Administration of Extended Release (ER) Buprenorphine

ERIK, Office of the Attending Veterinarian Guideline, Revised 07/2025

Buprenorphine ER-LAB (Bup ER) is an extended-release analgesic compounded by Wedgewood that lasts ~48 hours in mice and rats. Only ULAR staff can administer Bup ER for researchers when it is listed on their IACUC protocol. Another extended-release buprenorphine formulation, Ethiqa XR®, is available for purchase and administration directly by investigative staff holding a controlled drug license.

Bup ER injection requests are scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Injections outside these hours and on university holidays incur additional costs and typically cannot be accommodated due to limited personnel. All requests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to staffing availability. Requests should be submitted at least 3 business days prior to the requested injection date. Upon receipt of your request, a member of the medicine team will confirm your requested time is available via email.

Bup ER is charged as the cost of the drug for each animal plus technical time for administration of the request (charged in 15-minute increments). Drug costs are subject to change. View current rates for technical time.

Request Process

1. Complete the Buprenorphine ER Injection Request form.
2. Look for a confirmation email from the ULAR medicine team.
3. Identify cages with a blue surgery card prior to injection.
4. Email cage locations and rat weights (if applicable) to OR-ULARERBup@osu.edu if not already provided.