General description: A monthly pet medication which prevents flea infestation. Flavored tablets and an oral liquid are available in a 6 month supply. Lufenuron is also available for cats as an injection performed at your veterinarian’s office. Begin treatment before flea season starts in the spring to ensure your pet doesn’t become infested. Lufenuron does not kill adult fleas, so using an adulticide (ex. nitenpyram) may be desirable.
What is this drug?
Lufenuron is an insect development inhibitor. It interrupts the life cycle of the flea to prevent the continuing reproduction of new generations.
Lufenuron tablets and oral suspension are given by mouth
Lufenuron injectable for cats is administered by your veterinarian under your cat’s skin (a prescription product)
Reasons for prescribing:
For the control of fleas in dogs and cats. Lufenuron does not kill ticks.
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Puppies less than 6 weeks of age; kittens less than 4 weeks of age
Safe for pregnant or nursing animals
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 on a full stomach.
Mix the oral liquid in approximately two tablespoons of a favorite wet food.
Ensure your pet consumes the entire dose. If it is not entirely consumed, re-dose the full recommended dose as soon as possible.
Lufenuron is given once a month, preferably on the same day of each month. Flea populations are more prevalent in the spring and are often more of a problem in warm, humid areas. Treatment may continue year-round or for as long as flea season lasts in your climate.
To help you remember the monthly dosing, the manufacturer provides reminder stickers for your calendar.
Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.
Injectable lufenuron is effective for 6 months.
In multi-pet households, all pets should be treated for maximum effectiveness.
There is no successful flea control program that does not involve treating the environment. Discuss with your veterinarian what product to use in your pet’s living space.
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.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
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.
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:
In order for lufenuron to work, fleas must first bite the pet. This can be a problem in a flea-allergic pet. For these pets, combine lufenuron with a product that actually kills adult fleas.
Upset stomach, causing vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite
May also cause itchiness, hives and red skin
Lethargy and depression
Injectable lufenuron may cause injection site reactions (small lump under skin). This may last a few weeks.
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 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.
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.
This is just a summary of information about lufenuron. If you have any questions or concerns about lufenuron or how to treat flea infestations, contact your veterinarian.
