Equivent nd 1 l

Therapeutic indications

equivent nd 1 l is indicated for the treatment of flea (Ctenocephalides spp.) and tick infestations (including common species in domestic environments) in dogs, with the aim of interrupting the reproductive cycle of the parasites and reducing the risk of environmental re-infestation. It can be used as an integral part of a flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) control strategy, as the reduction of the flea population on the animal and in the environment helps to reduce exposure to the antigens responsible for skin sensitization. The product is also indicated for the treatment of canine demodicosis (caused by Demodex canis) and sarcoptic mange (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis), parasitic conditions that require a continuous and monitored therapeutic approach. As regards ticks, a single administration ensures an ectoparasiticide action that lasts for a period of time useful to cover the seasonal cycles of parasite activity; this helps to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens carried by ticks, although this risk cannot be completely excluded as some pathogens can be transmitted during the initial blood meal. The indications include use in clinically evident infestations, but also in monthly preventive programs in periods of greater parasitic pressure, in accordance with the local epidemiological situation and the assessment of the veterinary doctor. It is advisable to integrate pharmacological treatment with environmental and prophylactic measures to reduce the parasitic load of the domestic environment and reduce the possibility of reinfestation of the individual animal or animal family group. Furthermore, the product can be used in multimodal therapeutic protocols when required by the severity of the clinical condition, always taking into consideration the possible presence of concomitant pathologies that can influence the response to treatment and the choice of duration of therapy.

Composition

The formulation of equivent nd 1 l is designed to guarantee effectiveness, palatability and ease of use. Active ingredient: Afoxolaner (contained in chewable tablets calibrated for different weight classes). The tablets have been designed to offer an appropriate dosage in relation to the dog's weight, in order to simplify therapeutic management and ensure adequate antiparasitic coverage when administered at the recommended dose. Excipients and matrix components include substances to improve consistency, stability and flavor: corn starch for tablet structure, purified soy protein as a binder and source of palatability, braised beef flavoring to aid acceptance by most dogs, water-soluble polymers and lubricants such as povidone and macrogol at different molecular weights to aid in compression and controlled dissolution, glycerol as a humectant, and medium-chain triglycerides to enhance the palatability and dispersion of the active ingredient. The combination of these components was chosen to maintain the integrity of the active ingredient during storage and to facilitate easy administration; however, the presence of protein or soy excipients is reported for informational purposes for those who must consider possible food sensitivities. The tablets have been formulated to minimize the risk of chemical-physical degradation of the active ingredient and to ensure constant bioavailability after oral administration. The presence of aroma and lipid components helps to make the tablet palatable and allows it to be taken without the need for specific preparation or forced administration, thus making the product suitable for both curative and continuous monthly preventative treatments.

Contraindications

Do not use equivent nd 1 l in case of known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient (afoxolaner) or to any of the excipients listed in the composition. Use is contraindicated in subjects with a history of confirmed allergic reactions to the product or similar components; in such cases it is essential to consult the veterinary doctor to evaluate therapeutic alternatives. Although formulated to limit adverse effects, the tablets should not be administered to dogs with severe acute medical conditions that are not stabilized without prior clinical and laboratory evaluation. For use in very young puppies and extremely low weight dogs it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the veterinary doctor; in the absence of sufficient clinical data, administration to subjects aged less than 8 weeks and/or weighing less than the minimum threshold for which the commercial dosage was established must be decided on a case-by-case basis after a careful evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio. Do not administer outside the indicated species, as safety and efficacy have not been established in other species; Off-label use may entail unpredictable risks. In the presence of pre-existing neurological pathologies or developing neurological signs, it is advisable to carefully evaluate the risk-benefit relationship and closely monitor the patient. Finally, given the possibility of individual hypersensitivity reactions, stop administration and contact your veterinary surgeon in the event of the appearance of significant adverse reactions after administration.

Safety of the drug for the species

The safety of use of equivent nd 1 l in dogs was evaluated considering various clinical and pharmacological aspects. It is important to underline that to allow the parasites to be exposed to the active ingredient it is necessary for them to begin a blood meal on the host; therefore it is not possible to guarantee the immediate elimination of the risk of transmission of pathogens carried by parasites, especially in the case of agents that can be transmitted rapidly at the beginning of the blood meal. However, regular and correct use contributes to reducing the population of ectoparasites and, therefore, the probability of transmission over time. Administration is generally well tolerated when the doses foreseen according to body weight are followed; the most commonly reported adverse effects are mild and transient in nature, such as gastrointestinal symptoms or minor skin reactions, which usually respond to discontinuation or symptomatic treatment. In dogs with pre-existing clinical conditions or concomitant intake of other drugs, the veterinary surgeon should evaluate potential drug interactions. With regards to reproduction, gestation and lactation, use in pregnant or lactating animals must be assessed by the veterinarian on the basis of the clinical situation and therapeutic need, taking into account the available safety data and the risk-benefit ratio for the mother and offspring. Furthermore, in subjects with immune problems or with high clinical severity, the response to treatment may be different and require more frequent monitoring or therapeutic adjustments. It is recommended to observe the treated animals for any adverse reactions and to promptly report any significant clinical event to the professional who prescribed the treatment, so as to be able to modulate the therapy based on the individual response and guarantee maximum safety of use.

