Interceptor® Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) for Dogs

In a well-controlled laboratory study, Interceptor® Plus was 100% effective against induced heartworm infections when administered once monthly for 6 consecutive months.

Elimination of the adult stage of hookworm (A. caninum), roundworm (T. canis, T. leonina), whipworm (T. vulpis) and tapeworm (T. pisiformis, E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and D. caninum) infections in dogs was demonstrated in well-controlled laboratory studies.

Milbemycin oxime and praziquantel are the two active ingredients in Interceptor® Plus.

Interceptor® Plus has been demonstrated to be safe in healthy dogs when given according to labeled directions. Interceptor® Plus is approved for use in dogs and puppies 2 pounds of body weight or greater and 6 weeks of age and older.

The following adverse reactions have been reported in dogs after administration of milbemycin oxime or praziquantel: vomiting, diarrhea, depression/lethargy, ataxia, anorexia, convulsions, weakness and salivation.

Prior to administration of Interceptor® Plus, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections. At the discretion of the veterinarian, infected dogs should be treated to remove adult heartworms. Interceptor® Plus is not effective against adult D. immitis. Mild, transient hypersensitivity reactions, such as labored breathing, vomiting, hypersalivation and lethargy, have been noted in some dogs treated with milbemycin oxime carrying a high number of circulating microfilariae. These reactions are presumably caused by release of protein from dead or dying microfilariae.

Interceptor Plus is only available with a prescription from your veterinarian. Locate a vet near you.

Your veterinarian is your dog’s health care expert and can make the best recommendation about medications for your dog. This includes heartworm disease prevention and the control and treatment of intestinal parasites that may cause other parasite-related problems. Key points of your discussion may include the following:

* As with other heartworm preventives, dogs should be tested for heartworm disease before beginning treatment with Interceptor® Plus. Infected dogs should be treated to remove adult heartworms at the discretion of the veterinarian.

* Like all medications, keep Interceptor® Plus out of reach of children. Interceptor® Plus is not for use in humans.

Heartworm prevention products require a prescription obtained through a licensed veterinarian who has a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship with you and your dog. Your veterinarian is your best source of information about what’s best for your dog, including whether Interceptor® Plus might be the right choice for your dog. Before administering parasite protection such as Interceptor® Plus, it’s important for your veterinarian to test your dog for a heartworm infection.

The American Heartworm Society and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), an independent group established to create parasite-control guidelines, both recommend treating dogs year-round with broad-spectrum parasite protection.2,3 However, you should consult your veterinarian regarding specific recommendations. If you do not administer Interceptor® Plus monthly throughout the year, continue administering the protection for at least 6 months following the last exposure to mosquitoes for heartworm prevention.

Interceptor® Plus should be administered in a manner that encourages your dog to chew, rather than swallow whole. However, we do not expect a difference in the effectiveness of the product if your dog consumes it whole.

Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole.

Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you believe your dog has ingested more than the recommended dose of Interceptor® Plus.

Interceptor® Plus should be administered in a manner that encourages your dog to chew, rather than swallow whole. You may break or crush the chewable into pieces and feed them to your dog, making sure your dog consumes the complete dose. If you suspect that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.