What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
-
-
Description
Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a medication used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian with other therapies to manage the signs of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure in dogs associated with clinical myxomatous mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Vetmedin is available in chewable tablets for oral administration.
Directions
Administer Vetmedin to your dog as your veterinarian has prescribed. Your veterinarian will determine an appropriate treatment regimen and Vetmedin dosage for your dog based on its weight.
For further instructions for use, including storage details, refer to the medication guide that comes with the Vetmedin prescription.
Contact your veterinarian right away if you have any questions or concerns.
Ingredients
Pimobendan is the active ingredient in Vetmedin.
Contraindications
Dogs with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is not appropriate for functional or anatomical reasons should not be given Vetmedin.
Cautions
- Before your dog starts treatment with Vetmedin, inform your veterinarian of:
- All the medications your dog takes
- Your dogās allergies
- Your dogās current health problems and past medical history
- Your dogās breeding, pregnancy or nursing status
- Vetmedin is not for human use or use in other animals; keep the medication away from children and other pets.
- The safety of Vetmedin in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes or other metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant/lactating dogs has not been evaluated.
- The safety of Vetmedin in dogs that have asymptomatic heart disease or heart failure due to etiologies other than myxomatous mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy has not been assessed.
Side Effects
Poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, shortness of breath, increased levels of urea and nitrogen compounds in the blood, weakness and coordination problems, pleural effusion, fainting, cough, sudden death, swelling/edema, and heart murmur are possible Vetmedin side effects; however, other side effects may occur.
Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog is experiencing bothersome or persistent side effects.
Looking for a competitive Vetmedin price? Here, you can buy Vetmedin online and with a valid prescription from your veterinarian!
Reference
- Vetmedin. Duluth, GA: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.; 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vetmedin
What is Vetmedin used for in dogs?
Vetmedin is used for managing the signs of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs due to clinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). It acts as both a positive inotrope and a balanced vasodilator, simultaneously dilating veins and arteries.
Can Vetmedin and furosemide be taken together?
Vetmedin can be taken alongside furosemide (a diuretic) as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Can Vetmedin make my dog worse?
Vetmedin does not typically make dogs worse. It is designed to improve heart function and quality of life in dogs with heart failure.
How long does Vetmedin prolong life?
Vetmedin has been shown to increase survival times in dogs with heart failure. Clinical studies indicate that dogs treated with Vetmedin at the onset of clinical signs lived almost twice as long from the start of treatment compared to those treated with an ACE inhibitor.
How long can my dog go without Vetmedin?
Dogs should not go without Vetmedin unless advised by a veterinarian. Regular administration is crucial for managing heart failure symptoms.
Can Vetmedin cause kidney failure in dogs?
Vetmedin is not known to cause kidney failure in dogs. However, consult your vet if you have specific concerns.
How does Vetmedin work?
Vetmedin relaxes blood vessels, improves heart muscle function, and helps the heart work more efficiently. It enters the GI tract and is rapidly absorbed.
Does Vetmedin make dogs sleepy?
Vetmedin may cause mild lethargy in some dogs, but it does not consistently make them sleepy.
Can Vetmedin be given with food?
Vetmedin can be given with or without food. Follow your vetās instructions for administration.
How long does it take for Vetmedin to work?
Vetmedin starts working rapidly after ingestion, but individual responses may vary. Consult your vet for specific guidance.
Product Code : 13328
-