How do VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets work?
VETMEDIN® has a unique dual mode of action, dilating the blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart, reducing the load on the heart. It also increases the contraction of the heart muscle, without putting additional stress on the heart.
How can VETMEDIN® help my dog?
Once a dog goes into heart failure, VETMEDIN® can relieve the symptoms of heart failure, improve quality of life in dogs, and most importantly help extend the survival time of dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure.
How long does VETMEDIN® take to work?
Studies have shown that improvement can be seen in as little as 7 days.*
What is the best way for me to give VETMEDIN® to my dog?
According to the product label, VETMEDIN® should be administered orally. VETMEDIN® comes in beef flavored chewable tablets that make giving your dog their medication easy.
When should I give my Dog VETMEDIN®?
VETMEDIN® should be given at the onset of clinical signs of heart failure. If you think your dog is showing the symptoms of heart failure, consult with your veterinarian.
Can VETMEDIN® be given with food?
VETMEDIN® should not be given with food. Food decreases the bioavailability of an aqueous solution of pimobendan, but the effect of food on the absorption of pimobendan from VETMEDIN tablets is unknown.
At what dose and how often should I give VETMEDIN® to my dog?
VETMEDIN® should be administered per your veterinarian’s prescription specific to your dog.
What should I do if I miss a dose of VETMEDIN®?
If a dose of VETMEDIN® is missed give the next scheduled dose at the normal time. There’s no need to give a higher dose.
What dosing options does VETMEDIN® come in?
Available as a beef-flavored, chewable tablet in 4 convenient dosing sizes (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg).
Can VETMEDIN® be used with all dogs?
VETMEDIN® Chewable Tablets is only for use in dogs with clinical signs of heart failure. The safety of VETMEDIN® Chewable Tablets has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). The safe use of VETMEDIN® has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or lactating bitches.
What are the side effects of VETMEDIN®?
The most common side effects of VETMEDIN® are poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, shortness of breath, weakness, and ataxia (lack of muscle control and coordination). If side effects occur, consult your veterinarian.
Can VETMEDIN® and other ACE-inhibitors be taken together?
VETMEDIN® and furosemide, or other ACE-inhibitors can be taken together, but these (and other) drugs should only be taken in combination when specifically prescribed together by your veterinarian. Be sure to thoroughly discuss all medications and supplements your dog may be taking before starting any new prescription.
Can VETMEDIN® and enalapril be taken together?
VETMEDIN® and enalapril can be taken together as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Many veterinarians will prescribe a combination of drugs for dogs with congestive heart failure, and VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) and enalapril are a common combination. Be sure to discuss all medications your dog is taking before starting a new prescription and call your vet immediately if you notice any side effects.
What is the best number to call regarding any specific product questions?
For any specific product questions, please call the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health customer service line number at 1-888-637-4251.
