CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,
Medication: Afoxolaner
Medication: Afoxolaner
Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient afoxolaner to treat and control flea and tick infestations.
Key points:
• Ectoparasiticide.
• Do not use in cats.
• Do not give to puppies <8 weeks old or <4 lbs (2 kg) in weight.
• Safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals has not been evaluated.
• Dosage: every 30 days.
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, Brand names, Class of medication and storage
Name
- Afoxolaner (ay-FOK-soh-LAN-er).
Brand name
- NexGard® (USA).
- Frontpro® (Europe & UK).
- NexGard Spectra® (in combination with milbemycin oxime) (Europe & UK).
Class of medication
- Ectoparasiticide.
- Insecticide and acaricide belonging to the isoxazoline family.
Storage
- Store at or below 86°F (30°C).
- Always wash your hands after handling the product.
Why has my dog been prescribed afoxolaner?
Your veterinarian has prescribed afoxolaner for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (C. felis and C. canis) in dogs. It lasts for at least 5 weeks and kills fleas before the adults produce eggs, preventing further household contamination.
It works by inducing hyperexcitation in the nervous system of susceptible insects. This leads to uncontrolled insect nervous system activity and death of insects such as fleas and acarines (mites or ticks). Fleas and ticks must attach to the host and commence feeding in order to be exposed to the active substance. For fleas, the onset of effect (death >95%) is within 8 hours of attachment.
Afoxolaner is also used for the treatment and control of several tick species for up to 1 month. For ticks, the onset of effect (>90%) is within 48 hours of attachment. Dependent on the geography, the following ticks can be controlled: Dermacentor reticulatus (Ornate cow or march tick) and D. variabilis (American dog tick), Ixodes ricinus (Castor bean tick) and Ixodes scapularis (Black-legged or deer tick), Rhipicephalus sanguineus Brown dog tick), Amblyomma americanum (Lone star tick) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (Cattle, scrub or bush tick).
How is the medication given?
Afoxolaner is given orally. There are four sizes of beef-flavored, soft chewable tablets available to be administered to dogs and puppies according to their weight. Make sure your dog consumes the complete dose. If you suspect that part of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of administration, re-dose with another full dose.
Do not use in puppies aged less than 8 weeks or in dogs and puppies weighing less than 4 lbs (2 kg). Afoxolaner should not be used to treat pregnant or lactating dogs or given to cats.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Drugs in the isoxazoline class have the potential to cause neurologic adverse effects, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures, especially in dogs with a history of epilepsy. Animals without a history of neurological conditions (eg epilepsy) have also been reported to experience these adverse effects.
In controlled field studies, the most frequently reported adverse reaction was vomiting (4%). This was generally self- limiting, of short duration and tended to decrease with subsequent doses. Other reactions reported include dry or flaky skin (3%), diarrhea (3%), lethargy (2 %) and anorexia (1%).
No drugs or vaccines have been demonstrated to be unsafe when given with afoxolaner. Let your veterinarian know if your dog is taking any other medications, vitamins, or supplements.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Afoxolaner is given at monthly intervals throughout the flea and/or tick seasons. Your veterinarian may recommend a different schedule based on local or regional circumstances and risk factors. In areas where fleas are a year-long problem, afoxolaner may be given every month.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused afoxolaner safely – don’t flush away down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save afoxolaner for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of administration, re-dose with another full dose. 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 in any 24-hour period. However, studies found that no adverse reactions were observed in studies of healthy puppies over 8 weeks of age when treated with 5 times the maximum dose repeated 6 times at intervals of 2-4 weeks.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Afoxolaner should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Do not give to dogs <8 weeks old or <4 lbs (2 kg) in weight
- Do not use in cats
- 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.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on Afoxolaner?
No specific tests are required while your dog is taking afoxolaner.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on afoxolaner can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate, UK (2022) NexGard Spectra Labelling and Package Leaflet. Website: vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/files/QRD_Documents/QRD-Auth_2258308.PDF
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate, UK (2022) NexGard Spectra Labelling and Package Leaflet. Website: www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/nexgard-epar-product-information_en.pdf
USA
- Boehringer Ingelheim (2020) NexGard (afoxolaner) Chewables. Website: nexgardforpets.com/
- US Food and Drug Administration (2021) Fact Sheet for Pet Owners and Veterinarians about Potential Adverse Events Associated with Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products. Website: www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/fact-sheet-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-adverse-events-associated-isoxazoline-flea.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.