Program Oral Suspension for Cats

Introduction

Company name: Novartis Animal Health UK Ltd

Address: Frimley Business Park

Frimley

Camberley

Surrey

GU16 7SR

Telephone: 01276 694402

Fax: 01276 694403

Presentation

White aqueous suspension for oral administration.

For small cats and kittens

Package contains six ampoules wrapped in foil laminate sachet. One ampoule dispenses 1.9 g of suspension containing 133 mg of the active ingredient lufenuron.

For large cats

Package contains six ampoules wrapped in foil laminate sachet. One ampoule dispenses 3.8 g of suspension containing 266 mg of the active ingredient lufenuron.

Uses

For the prevention and lasting control of flea infestation. Program is effective against the dominant flea species Ctenocephalides felis and C. canis. Program suspension can be administered to all cats including pregnant cats and kittens taking solid food.

Dosage and administration

Dosage

The minimum recommended dose rate is 30 mg/kg/month. This is achieved by giving:

Cats and kittens up to 4.5 kg—content of 1 ampoule containing 1.9 g of suspension/month

Cats over 4.5 kg—content of 1 ampoule containing 3.8 g of suspension/month.

Administration

To be fully effective the suspension must be administered together with food.

Shake the ampoule prior to opening.

The suspension should be added into approximately half of the food ration. The rest of the food should be presented when all the dose has been eaten. If several cats are treated, ensure that each cat is fed individually. The product can also be administered by squeezing the suspension directly from the ampoule onto the back of the cat's tongue after feeding.

To open the ampoule first hold the base tab (which has writing on it) and flick the pack. Then twist off the top portion and squeeze the ampoule several times to administer the suspension.

To prevent flea infestations Program should be administered at monthly intervals for at least six months during the flea season, starting two months before fleas become active.

If the cat is already infested with fleas, no viable flea eggs are produced from 24 hours after the first administration. The speed of elimination of the infestation is dependent upon the number of flea larvae and pupae in the environment when treatment starts and climatic conditions.

If cats have a high level of flea infestation at the start of the treatment, it may be necessary to administer a flea adulticide during the first one to two months. In cases of severe hypersensitivity, further use of an adulticide may be needed.

It is essential that all cats and dogs (except unweaned puppies and kittens) living in a household are treated with Program to stop flea reproduction.

For dogs, use Program tablets.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

Contra-indications

None. The product is compatible with other flea control products.

Warnings

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If contact occurs, wash the affected area with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Wash hands after use. Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with national requirements.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Keep out of the reach of children. For animal treatment only. For oral treatment only. Do not store above 25°C.

Legal category

AVM-GSL (previously POM-V)

Packaging Quantities

Pack of six ampoules.

Further information

Program contains lufenuron, a benzoylurea derivative.

After administering Program orally to the cat, the active ingredient is quickly absorbed. Sufficient absorption is only achieved if administered on a full stomach. The low excretion rate assures an effective concentration of the active ingredient in the blood for one month.

Fleas take up the active ingredient through the blood and transfer it to their eggs. The formation of larval chitin structures, a process typical to insects, is blocked and the development of their numerous offspring is stopped. A new infestation of the home with fleas is prevented.

Fleas picked up by the cat outside the home environment are prevented from causing a new infestation of the home.

Marketing authorisation numbers

VM 12501/4016. PROGRAM Oral Suspension for Small Cats and Kittens 133mg

VM 12501/4019. PROGRAM Oral Suspension for Large Cats 266mg