Trifexis

What is Trifexis® (spinosad + milbemycin oxime)?

Trifexis (spinosad + milbemycin oxime) is the monthly, beef-flavored tablet prescribed to kill fleas and prevent flea infestations, prevent heartworm disease, and treat and control adult hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infection in dogs. Trifexis requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs (8+ weeks of age, weighing 5+ lbs)

Benefits:

• Choose the Trusted, Triple Parasite Protection of Trifexis (spinosad + milbemycin oxime)
• Protect your patients from heartworm disease, fleas and intestinal parasites with Trifexis
• Easy to administer, beef flavored tablet

How does Trifexis work?

Spinosad, an active ingredient in Trifexis, starts to work within 30 minutes to kill fleas and has been proven to kill 100% of all biting fleas within 4 hours. Trifexis prevents heartworm disease by killing microfilariae and larvae from maturing into adult heartworms.

Cautions:

Serious adverse reactions have been reported following concomitant extra-label use of ivermectin with spinosad alone, one of the components of Trifexis chewable tablets. Treatment with fewer than three monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm prevention. Prior to administration, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection. Use with caution in breeding females. The safe use of Trifexis in breeding males has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with pre-existing epilepsy. Puppies less than 14 weeks of age may experience a higher rate of vomiting. Consult your veterinarian for pregnant or lactating dogs.

Brand Name:

Trifexis (Elanco Animal Health)

Generic Name:

Spinosad and Milbemycin oxime

What is the most important thing I should know about Trifexis?

Trifexis is a prescription medication FDA approved for use in dogs 8 weeks of age or older and 5 lbs of body weight or more. Trifexis contains spinosad and milbemycin oxime and is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease. Trifexis kills fleas and is indicated for the prevention and treatment of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of adult hookworm, adult roundworm, and adult whipworm infections. Trifexis is available in a Pink box for dogs 5 to 10 lbs (140 mg/2.3 mg), Orange box for dogs 10.1 to 20 lbs (270 mg/4.5 mg), Green box for dogs 20.1 to 40 lbs (560 mg/9.3 mg), Blue box for dogs 40.1 to 60 lbs (810 mg/13.5 mg), and Brown box for dogs 60.1 to 120 lbs (1620 mg/27 mg). For dogs over 120 lbs, give the appropriate combination of tablets.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Trifexis to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if you are planning on breeding your pet. Tell your veterinarian if your dog has a history of seizures (epilepsy).

How should Trifexis be given?

Give Trifexis chewable tablets once a month with food. Trifexis chewable tablets may be chewed, offered in food, or administered like other tablet medications. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of administration, redose your pet with another full dose. Consult your veterinarian for pregnant or lactating dogs.

What are the potential side effects of Trifexis?

Side effects that may occur include vomiting. If vomiting occurs within one hour of administration, redose with another full dose. Other side effects may occur. Continue giving Trifexis chewable tablets and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences decreased appetite, lethargy or decreased activity, diarrhea, cough, increased thirst, vocalization, increased appetite, itching, hyperactivity. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or especially bothersome to your pet. The use of ivermectin at higher than FDA-approved doses at the same time as Trifexis can result in serious side effects.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Trifexis?

Give the missed dose with food as soon as you remember and resume a monthly dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Trifexis?

Overdose of this medication is unlikely. However, if an overdose is suspected, contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose that may occur include vomiting.

What should I avoid while giving Trifexis to my pet?

Your pet may maintain normal activities and interactions while being given Trifexis. The safe use of Trifexis chewable tablets in male dogs intended for breeding has not been established.

What other drugs will affect Trifexis?

Talk to your veterinarian before giving any prescription or over the counter medications.