Nexgard® (Afoxolan)

The drug content on Cnn Breaking News was written and reviewed by veterinarians to answer your most frequently asked questions about how drugs work, their side effects, and how they’re prescribed. This content should not replace your vet’s advice.

What is Nexgard®?

Nexgard ^® is an oral chewable tablet used to treat and prevent fleas and certain ticks in dogs. To prevent ticks, Nexgard ^® is indicated for the treatment and control of American dog ticks, black legged ticks, solitary star ticks and brown dog ticks.

Nexgard® is also used as an additional name to treat demodicosis, sarcoptic mange and ear mites in dogs. In addition, it has also been used in cats to treat ear mites and fleas, pigs to treat scabies, and birds to treat bird lice. The term “extra labelled” or “unapproved use” means that a drug can be used in a way or in a particular species of animal that is not specified on the drug label. While vets often prescribe medications for additional use, your vet will decide whether this medication is right for your dog.

How Nexgard® works

The active ingredient in Nexgard ^® is afoxolaner, which belongs to a newer class of flea and tick repellents called isoxazolines. Isoxazolines eliminate fleas and ticks by overwhelming their nervous systems, leading to paralysis and death.

Nexgard ^® works within the first few hours after administration to kill fleas that are on your pet. It is dosed by weight for dogs, so it is important that you use the right size medication for your pet. Weighing your dog regularly ensures that you are using the correct size product.

Nexgard® directions

Follow the instructions on the drug label or as directed by your vet. This medication is given orally once a month to dogs that weigh 4 pounds or more and are 8 weeks of age or older. You can give Nexgard ^® with or without food. If your dog vomits this medication within two hours of administration, repeat the dose by chewing it all over again.

Have you missed a dose?

If you forget to give a dose of Nexgard ^®, enter it when you remember and continue on a monthly dosing schedule. Do not give extra or double doses. If a long time has passed since the last dose, fleas may appear temporarily during the missed period.

Nexgard® Potential Side Effects

This medication is well tolerated by most pets, but side effects may include:

• Vomiting

• dry or itchy skin

• lethargy

• diarrhea

• loss of appetite

• Allergic reactions: hives or facial swelling

Neurological side effects have been observed following the use of drugs in this class of drugs. Tell your vet if your dog has a history of seizures or other neurological conditions. Neurological side effects may include:

• Muskelzittern

• Mangelne Coordination

• Anfälle

Side effects in humans

This medication is not intended for use in humans. It is recommended that you wash your hands after administration of this medication. If you accidentally take a veterinary medicine, call your doctor or the National Poison Control Center Hotline at 800-222-1222.

Überwachung

This medication does not require specific monitoring, but your vet may recommend routine testing, depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications they may be taking, and/or the issue that originally caused your pet to receive this medication.

Call your vet if:

• Serious side effects are observed (see above)

• Your pet’s condition does not get worse or improve with treatment

• You see or suspect an overdose

• You have further questions or concerns about using Nexgard ^®

Nexgard® overdose information

Nexgard ^® has a wide safety margin. Vomiting may be the only sign of an overdose of Nexgard ^®.

If you suspect an overdose, contact your vet immediately, seek emergency veterinary care, or call a pet poison center. Consulting fees are often charged.

Tiergift-Hotline (855) 764-7661

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435

Nexgard® storage

Nexgard ^® should be stored at controlled temperatures below 86 F, and short-term exposure to temperatures up to 104 F is acceptable. Keep the medication in the blister packs provided until you use it to protect it from moisture and light.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Nexgard® Frequently Asked Questions