General description: A monthly pill which prevents heartworm and kills parasites such as hookworm, roundworm and whipworm. Flavored tablets are available for both dogs and cats in a 6 or 12 month supply.
What is this drug?
Milbemycin is a strong drug able to interfere with a parasite’s nerve transmission, causing death of many forms of parasites
Milbemycin flavored tablets are given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To prevent heartworm disease and roundworm, hookworm and whipworm infections in dogs
To prevent heartworm disease and roundworm and hookworm infections in cats
To treat certain types of mange
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Puppies less than 4 weeks of age; kittens less than 6 weeks of age
Dogs with a body weight less than 2 pounds; cats with a body weight less than 1.5 pounds
Pets who have tested positive for heartworm
Safe for all breeds of dogs and cats
Safe for breeding, pregnant or nursing dogs, but safety has not been established in breeding, pregnant or nursing cats
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to milbemycin or like products
Directions:
Give as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will choose the package size appropriate to your pet’s weight. Read and follow the label carefully.
This medication can be given as a treat or with a meal. Tablets may be broken for ease of administration.
Ensure your pet consumes the entire dose. If it is not entirely consumed, re-dose the full recommended dose as soon as possible.
Milbemycin is given once a month, preferably on the same day of each month. Administer within one month of the pet’s first exposure to mosquitoes and monthly thereafter. The medication kills the parasites acquired during the previous month. Treatment may continue year-round or until the end of the mosquito season. 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.
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 you 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.
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.
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, milbemycin should only be given to the dog/cat 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 milbemycin. If you have any questions or concerns about milbemycin or the conditions for which it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
