Introduction

Merial Logo

Company name: Merial Animal Health Ltd

Address: PO Box 327

Sandringham House

Harlow Business Park

Harlow

Essex CM19 5TG

Telephone: Companion Animals 0870 6000123

Production Animals 0800 592699

Fax: 01279 775888

Email: ukenquiry@merial.com

Website: www.merial.com

Presentation

Oral paste containing: 1.55% w/w ivermectin and 7.75% w/w praziquantel.

Uses

For the treatment of mixed cestode (tapeworm) and nematode (roundworm) or arthropod (bot) infestations in horses.

The following parasites of horses are sensitive to the antiparasitic effects of EQVALAN DUO:

Tapeworms:

Anoplocephala perfoliata

Large strongyles:

Strongylus vulgaris (adults and arterial larval stages)

Strongylus edentatus (adults and tissue larval stages)

Strongylus equinus (adults)

Triodontophorus spp (adults)

Triodontophorus brevicauda

Triodontophorus serratus

Craterostomum acuticaudatum (adults)

Adult and immature (fourth-stage larvae) small strongyles or cyathostomes, including benzimidazole-resistant strains:

Coronocyclus spp

Coronocyclus coronatus

Coronocyclus labiatus

Coronocyclus labratus

Cyathostomum spp

Cyathostomum catinatum

Cyathostomum pateratum

Cylicocyclus spp

Cylicocyclus ashworthi

Cylicocyclus elongatus

Cylicocyclus insigne

Cylicocyclus leptostomum

Cylicocyclus nassatus

Cylicodontophorus spp

Cylicodontophorus bicornatus

Cylicostephanus spp

Cylicostephanus calicatus

Cylicostephanus goldi

Cylicostephanus longibursatus

Cylicostephanus minutus

Parapoteriostomum spp

Parapoteriostomum mettami

Petrovinema spp

Petrovinema poculatum

Poteriostomum spp

Adult hairworms: Trichostrongylus axei

Adult and immature pinworms: Oxyuris equi

Adult, third- and fourth-stage larvae of roundworms (ascarids): Parascaris equorum

Microfilariae of neck threadworms: Onchocerca spp

Adult intestinal threadworms: Strongyloides westeri

Adult large-mouth stomach worms: Habronema muscae

Oral and gastric stages of bots: Gasterophilus spp

Adult and immature lungworms: Dictyocaulus arnfieldi

Dosage and administration

The recommended dose is 200 mcg ivermectin per kg bodyweight and 1mg praziquantel per kg bodyweight (corresponding to 1.29g of paste per 100kg bodyweight in a single treatment).

Bodyweight and dosage should be accurately determined prior to treatment. The contents of one syringe will treat horses up to 600kg.

Calibrated markings are provided at 100kg bodyweight intervals. The syringe should be adjusted to the calculated dosage by setting the ring on the appropriate place on the plunger.

Parasite control program

Veterinary advice should be sought on appropriate dosing programs and stock management to achieve adequate parasite control for both tapeworm and roundworm infestations.

Dosing instructions

EQVALAN DUO oral paste is for oral administration only. While holding the plunger, turn the knurled ring on the plunger ¼ turn to the left and slide it so the stop ring is at the prescribed weight marking. Lock the ring in place by turning it ¼ turn to the right in order to bring the two arrows, the one visible on the ring and the one on the plunger rod, into alignment. Make sure the horse's mouth contains no feed. Remove the cover from the tip of the syringe. Insert the syringe tip into the horse’s mouth at the interdental space and deposit the paste on the base of the tongue. Immediately raise the horse’s head for a few seconds after dosing and ensure that the paste is consumed.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

Safety studies were not conducted in foals younger than 2 months of age, nor in stallions, therefore EQVALAN DUO cannot be recommended for use in these categories of animals.

The use of EQVALAN DUO may be dangerous to aquatic life. Horses should not have direct access to surface waters and ditches during treatment.

EQVALAN DUO has been formulated for use in horses only. Cats, dogs, especially Collies, Old English Sheepdogs and related breeds or crosses, and also turtles and tortoises may be adversely affected by the concentration of ivermectin in this product if they are allowed to ingest spilled paste or have access to used syringes.

Parasite resistance to any particular class of anthelmintic may develop following frequent, repeated use of an anthelmintic of that class.

Some horses with heavy infections of Onchocerca spp. microfilariae have experienced oedema and pruritus following treatment, assumed to be the result of the death of large numbers of microfilariae. These signs resolve within a few days but symptomatic treatment may be advisable. In cases of heavy infestations with tapeworms, signs of mild, transient colic and diarrhoea may be observed. There have been rare reports of swelling and irritation of the mouth, lip and tongue, and of salivation following administration of EQVALAN DUO. These reactions have been transitory in nature, appearing within 1 hour and abating within 24-48 hours following administration.

No undesirable effects related to treatment were observed in 2 month old horses treated with EQVALAN DUO at up to three times the recommended dose and in adult horses treated at ten times the recommended dose. Transient decreased food consumption, increased body temperature and impairment of vision were noticed in horses treated twice with an ivermectin oral paste at ten times the recommended dose (i.e., 2 mg/kg b.w.). All changes disappeared within five days. No antidote has been identified; however, symptomatic therapy may be beneficial.

User warnings

Wash hands after use.

Do not smoke, eat or drink while handling the product.

For animal treatment only.

This product may cause skin and eye irritation. Therefore, the user should avoid contact of the product with the skin and eyes. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

In the case of accidental ingestion or eye irritation after contact seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Ivermectin-Praziquantel combination can be used after the first three months of gestation and during lactation. In the absence of clinical data in early pregnancy EQVALAN DUO can only be used in the first three months of gestation according to a risk benefit analysis by the veterinarian.

Withdrawal periods

Meat: 30 days. Do not use in mares producing milk for human consumption.

Container disposal

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR FISH AND AQUATIC LIFE. Do not contaminate surface waters or ditches with product or used syringes. Dispose of any unused product and empty syringes in accordance with guidance from your local waste regulation authority.