General description: A monthly pill which prevents flea infestation and heartworm and kills parasites such as hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. Flavored tablets are available in a 6 or 12 month supply. Lufenuron and milbemycin does not kill adult fleas, so using an adulticide (ex. nitenpyram) may be desirable.
What is this drug?
Milbemycin oxime eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and the adult stage of hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infestations
Lufenuron is an insect development inhibitor. It interrupts the life cycle of the flea to prevent the continuing reproduction of new generations
Lufenuron and milbemycin flavored tablets are given by mouth
May be given with nitenpyram (Capstar®) to kill adult fleas.
Reasons for prescribing:
To prevent heartworm disease and roundworm, hookworm and whipworm infections in dogs
To prevent and control flea infestations in dogs
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
This product is not approved for use in cats
Puppies less than 4 weeks of age
Dogs with a body weight less than 2 pounds
Dogs who have tested positive for heartworm
Safe for all breeds of dogs
Safe for breeding, pregnant or nursing animals
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to lufenuron or milbemycin or like products
Directions:
Give the oral medication as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will choose the package size appropriate to your pet’s weight. Read and follow the label carefully.
Give this medication with a meal.
Ensure your pet consumes the entire dose. If it is not entirely consumed, re-dose the full recommended dose as soon as possible.
Lufenuron and milbemycin is given once a month, preferably on the same day of each month. Administer from the onset of flea and mosquito seasons. Treatment may continue year-round or for as long as flea and mosquito seasons lasts in your climate. Discuss this with your veterinarian.
If the animal vomits within 2 hours of the dose, and you feel it is unrelated to the medication, give another dose.
Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.
In multi-pet households all pets should be treated for maximum effectiveness.
If this product replaces another type of heartworm preventive, the first dose must be given within 30 days after the last dose of the previous product.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time. If you miss more than 8 weeks in a row, give the drug as soon as you remember, but you should have your pet’s blood tested for heartworms within 6 months (as infection may have occurred).
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
What tests may need to be performed prior to treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug?
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Remove tablet from original pack only at time of administration.
Humans should maintain good personal hygiene as hookworm and roundworm infections could easily be contracted.
Do not allow pets to eat rodents or raw flesh or fish. Pet feces should be removed daily and the premises kept clean.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
A mild, transient hypersensitivity reaction (labored breathing, vomiting, salivation and lethargy) has been noted in some dogs carrying a large number of circulating microfilariae (immature heartworm). These reactions are likely due to the parasites dying all at once.
In order for lufenuron and milbemycin to work against fleas, fleas must first bite the pet. This can be a problem in a flea-allergic pet. For these pets, combine lufenuron and milbemycin with a product that actually kills adult fleas (ex. nitenpyram). Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and decreased appetite
May also cause itchiness, hives and red skin, lethargy, depression, staggering, convulsions, weakness
More serious side effects could occur in a dog with preexisting heartworm infection
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, no known drug interactions have been noted. If lufenuron and milbemycin is used with another flea product (to rapidly kill adults), it is recommended to use one topical and one oral medication at a time. Some flea collars can be used with different products and some cannot. Whenever you use a flea collar, read the label or consult with your veterinarian to find out if it is compatible with the products you are using.
Do not give this product if your dog is already taking heartworm medication.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet consumes more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, lufenuron and milbemycin should only be given to the dog for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about lufenuron and milbemycin. If you have any questions or concerns about lufenuron and milbemycin or the conditions for which it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
