Introduction
Company name: Pfizer Limited
Address: Ramsgate Road
Sandwich
Kent CT13 9NJ
Telephone: 0845 300 8034 (Out of hours: 01304 616161)
Fax: 01737 332521
Email: UKVetLine@pfizer.com
Website: www.only4vets.co.uk
Copprite
Introduction
Company name: Pfizer Limited
Address: Ramsgate Road
Sandwich
Kent CT13 9NJ
Telephone: 0845 300 8034 (Out of hours: 01304 616161)
Fax: 01737 332521
Email: UKVetLine@pfizer.com
Website: www.only4vets.co.uk
Presentation
Large, green, hard gelatin capsules containing copper oxide. 2 g, 4 g and 24 g capsules are available, equivalent to 1.7 g, 3.4 g and 20.4 g metallic copper respectively.
Uses
Copprite is indicated for:
Sheep
1.the prevention and treatment of copper deficiency.
2.the prevention of congenital swayback in lambs by the treatment of ewes.
3.the prevention of delayed swayback by treatment of lambs before signs appear.
4.the reduction of lamb mortality in conditions of copper deficiency.
Cattle
The prevention and treatment of copper deficiency.
Mode of action
A proportion of the administered copper oxide lodges in the abomasum of the treated animal. This provides a sustained-release source of copper for absorption from the gut.
This steady supplementation ensures adequate copper status but avoids the sharp rises in copper levels which can be associated with copper toxicity.
Dosage and administration
Administration
Administer the capsules by the oral route. Place the capsule at the back of the mouth, beyond the hump of the tongue, using a suitable dosing gun (e.g the Copprite sheep dosing gun for 2g and 4g capsules and the Copprite cattle dosing gun for 24g capsules). To avoid injury, the dosing gun should be used carefully and without force. Normal swallowing movements should allow the doser to be passed easily into the back of the mouth; the capsule may then be ejected and passage of the gun beyond this point is not necessary. Always check that the animal swallows the capsule.
Dosage
Sheep
Lambs – 2 g – From 5 weeks of age onwards.
Ewes – 4 g (or 2 x 2g) – For the prevention of congenital swayback the dose should be given at tupping or during the first half of pregnancy. On farms where copper deficiency is known to be particularly severe it is advisable to administer the dose during the second or third month of pregnancy rather than at tupping.
Cattle
Calves – (under 100 kg) 2 x 4g
Young stock – (100–300 kg): 24 g
Adult stock – (over 300 kg): 24–48 g depending on the severity of the copper deficiency.
Administration of Copprite to cattle should ensure adequate copper status for several months, even on severely deficient diets. Further doses may then be necessary depending on individual circumstances.
Contra-indications, warnings, etc
Do not administer other products containing copper during treatment.
Administration should be avoided in cattle with known hepatic impairment
Following administration of Copprite to sheep, other forms of copper supplementation are unnecessary and must not be given.
Animals should only be dosed if copper deficiency exists or is known to be a risk.
Caution is advised before treating housed sheep and those breeds known to be susceptible to copper toxicity (e.g. North Ronaldsay).
For animal use only. Keep out of the reach of children.
Withdrawal times:
Meat – zero days.
Milk – zero days.
Pharmaceutical precautions
Gelatin capsules are relatively fragile; handle with care, and protect from moisture, heat and direct sunlight.
Store in a dry place in the tightly closed original container.
Dispose of unused product and empty containers in accordance with guidance from your local waste regulation authority.
Legal category
POM-VPS
Packaging Quantities
Copprite 2 g and 4 g capsules are available in packs containing 100 capsules and 50 capsules respectively. Copprite 24 g capsules are available in packs containing 24 capsules.
Further information
Primary copper deficiency arises from a direct shortage of copper in the diet, whereas secondary copper deficiency results from the antagonistic effects of elements such as molybdenum and sulphur upon absorption. Copprite is an effective long acting supplement in both cases.
The severity of copper deficiency, whether of primary or secondary origin, varies greatly from farm to farm. On most copper deficient sites one dose of Copprite, given to grazing cattle at turnout, will maintain normocupraemia over the grazing season and leave animals with a substantial liver copper reserve at housing. It is impossible, however, to cover the full range of deficiency states with a simple dosing regime. Veterinary surgeons may need to adapt their advice to suit local conditions.
The oral administration of copper obviates the risk of local lesions often associated with copper injections. A proportion of the administered copper oxide lodges in the abomasums of the treated animal. This provides a sustained-release source of copper for absorption from the gut. This steady supplementation ensures adequate copper status but avoids the sharp rises in copper levels which can be associated with copper toxicity.
Marketing authorisation numbers
2 g capsules | Vm 00057/4154 |
4 g capsules | Vm 00057/4142 |
24 g capsules | Vm 00057/4144 |