Take-home information for cat owners · Zorbium.com · Independent consumer safety resource

Your cat received Zorbium®

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What you need to know before you leave the clinic — and for the next several days.

Zorbium® is a long-acting opioid pain medication applied as a liquid to the back of your cat’s neck. It is approved for cats only under NADA 141-547.

Important handling warning

Zorbium® is applied to the dorsal cervical area, or back of the neck. Do not touch the application site. Do not let other pets lick or groom that area. If you must handle that area, wear gloves and wash your hands immediately afterward.

Drying-time concern: The manufacturer describes a 30-minute drying time, but published research observed visible oiliness at 30 minutes, with apparent drying closer to the 24-hour time point. Keep children and other pets away from the application site for at least 24 hours.

How long does it stay in your cat’s system?

Elanco label

4 days

96 hours per manufacturer labeling.

Sometimes communicated

72 hrs

Shorter than the labeled 96-hour duration.

FDA label half-life

64.9 hrs

Mean terminal half-life; reported range 39.1–85.7 hours.

Bottom line: Your cat may still have active drug in their system longer than you were told. Watch closely for at least 5 full days after application.

Go to an emergency vet immediately if you see any of these

Extremely hard to wake up, limp, or unresponsive
Slow, shallow, or struggling breathing
Blue, white, or pale gums
Very tiny, pinpoint pupils
Seizures, shaking, or trembling
Cannot walk or stand up
Cold to the touch or feels very chilled
Repeated vomiting
Won’t eat for more than 24 hours
Any sudden change in behavior

Expected mild effects — still monitor

These may be expected after Zorbium®. If they persist past 48 hours or worsen at any point, call your veterinarian.

Mild sleepiness or low energy
Sleeping more than usual
Eating a little less than normal
Mild disorientation in the first 24–48 hours

Tell your vet about

Any other medications your cat takes, including supplements
Sedatives, antihistamines, or anxiety medications
Any history of breathing problems, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or prior opioid reactions

If you’re concerned — who to call

First: Call the vet or clinic that administered Zorbium® — they know what was given and when.
After hours: Contact your nearest emergency animal hospital.
Report an adverse event to FDA: 1-888-332-8387.
Report to Elanco Companion Animal Product Support: 1-888-545-5973.

Note: Buprenorphine behaves differently from some other opioids. Standard poison-control opioid advice may not apply. Your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian should guide treatment.

Protecting your family

Do not touch the application site at the back of the neck.
Treat fur as potentially oily for the full 24 hours after application.
Wash hands immediately if skin contact occurs.
Keep children completely away from the application site.
Do not let other pets lick or groom the treated area.
Zorbium® can pose a risk to humans with direct exposure, especially children or repeated contact.