Advantage Multi

I finally got around to ordering Cayman's flea and heartworm preventative. I decided on Advantage Multi since it prevents and kills fleas, prevents heartworm and also prevents internal parasites, unlike my tried and true Revolution does. I ordered a 6 month supply from PetCareRx.com which is actually going to be a three month supply for each dog, since Zoey fits in the weight range as well. I got free shipping and a $5 gift card to be used towards my next purchase. For those not familiar with this product, here is some info...

Brand Name Advantage Multi (Bayer)

Generic Name Imidacloprid, Moxidectin

What is the most important information I should know about Advantage Multi : Advantage Multi for Dogs is available in the following concentrations; Advantage Multi 9 containing imidacloprid 40mg and moxidectin 10mg in 0.4ml tubes for dogs 3-9 lbs, Advantage Multi 20 containing imidacloprid 100mg and moxidectin 25mg in 1 ml tubes for dogs 9.1 to 20 lbs, Advantage Multi 55 containing imidacloprid 250mg and moxidectin 62.5mg in 2.5ml tubes for dogs 20.1-55 lbs and Advantage Multi 88 containing imidacloprid 400mg and moxidectin 100mg in 4 ml tubes for dogs 55.1 to 88 lbs. For dogs over 88 lbs use the appropriate combination. Advantage Multi for Cats is available in the follo0wing concentrations; Advantage Multi 5 containing imidacloprid 23mg and moxidectin 2.3mg in 0.23ml tubes for cats 2 to 5 lbs, Advantage Multi 9 containing imidacloprid 40mg and moxidectin 4mg in 0.4ml tubes for cats 5.1 to 9 lbs, and Advantage Multi 18 containing imidacloprid 80mg and moxidectin 8mg in 0.8ml tubes for cats 9.1 to 18 lbs. For cats over 18 lbs use the appropriate combination. Children should not come in contact with the application site for 30 minutes after application. What is Advantage Multi: Advantage Multi for Dogs and Advantage Multi for Cats contain a combination of insecticide (imidacloprid) and endectocide (moxidectin) used for the prevention of heartworm disease and the treatment and control of flea infestations, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms in dogs and for the prevention of heartworm disease and the treatment and control of flea infestations, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites in cats. What should I discuss with my veterinarian before applying Advantage Multi : Tell your veterinarian if your pet is breeding, pregnant or lactating since safe use of this product in these animals has not been determined. Do not use in animals allergic to Advantage Multi or either of the individual ingredients, imidacloprid (Advantage, K9 Advantix) or moxidectin (ProHeart). How should this medication be used: Advantage Multi is applied topically to the skin. It is not given by mouth. Follow the manufacturer¿s directions for application. Do not apply to irritated skin. Apply each dose once a month, every 30 days. If you do not understand the directions, or if you have difficulty applying the medication, contact your pharmacist or veterinarian. Store Advantage Multi for Cats at temperatures between 39º F and 86º F, avoiding excess heat or cold. What happens if I miss giving a dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to apply the next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next dose as directed. Do not apply 2 doses at once. What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include depression, increased salivation, tremors, or incoordination. What should I avoid when applying Advantage Multi: Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. Do not use in dogs under 7 weeks of age or less than 3 lbs. Do not use in cats under 9 weeks of age or less than 2 lbs. Do not use on animals that are sick, debilitated, or underweight. Do not use Advantage Multi for Dogs on a cat. Do not use Advantage Multi for Cats on a dog. Do not allow any animal to lick the application site for 30 minutes. Separation of treated animals may be necessary. Children should not come in contact with the application site for 30 minutes after application. Advantage Multi can cause eye irritation and be harmful if swallowed. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. What are the possible side effects of Advantage Multi: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop using Advantage Multi and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma). Continue using Advantage Multi for Dogs and contact your veterinarian if your dog shows scratching, rubbing, licking the application site; lethargy, decreased appetite, or hyperactivity. Continue using Advantage Multi for Cats and contact your veterinarian if your cat shows lethargy and prolonged periods of sleep; behavioral changes including agitation, excessive grooming, hiding, pacing, etc.; discomfort at the application site (rubbing, scratching, et.); increased salivation within 1 hour of treatment; increased drinking; or coughing. A medicinal odor and residue at the application site may also be seen. If the dog or cat ingests the product or licks the application site, serious adverse effects may occur including depression, salivation, incoordination, panting and tremors. Hair may appear stiff, matted oily, or damp after application. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal. What other drugs will affect Advantage Multi: Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist regarding any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, and other flea and tick products your pet is using. Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Advantage Multi for Dogs written by health professionals that you may read.

This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies

Advantage Multi^® (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution is to be administered monthly, and when applied directly to your pet's skin, prevents heartworm disease, kills adult fleas and controls flea infestations, and treats and controls intestinal worms. The two active ingredients in Advantage Multi are imidacloprid and moxidectin. Imidacloprid has a high affinity for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the post-synaptic region of the nervous system of fleas. The ensuing inhibition of cholinergic transmission in insects (i.e., fleas) results in paralysis and death. Moxidectin interacts with gaba-amniobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate-gated chloride channels. This leads to opening of the chloride channels on the post-synaptic junction, the inflow of chloride ions and induction of an irreversible resting state. The result is flaccid paralysis of susceptible parasites, followed by their death and/or expulsion.