Precautions

Before, during and after the administration of equivent nd 1 l it is necessary to take precautions both for the protection of the animal and for the safety of the people administering the medicine. Special precautions for use in animals: in the absence of sufficient data, the treatment of puppies under 8 weeks of age and/or dogs weighing less than the minimum limit established for the tablet must be based on a careful assessment of the risk/benefit ratio by the responsible veterinarian. For animals with concomitant pathologies, systemic diseases or those taking chronic therapies, it is advisable to evaluate therapeutic compatibility and monitor the presence of any adverse reactions with periodic clinical checks. Special precautions to be taken by the person who administers the veterinary medicinal product to animals: keep the product out of the reach of children and remove only the tablet necessary from the blister at the time of administration; Store the rest of the tablets in the original package to protect them from moisture and light. Avoid prolonged contact with the skin in case of prolonged direct handling and wash your hands after administering the tablet. In case of accidental ingestion by a person, consult a doctor and show the package when possible. When handling, pay attention to any individuals sensitive to food excipients such as soy; in the presence of known food allergies in the animal or in people who frequently handle the product, inform the veterinarian. Finally, it is a good idea to integrate the treatment with adequate environmental and hygienic control practices to optimize therapeutic results and reduce the risk of reinfestation, educating owners on useful domestic interventions to limit the presence of fleas and ticks in the environment.

Method of administration

Equivent nd 1 l tablets are chewable and formulated to be palatable to most dogs; therefore direct administration into the mouth or offered as a snack is often sufficient. If the animal does not accept the tablet directly, it is possible to offer it with food or hide it in a treat, as long as it is guaranteed that the entire intended dose is taken. It is not recommended to split the tablet unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, as this may alter the accuracy of the dosage. The dosage and frequency of administration must be determined according to the animal's body weight and clinical indications; Generally, monthly administration is required, which allows you to maintain a continuous level of protection against fleas and ticks when the product is used regularly. It is possible to administer the product with or without food, but administration with a meal may facilitate acceptance in reluctant animals. There are no known interferences with bathing or grooming after administration, as the mode of action is systemic; however, to ensure continued effectiveness, respect the recommended administration intervals and avoid skipping doses. In case of immediate vomiting after administration, contact your veterinarian to evaluate the opportunity to repeat the dose. Store the medicine in the original packaging and follow the handling instructions to limit accidental exposure of people and other animals.

Treatment program

To control flea and tick infestations, a monthly administration program is recommended during periods of greatest parasite activity, or throughout the year where the local epidemiological situation suggests it. The duration of treatment must be adapted to the individual clinical case and to the veterinarian's assessment: in many contexts it is appropriate to continue monthly administrations to cover seasonal cycles or until a satisfactory control condition is obtained. In the treatment of demodicosis (caused by Demodex canis) it is advisable to continue the monthly administration of the product until two negative skin scrapings are obtained, performed with an interval of one month between them, in order to confirm the disappearance of the parasite population. More severe cases or those with secondary infections may require prolonged monthly treatments and a multimodal therapeutic approach that also includes supportive therapies, management of concomitant conditions and additional topical or systemic treatments as judged by the veterinarian. For sarcoptic mange, the recommended therapy involves monthly administrations for a minimum indicative period, with the possibility of continuing based on the clinical evaluation and the results of the checks; generally at least two consecutive monthly administrations are necessary, but individual response may require further doses. It is essential that the treatment plan is personalized considering the severity of the infestation, the health conditions of the dog, the risk of reinfestation from the environment and the presence of other animals in the home. Finally, since some parasitic diseases are multifactorial, it is appropriate to identify and manage any predisposing conditions to improve the long-term therapeutic outcome and reduce the likelihood of relapses.

Target species

Target species: Dogs. equivent nd 1 l is specifically formulated for use in dogs and safety and efficacy are established for this species; do not use the product in other species without consulting your veterinary surgeon. The use covers different age and weight categories in dogs, with dosages adapted to the needs of individual subjects; however, for very young puppies and subjects weighing less than the stable use threshold, a preventive clinical evaluation is necessary. The card contemplates use in adults and young animals that fall within the weight and maturity requirements indicated in the therapy; in any case, the adoption of a parasite prevention and control plan must take into account the presence of other animals in the family, the dog's lifestyle habits (e.g. frequent outdoor activity, contact with other species or wild animals), and the local epidemiological situation. The responsible and correct use of the product in the target species contributes not only to protecting the individual animal from infestations and related clinical consequences, but also to reducing the risk of transmission of parasites in the domestic environment. For all therapeutic decisions relating to the use of the specialty in different age groups, physiological conditions or in the presence of concomitant diseases, it is necessary to seek the advice of a veterinarian to define the dosage, duration of treatment and any complementary environmental and health control measures.