Vetmedin CA-1 (Pimobendan) Chewable Tablets

Vetmedin-CA1 (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets, containing pimobendan, are used to postpone the development of congestive heart failure in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease. Vetmedin-CA1 chewable Tablets work in two ways: they relax the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart, and they also enhance the function of the heart muscles to improve their efficiency. According to research, dogs given VETMEDIN-CA1 showed an average of 15 extra months of symptom-free life compared to dogs given a placebo. The Vetmedin-CA1 tablets are chewable and have a beef flavor.

• VETMEDIN-CA1 (pimobendan) is advised for dogs with Stage B2 MMVD to help delay the onset of congestive heart failure.
• May extend days without symptoms in dogs.
• VETMEDIN-CA1 (pimobendan) aids dogs in maintaining their participation in their favorite daily tasks.
• Offered in two different strengths (1.25 mg and 5 mg), this chewable tablet comes in a beef flavor for easy consumption.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Please note product may arrive in a Hardy Paw Pharmacy vial, manufacturer packaging is shown for reference.

Dosage and Administration:

Always provide the Client Information Sheet to the dog owner with each prescription. VETMEDIN-CA1 should be administered orally at a total daily dose of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) body weight, using a suitable combination of whole or half tablets. The total daily dose should be divided into 2 portions that are not necessarily equal, and the portions should be administered approximately 12 hours apart (i.e., morning and evening). The tablets are scored, and the calculated dosage should provided to the nearest half-tablet increment.

Contraindications:

Do not administer VETMEDIN-CA1 in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons.

Do not administer VETMEDIN-CA1 to dogs with Stage A or B1 preclinical MMVD (2019 ACVIM Consensus Statement) due to the risk of cardiac pathology associated with exaggerated hemodynamic responses to VETMEDIN-CA1.

Warnings:

User Safety Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans.

Animal Safety Warnings: Keep VETMEDIN-CA1 in a secure location out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. At 3 and 5 times the recommended dosage, administered over 6 months, pimobendan caused an exaggerated hemodynamic response in the normal dog heart, which was associated with cardiac pathology.

Precautions:

For use only in dogs with preclinical MMVD that have a moderate or loud mitral murmur due to mitral regurgitation and cardiomegaly (Stage B2 MMVD, 2019 ACVIM Consensus Statement). A diagnosis of MMVD should be made using a comprehensive physical and cardiac examination which should include radiography and echocardiography.

Stage B2 cardiomegaly is diagnosed based on meeting all three of the following criteria:

• Radiographic vertebral heart score (VHS) >10.5, and
• Echocardiographic left atrium/aorta ratio (LA/Ao ratio) ≥1.6, and
• Echocardiographic left ventricular internal diastolic diameter normalized to body weight (LVIDDN) ≥1.7.

Echocardiographic examination is recommended in all cases to diagnose MMVD and confirm cardiomegaly. If therapy is initiated before the development of cardiomegaly, treated dogs are at risk for cardiac pathology associated with exaggerated hemodynamic responses to VETMEDIN-CA1.

If only radiographic examination is possible, cardiomegaly may be diagnosed in cases where the VHS ≥11.5 and the vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) ≥3.01,2. If radiographic cardiomegaly does not meet both of these criteria, an echocardiogram should be performed before the initiation of therapy with VETMEDIN-CA1.

VETMEDIN-CA1 has not been evaluated in dogs receiving concomitant heart medications.

The safety of VETMEDIN-CA1 has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease caused by etiologies other than MMVD. The safe use of VETMEDIN-CA1 has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or lactating bitches.

Storage Information:

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (between 59° and 86°F).

FAQ

What is the most important thing I should know about Vetmedin-CA1?

For dogs with valvular insufficiency it extends life and improves quality of life.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Vetmedin-CA1 to my pet?

If there is a prescription for Vetmedin CA-1, there should be no questions. If there is no prescription, they should ask if their dog is a candidate for Vetmedin CA-1. VETMEDIN-CA1 should be given to your dog once a veterinarian has confirmed that it meets the criteria for Stage B2 preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease.

How should Vetmedin-CA1 be given?

Give by mouth as prescribed.

What are the potential side effects of Vetmedin-CA1?

The most common side effects seen in dogs with Stage B2 MMVD while taking VETMEDIN-CA1 Chewable Tablets are cough, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy (lack of energy), and localized pain (such as in the neck or legs). If side effects occur, consult your veterinarian. 

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Vetmedin-CA1?

If a dose of VETMEDIN-CA1 is missed give the next scheduled dose at the normal time. There’s no need to give a higher dose.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Vetmedin-CA1?

Call your veterinarian.

What should I avoid while giving Vetmedin-CA1 to my pet?

Avoid leaving the bottle where the dog can access it. There are reported cases where dogs get into the bottle and eat all the tablets.

What other drugs will affect Vetmedin-CA1?

There are no known adverse drug interactions