What is fluralaner injectable?
Fluralaner injectable (Bravecto Quantum®) is used to treat and prevent fleas and to treat and control several species of ticks, including the black-legged tick, brown dog tick, American dog tick, Asian longhorned tick, and Gulf Coast tick by killing them when they start to feed.
It is convenient because an injection provides treatment for 12 months. The injection also treats and controls lone star ticks but is only effective for 8 months in this species.
Fluralaner injectable is approved for use in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. It may be used off label (extra label) in other species.
Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully, as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
How do I give my pet fluralaner injectable?
- Fluralaner injectable comes in an injectable form.
- Injections are administered by your veterinary team.
- It is given subcutaneously (under the skin).
- Follow your veterinarian’s directions for post-injection care.
- Fluralaner injectable is given every 12 months, or every 8 months if your dog may be exposed to lone star ticks.
This medication should start having effects within 1 to 2 days; however, outward effects may not be immediately noticeable. It kills most fleas within 24 hours but can take 3–5 days to show a reduction in ticks.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to schedule the next dose. Additional testing may be needed to ensure that a tick-borne disease infection did not occur if there was a gap in coverage.
Are there any potential side effects?
Fluralaner injectable may cause the following side effects:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased energy
- Injection site swelling
Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death without appropriate veterinary care. If any of the following signs develop, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- Tremors, stumbling, or an unsteady, drunken gait
- Seizures
- Facial swelling or hives
- Trouble breathing
Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction each time the injection is given. Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately.
This is a long-acting medication that will stop working after 8 months for lone star ticks and 12 months for black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, and fleas.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
DO NOT USE fluralaner injectable in:
- Pets that are allergic to fluralaner
- Pets less than 6 months old
USE WITH CAUTION in:
- Pets with a history of seizures
- Pets with a neurologic disorder
- Pets that are pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Several medications should be used with caution when given with fluralaner injectable, including:
- Other isoxazolines and antiparasitic combination products containing isoxazolines
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, and herbal therapies) that your pet is taking as well as any history of medication reactions before starting any new treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, contact your veterinarian.
- Your veterinarian will let you know when they want to check your dog with routine parasite testing.
How do I store fluralaner injectable?
This medication is administered by your veterinarian, so you will not need to store this medication at home.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms. Report any adverse effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada.
Key Takeaway for Pet Owners: Injectable fluralaner is a long-lasting treatment for treatment and prevention of fleas and treatment and control of several tick species that affect dogs. It is generally considered safe when used appropriately. It’s given only at the vet clinic, lasts up to a year, and most side effects are mild, though serious reactions are possible. Always share your dog’s health history with your vet before use, and any medications, supplements, or other therapies your pet is taking.