Advantage Multi for Dogs combines 100 percent prevention for heartworm disease, as shown in clinical trials, with the flea control of Advantage^®, and the treatment and control of intestinal worms (hookworms, roundworms and whipworms) - all in one, convenient, monthly topical solution.

Key Benefits¹:

• 100 percent effective at preventing heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, as shown in clinical trials.
• 100 percent effective treatment and control of hookworm infections caused by Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala (adults, immature adults and fourth stage larvae).
• Up to 98.2 percent effective treatment and control of roundworm infections caused by Toxocara canis (adults and fourth stage larvae).
• Up to 100 percent effective for the treatment and control roundworm infection caused by Toxascaris leonina (adults).
• Up to 98.6 percent effective treatment and control of whipworm infections caused by Trichuris vulpis (adults).
• Safe and effective, when used topically as directed, for dogs and puppies that are at least seven weeks of age and that weigh at least three pounds.

Pets and their owners alike will be excited by the convenience of Advantage Multi^® for Dogsveterinarian will determine the correct dosage for your dog by his/her weight. Once a month, the pre-measured dose is applied to the surface of the dog's skin. (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution. Your

Advantage Multi for Dogs is available in the four different sizes:

• Puppies/Dogs 3 - 9 lbs.
• Puppies/Dogs 9.1 - 20 lbs.
• Puppies/Dogs 20.1 - 55 lbs.
• Dogs over 55.1 lbs.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended minimum dose is 4.5mg/lb (10.0 mg/kg) imidacloprid and 1.1 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg) moxidectin, once a month by topical administration.

Do not apply to irritated skin

1. Remove one dose applicator tube from package. As specified in the following table, administer the entire contents of the tube that correctly corresponds to the body weight of the dog.
   
   
   

   * Dogs over 88 lbs. should be treated with the appropriate combination of Advantage Multi for Dogs tubes.

2. While holding the tube in an upright position, remove the cap from the tube.
3. Turn the cap over and push the other end of cap onto the tip of the tube.
4. Twist the cap to break the seal and then remove the cap from the tube.
5. The dog should be standing for application. Part the hair on the back of the dog between the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Do not apply an amount of solution at any one location that could run off the side of the dog.
   
   

   For dogs less than 20 lbs:

   For dogs weighing 20 lbs. or less, place the tip of the tube on the skin and apply the entire contents directly on the exposed skin at one spot between the shoulder blades.

   

   For dogs larger than 20 lbs:

   For dogs weighing more than 20 lbs., place the tip of the tube on the skin and apply the entire contents directly on the exposed skin at three or four spots on the top of the backline from the base of the neck to the upper back in an area inaccessible to licking.

   

Do not let this product get in your dog's mouth or eyes.
Do not allow the dog to lick any of the application sites for 30 minutes. In households with multiple pets, keep each treated dog separated from other treated dogs and other pets for 30 minutes after application to prevent licking the application sites. (See indications and warnings)

Stiff hair, a damp appearance of hair, pink skin or a slight powdery residue may be observed at the application site on some animals. This is temporary and does not affect the safety and effectiveness of the product.

Shampooing 90 minutes after treatment does not reduce effectiveness in the prevention of heartworm disease.

Shampooing or water immersion four days after treatment will not reduce the effectiveness in the treatment of flea infestations. However, shampooing as often as once weekly may reduce the effectiveness of the product against fleas.

Warning:
For the first 30 minutes after application:
Ensure that dogs cannot lick the product from application sites on themselves or other treated dogs, and separate treated dogs from one another and from other pets to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Ingestion of this product by dogs may cause serious adverse reactions including depression, salivation, dilated pupils, incoordination, panting, and generalized muscle tremors. In avermectin-sensitive dogs, the signs may be more severe and may include coma and death.¹

About Advantage Multi Combination Flea and Heartworm Control

Bayer introduced the now very popular advantage flea control products for dogs and cats over eight years ago. The traditional advantage flea control is an easy to apply, monthly, topical spot on just for fleas that does not control heartworms. All advantage products are designed to repel and kill fleas in both adult and larvae stages and also in the pet's surrounding area.

Now Bayer has taken the traditional advantage flea control one step further and added heartworm protection to it's new product, Advantage Multi. The old Advantage product, which is still available, does not require a prescription, however, new Advantage Multi does. This is because it is important to make sure your pet is free of heartworms before you begin any heartworm protection regimen. Heartworm meds can do more harm than good if your pet is already suffering from heartworm disease. Consequently, heartworm medications require a prescription to show that your pet is currently free of the parasite. Heartworm product prescriptions usually last about one year.

Advantage Multi products conveniently help protect against fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms in both dogs and cats. In addition, Advantage Multi for Cats helps control ear mites in felines, and, Advantage Multi for Dogs helps control canine sarcoptic mange in dogs. Advantage Multi flea and heartworm control can be used on puppies and kittens over three pounds, after nine weeks of age for kittens and seven weeks of age for puppies.

The ability to protect your pet from both fleas and heartworms in one easy to apply product is a nice convenience, however, it is important to note that both the traditional Advantage and the new Advantage Multi are not designed to kill, repel, or prevent ticks. Consequently, you may wish to try another product like Revolution should you need protection against ticks as well. The product K9 Advantix for dogs, also a Bayer product, protects against both ticks and fleas but does not control heartworms. The differences between the three Bayer products can be a little confusing sometimes so we've provided a little additional information below to help you make a decision regarding which is best for your individual pet's particular situation.