BRAVECTO offers a range of products designed for long-lasting flea and tick protection for both dogs and cats. Available in chewable tablets, topical solutions, and extended-release injectable suspensions, BRAVECTO utilizes the active ingredient fluralaner, a member of the isoxazoline class. This class of drugs has been associated with potential neurologic side effects, underscoring the importance of understanding BRAVECTO’s safety profile and efficacy. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of BRAVECTO products, their indications, potential side effects, and crucial safety information for pet owners.
BRAVECTO Products for Dogs
BRAVECTO offers several formulations for canine use, each with specific age and duration of efficacy guidelines.
BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs
BRAVECTO Chews provide up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks. The most commonly reported adverse reactions associated with this product include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, anorexia, and pruritus. It is indicated for dogs 6 months of age and older and has not been proven effective for its 12-week duration in puppies younger than 6 months. Additionally, BRAVECTO Chews are not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing.
BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews
This formulation provides one month of protection. Reported adverse reactions are similar to the 12-week chews and include itching, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, elevated ALT, lethargy, and weight loss. It is indicated for dogs 8 weeks of age and older and is not effective against lone star ticks in puppies under 6 months.
BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs
Similar to the chews, the topical solution offers up to 12 weeks of protection. Common side effects include vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and moist dermatitis/rash. This product is for topical use only, and oral ingestion should be avoided. It is indicated for dogs 6 months of age and older and, like the 12-week chews, has not been shown to be effective for its full duration in puppies under 6 months and has reduced efficacy against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks.
BRAVECTO QUANTUM (Extended-Release Injectable Suspension)
BRAVECTO QUANTUM provides extended-release protection. In a US field study, the most commonly reported adverse reactions were lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, and pruritus. This injectable is indicated for dogs 6 months of age and older and is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 months of dosing.
BRAVECTO Products for Cats
BRAVECTO also offers solutions for flea and tick control in feline companions.
BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats
This topical solution is designed for flea and tick treatment in cats. Commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and scabs/ulcerated lesions. It is indicated for cats 6 months of age and older. It’s important to note that BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats is not effective against American dog ticks beyond 8 weeks and has not been shown to be effective for its 12-week duration in kittens younger than 6 months. The safety of this product has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. It is for topical use only, and oral ingestion should be avoided.
BRAVECTO PLUS (Fluralaner and Moxidectin Topical Solution) for Cats
BRAVECTO PLUS combines fluralaner with moxidectin for broader protection, including heartworm prevention. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, itching, diarrhea, lethargy, dry skin, elevated ALT, and hypersalivation. This product has not been shown to be effective for 2 months in kittens younger than 6 months. Use with caution in cats that are heartworm positive, as the effectiveness against heartworm disease after bathing or water immersion has not been evaluated. The safety of BRAVECTO PLUS has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. It is indicated for cats 6 months of age and older.
Important Safety Information Regarding Isoxazoline Class Drugs
All BRAVECTO products contain fluralaner, a member of the isoxazoline class. This class of drugs has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in both dogs and cats receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in individuals without a prior history of seizures or neurological disorders. Therefore, caution is advised when using BRAVECTO products in pets with a history of seizures or neurological conditions.
Conclusion
BRAVECTO provides effective and long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks for dogs and cats. However, it is crucial for pet owners to be aware of the potential adverse reactions, particularly those related to the isoxazoline class of drugs. Always follow the specific dosage instructions, age restrictions, and contraindications provided for each BRAVECTO product. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate flea and tick prevention product for your pet’s individual needs and health history.
