Nexgard Spectra
Nexgard Spectra Questions
What conditions does Nexgard Spectra treat?
It is licensed for use in dogs with, or at risk from, mixed infestations by external and internal parasites. The veterinary medicinal product is only indicated when use against ticks, fleas, or mites and one or more of the other target parasites is indicated at the same time.
External parasites
Treatment of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis and C. canis). The veterinary medicinal product provides immediate and persistent killing activity for 5 weeks. The product can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
Treatment of tick infestations (Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hyalomma marginatum). The veterinary medicinal product provides immediate and persistent killing activity for 4 weeks.
Fleas and ticks must attach to the host and commence feeding in order to be exposed to the active substance.
Treatment of demodicosis (caused by Demodex canis).
Treatment of sarcoptic mange (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis).
Treatment of ear mite infestations (caused by Otodectes cynotis).
Gastrointestinal nematodes
Treatment of infestations with adult gastrointestinal nematodes of the following species: roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma ceylanicum) and whipworm (Trichuris vulpis).
Other nematodes
Prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis larvae) with monthly
administration.
Prevention of angiostrongylosis (by reduction of the level of infection with
immature adult (L5) and adult stages of Angiostrongylus vasorum) with monthly administration.
Prevention of establishment of thelaziosis (adult Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm infection) with monthly administration.
Fleas and ticks need to start feeding on the host to become exposed to afoxolaner; therefore, the risk of the transmission of vector-borne diseases cannot be excluded.
How does Nexgard Spectra work?
It contains Afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime.
Afoxolaner:
Afoxolaner is an insecticide and acaricide which affects neurotransmission and movement of chloride across cell membranes.It is active against adult fleas as well as against several tick species such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor reticulatus and D. variabilis, Ixodes Ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus and I. scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, Haemaphysalis longicornis, and Hyalomma marginatum.
Afoxolaner kills fleas before egg production and therefore prevents the risk of household contamination.
Milbemycin oxime:
Milbemycin oxime is an antiparasitic endectocide belonging to the group of macrocyclic lactones. Milbemycin oxime contains two major factors, A3 and A4 (ratio of 20:80 for A3:A4). Milbemycin oxime acts by disrupting the glutamate neuro-transmission in invertebrates.
Milbemycin oxime is active against several gastrointestinal worms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Trichuris vulpis), the adults and immature adults (L5) of lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum and heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis larvae).
How should I administer Nexgard Spectra to my pet?
It comes as a chewable tablet so by mouth, orally. This product may cause gastrointestinal disturbances if ingested by the person administering it.
- Keep tablets in the blister packs until required and keep the blisters in the outer carton.
- In case of accidental ingestion, particularly in the case of children, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
- Wash hands after use.
What is the correct dosage of Nexgard Spectra for my animal's weight and species?
The correct dose for your animal is as prescribed by your vet. Your vet will follow the data sheet for the medication prescribed and for some medications will adjust this taking into consideration your animal's medical history.
How long should I continue with Nexgard Spectra for?
You should continue for the length of time your vet prescribed the medication for. Please read the label your vet has attached to the medication. If you suspect that your pet may be having an adverse reaction to a medication, please contact your vet for advice on continuing the medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Nexgard Spectra?
If you miss a dose of medication, please contact your vet for advice on when to give the next dose.
Where can I buy Nexgard Spectra?
You can purchase Nexgard Spectra cheaper than from your Vet Practice from www.vets4u.uk. To contact vets4u.uk, call us on +44 116 218 4244 between 09:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday, chat to us directly or email us at mail@vets4u.uk
Does Nexgard Spectra need a prescription?
Yes, as it is classified as a POM-V.
How can I buy Nexgard Spectra from Vets4u?
You can buy Nexgard Spectra via our website via a valid prescription by adding to the basket on our website www.vets4u.uk.
Manufacturer’s Link to Nexgard Spectra
NOAH Compendium Datasheet Link to Nexgard Spectra
What are the side-effects of Nexgard Spectra?
Uncommon (1-10 animals/1000 animals)-vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, anorexia, itchiness
Very rare (<1 animal/10000 animals treated)- erythema (skin redness), neurological signs (convulsions, ataxia, muscle tremors).
What is Nexgard Spectra for dogs?
It is an anti-parasitic tablet.
Which is better, Nexgard Spectra or Bravecto?
They contain different medications so please discuss your pet’s specific needs with your vet to decide which you prefer to use.
Is Nexgard Spectra safe for dogs?
It is licensed for dogs to be safe at the prescribed dose. Any animal however can have an adverse reaction to any drug so please discuss further with your vet if you have concerns.
How does Nexgard Spectra compare against Milbemax?
Milbemax treats intestinal worms plus eye worm, heart worm and lungworm, it does not treat the parasites that live on the skin such as fleas and ticks.
Answers Compiled by our RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon.