Medication: Cefovecin

Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient cefovecin to treat a bacterial infection.

Key points:
• Antibiotic drug used to treat bacterial infections.
• Do not use in cats less than 8 weeks old (EU) and 12 weeks old (US).
• Do not give to pregnant, lactating or breeding cats within 12 weeks of injection.
• Dosage: single injection (not effective if given by mouth).

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

• Cefovecin (sef-oh-vee-sin).

Brand name

• Convenia® (UK, Europe & US).

Class of medication

• Cefovecin belongs to a class of antibiotics called the third generation cephalosporins. It kills bacteria by disrupting the building of the bacterial cell walls, so the bacteria die and the infection is cured. Like other antibiotics, cefovecin is not effective against all types of bacteria.

Storage

• Store powder and the reconstituted product in original carton, refrigerated at 2-8°C (32-46°F). Use entire contents of the vial within 28 days of reconstitution.
• Protect from light.

Your veterinarian has prescribed cefovecin for the treatment of skin and soft tissue abscesses and wounds or urinary tract infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to this antibiotic.

Cevofecin is given as a single subcutaneous injection. A second or third injection is sometimes given if therapy is incomplete.

The following adverse reactions have been reported:

• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blood in feces
• Dehydration
• Flatulence and increased bowel sounds.

Any person with an allergy to a cephalosporin or penicillin drug should avoid handling the drug and avoid contact with litter used by a cat being treated with cefovecin. If any symptoms occur after accidental exposure to the drug, eg a skin rash, seek the advice of a doctor. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes, or any difficulty breathing are more serious symptoms and require urgent medical attention. 

Cefovecin is a long-acting antimicrobial drug. The antibacterial effect following a single injection lasts for up to 14 days.

It is most likely that the injection will have been given to the pet in the veterinary clinic. Never dispose of medicines by flushing them away down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save cefovecin for future use or give to other pets.

Not applicable as it is likely that the cefovecin injection will have been given to the pet in the veterinary clinic.

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

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

• Do not give to other pets in the household.
• Do not use in cats less than 8 weeks old (EU) and 12 weeks old (US).
• 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 on cefovecin.

Further information

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

Europe & UK

• European Medicines Agency. Convenia®. Website: www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/convenia-epar-product-information_en.pdf

USA

• Zoetis (US) Convenia®. Website: www.zoetispetcare.com/products/convenia; www2.zoetisus.com/content/pages/products/petcare/Convenia-Resources/Documents/convenia-pi.pdf

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