General Description: S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is used in pets to treat a variety of liver diseases. It may be used in combination with silybin to further support proper liver function. Numerous human brands are available and several reputable veterinary brands as well. Consult with your veterinarian to choose the best product for your pet.
What is this drug?
A natural biochemical produced from the amino acid called methionine
Protects and supports healthy liver function
May be used in conjunction with silybin, another nutraceutical product useful in managing liver disease
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To support proper liver function
Improves glutathione levels (an antioxidant that protects cells from toxins)
Protects liver cells from cellular death
Repairs liver cells
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
If your pet has had an earlier allergic reaction to SAMe
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully.
SAMe is usually given once daily initially and may later be maintained long-term on treatments given every second or third day.
Give SAMe on an empty stomach to increase absorption (at lease one hour before or two hours after feeding). Do not split or break tablets, but give whole.
The length of administration depends upon the reason for prescribing SAMe. Acute or sudden onset conditions may show improvement within weeks. Chronic or long-standing conditions may require months or years of administration. Your veterinarian can best determine any dosage changes and duration of treatment.
Initial and then periodic blood testing can confirm reduction in your pet’s liver enzyme values and indicate improvements in liver health.
Nutraceutical products are not regulated by the FDA. As such, they have not been required to go through the same rigorous testing for efficacy that drugs undergo. There may be great variation in strength between brands or even between batches of the same brand. Yet there are many quality products on the market that are made by reputable companies. Consult with your veterinarian to choose a sound product for your pet.
What if a 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?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
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:
SAMe is sensitive to air and moisture. It is usually packaged in a blister pack. Leave them in the pack until ready to use. Do not break tablets.
Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Potential side effects:
This medication is usually well tolerated
Possibility of vomiting
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, there are no known drug interactions with SAMe
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives 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, SAMe should only be given to the pet 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 SAMe. If you have any questions or concerns about SAMe or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
