Medication: Fluralaner

Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient fluralaner to treat and control flea and tick infestations.

Key points:
• Ectoparasiticide.
• Do not use in cats aged less than 6 months old or cats weighing less than 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs).
• Use with caution in cats with pre-existing epilepsy.
• Do not administer at intervals of less than 8 weeks.
• Dosage: every 12 weeks for flea infestations and every 12 or 8 weeks depending on the tick species.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. 

Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.  

Name

• Fluralaner (FLUR-ah-LAN-er).

Brand name

• Bravecto® (Europe & UK, USA).

Class of drug

• Ectoparasiticide. Insecticide and acaricide belonging to the isoxazoline family.

Storage

• Shelf life as packaged for sale: 2 years.
• Do not store above 86°F (30°C).
• Pipettes should be kept in the outer packaging to prevent solvent loss or moisture uptake. The sachets should only be opened immediately prior to use.

Your veterinarian has prescribed fluralaner for the treatment of fleas and ticks:

• Fleas:
  • Immediate and persistent flea (Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis) killing activity for 12 weeks.
  • Onset of effect is within 8 hours for fleas.
  • Part of treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
  • Contributes to control of the environmental flea populations in areas to which treated dogs and cats have access.
• Ticks:
  • Immediate and persistent tick killing activity for up to 12 weeks depending on tick species:
    • Onset of effect is within 12 hours for ticks.
    • EU: Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus.
    • US: Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus.
  • Immediate and persistent tick killing activity for 8 weeks:
    • EU: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (chewable tablet).
    • US: Amblyomma americanum.

Juvenile flea stages (eggs, larvae) and tick stages (larvae, nymphs) are more sensitive than adult fleas and ticks.

Fluralaner is also effective against Sarcoptes scabei (sarcoptic mange), demodetic mange, Linognathus setosus (sucking lice) and prevents transmission of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum.

Fluralaner is given to cats topically as a spot-on via a pipette.

There are three sizes of pipette strength available to be administered to cats according to their weight. The pipettes should not be divided amongst pets, and the medication should not be given at intervals of less than 8 weeks. The recommended dose frequency is:

• Every 12 weeks for optimal control of flea infestations.
• Every 12 or 8 weeks depending on the tick species.

Fluralaner can be used in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats.

Mild and transient gastrointestinal effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, inappetence, and drooling have been reported. Mild and transient skin reactions have been reported following topical application. Other reactions that have been seen are lethargy, polydipsia and flatulence.

Fluralaner is an isoxazoline and potential side-effects of this class of drug are neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, incoordination, and seizures. Therefore, fluralaner should be used with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.

There are no known interactions of fluralaner with other drugs.

Fluralaner is given throughout the flea and/or tick seasons at 12 week intervals (fleas) or 8-12 weeks intervals (for ticks).Your veterinarian may recommend a different schedule based on local or regional circumstances and risk factors.

Dispose of any unused fluralaner safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save fluralaner for future use or give to other pets.

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount.

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice. 

Fluralaner should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:

• Do not give to other pets in the household
• Use with caution in cats with pre-existing epilepsy
• If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

No specific tests are required while your cat is taking fluralaner.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on fluralaner can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

• European Medicines Agency. Bravecto. Website: www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/bravecto-epar-product-information_en.pdf
• European Medicines Agency. Bravecto. Website: www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/veterinary/EPAR/bravecto
• MSD Animal Health Bravecto. Website: www.bravecto.co.uk/

USA

• Merck Animal Health  Bravecto® for Cats. us.bravecto.com/cats/bravecto-for-cats/
• Merck Animal Health Bravecto Plus® for Cats. us.bravecto.com/cats/bravecto-plus-for-cats/

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.