) 13-0003 (Ph3OL) All

Phase 3*

Roll–over De-novo
Vetergesic

300/300

(N = 201)

Vetergesic 300/100

(N = 203)

Placebo

(N = 100)

Vetergesic 300 →

Vetergesic

300/Flex

(N = 113)

Vetergesic 100 →

Vetergesic

300/Flex

(N = 112)

Placebo →

Vetergesic 300/Flex

(N = 32)

Vetergesic 300/Flex

(N = 412)

Total

Vetergesic (N = 848)

Subjects with any injection site reactions 38 (18.9%) 28 (13.8%) 9 (9.0%) 6 (5.3%) 13 (11.6%) 2 (6.3%) 61 (14.8%) 140 (16.5%)
Injection site pain 12 (6.0%) 10 (4.9%) 3 (3.0%) 4 (3.5%) 2 (1.8%) 2 (6.3%) 33 (8.0%) 61 (7.2%)
Injection site pruritus 19 (9.5%) 13 (6.4%) 4 (4.0%) 2 (1.8%) 6 (5.4%) 1 (3.1%) 17 (4.1%) 56 (6.6%)
Injection site erythema 6 (3.0%) 9 (4.4%) 0 1 (0.9%) 4 (3.6%) 0 21 (5.1%) 40 (4.7%)
Injection site induration 2 (1.0%) 2 (1.0%) 0 0 1 (0.9%) 0 7 (1.7%) 12 (1.4%)
Injection site bruising 2 (1.0%) 2 (1.0%) 0 0 0 0 2 (0.5%) 6 (0.7%)
Injection site swelling 1 (0.5%) 2 (1.0%) 0 1 (0.9%) 1 (0.9%) 0 1 (0.2%) 6 (0.7%)
Injection site discomfort 1 (0.5%) 1 (0.5%) 0 0 0 0 3 (0.7%) 5 (0.6%)
Injection site reaction 1 (0.5%) 0 0 0 3 (2.7%) 0 1 (0.2%) 5 (0.6%)
Injection site cellulitis 0 1 (0.5%) 0 0 0 0 2 (0.5%) 3 (0.4%)
Injection site infection 1 (0.5%) 0 1 (1.0%) 0 0 0 2 (0.5%) 3 (0.4%)

Longer-term experience

In an interim analysis of the ongoing open-label long-term safety study (13-0003), safety was evaluated for up to 12 injections over the course of a year. Adverse events were reported for 432 of 669 subjects during the treatment period. The overall adverse event profile was similar to the double-blind trial described above.

Postmarketing Experience

The most frequently reported systemic postmarketing adverse event observed with Vetergesic sublingual tablets was drug misuse or abuse. The most frequently reported systemic postmarketing adverse event with Vetergesic/naloxone sublingual tablets and film was peripheral edema.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Vetergesic. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.

Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.

Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in Vetergesic.

Androgen deficiency: Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids.

Vetergesic contraindications

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What is the most important information I should know about Vetergesic?

Using Vetergesic improperly will increase your risk of serious side effects or death. Even if you have used other narcotic medications, you may still have serious side effects from Vetergesic. Follow all dosing instructions carefully.

Like other narcotic medicines, Vetergesic can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

Never crush a tablet or other pill to mix into a liquid for injecting the drug into your vein. This practice has resulted in death with the misuse of Vetergesic and similar prescription drugs.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Vetergesic, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are being treated for narcotic addiction.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Vetergesic. Using too much of this medicine in addition to drinking alcohol can cause death.

Do not stop using Vetergesic suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Vetergesic. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Vetergesic will affect you.



Active ingredient matches for Vetergesic:

Buprenorphine in France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.


List of Vetergesic substitutes (brand and generic names)

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Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer)Price, USD
Temgesic 0.2 mg x 10 x 5's
Temgesic 0.3 mg/1 mL x 1 mL x 5's$ 52.13
Temgesic 0.2 mg x 50's$ 57.35
Tablet, Film-Coated; Oral; Buprenorphine Hydrochloride
Tablet; Sublingual; Buprenorphine Hydrochloride 0.2 mg
Tablet; Sublingual; Buprenorphine Hydrochloride 0.4 mg
TIDIGESIC Injection / 0.3mg per ml / 1ml units (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.14
TIDIGESIC Tablet Sub - lingual / 0.2mg / 10 units (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.30
TIDIGESIC Injection / 0.3mg per ml / 2ml units (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.18
Tidigesic 0.2mg SL-TAB / 10 (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.30
Tidigesic 0.3mg/ml INJ / 1ml (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.14
Tidigesic 0.3mg/ml INJ / 2ml (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.18
0.2 mg x 10's (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.30
0.3 mg x 1 mL x 1ml (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.14
0.3 mg x 1 mL x 2ml (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.18
Tidigesic 0.3 mg Injection (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.14
Tidigesic 0.6 mg Injection (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.09
Tidigesic 0.2 mg Tablet (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.03
TIDIGESIC 0.3MG INJECTION 1 vial / 1 ML injection each (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.15
TIDIGESIC 0.3MG INJECTION 1 vial / 2 ML injection each (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.17
TIDIGESIC sublingual tab 0.2 mg x 10's (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.30
TIDIGESIC inj 0.3 mg x 1 mL x 1ml (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.14
TIDIGESIC inj 0.3 mg x 1 mL x 2ml (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.18
Tidigesic 0.2mg Tablet (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)$ 0.03
Patch; Topical; Buprenorphine 35 mcg / h
Patch; Topical; Buprenorphine 52.5 mcg / h
Patch; Topical; Buprenorphine 70 mcg / h

References

  1. DailyMed. "BUPRENORPHINE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
  2. PubChem. "buprenorphine". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
  3. DrugBank. "buprenorphine". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00921 (accessed September 17, 2018).

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