Boehringer Ingelheim launches topical parasite treatment for cats

  

 

Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has launched the parasite treatment, NexGard® COMBO for cats. With nearly 20 years of expertise in preventing parasites such as fleas, ticks, Lyme disease and more in dogs, NexGard® now adds a feline-specific product to the NexGard® family. The new treatment is designed to safeguard cats from a wider range of parasites than any other product on the market, covering both external parasites and internal parasites such as fleas, ticks, ear mites, face mange, hookworm, roundworm, vesical worm, lungworm, heartworm prevention, as well as tapeworm infections that affect their health and quality of life.

NexGard® COMBO for cats is a one-and-done, easy-to-use formula with the eprinomectin, praziquantel and next-generation active antiparasitic ingredient: esafoxolaner, which has been specially formulated for cats.

Parasite infections are common in cats and prevalent across Asia. According to an epidemiological study of over 1,000 cats in eastern and Southeast Asia, 43% of pet cats suffer from external parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites and 14% harbour deadly internal parasites such as hookworm, heartworm and roundworm.[i]

“Boehringer Ingelheim has always been on the cutting edge of research and development in the parasiticide space. Trusted by pet owners and veterinarians alike, our NexGard® family of products is currently ranked top in pet parasiticide sales worldwide. In Asia where over 26% of pet owners have cats[ii], we are thrilled to expand our feline parasite prevention line-up, which includes Broadline® and FRONTLINE PLUS^® Cat, with NexGard® COMBO for cats. It is an innovative one-and-done formula with esafoxolaner, the first isoxazoline parasiticide formulated for cats plus eprinomectin and praziquantel for the broadest external and internal parasite coverage to date,” said Sukje Sung, Head of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc.

Common misconceptions about parasites in cats

Parasite infections are often disregarded as trivial issues but can cause serious health complications in cats such as bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, skin inflammation and anaemia. Ear mites are common causes of feline ear infections which are often picked up when roaming outdoors and can cause itchiness, inflammation and swelling of the ear canal.³ Additionally, some internal parasites such as hookworms can attach themselves to the intestines and to feed on the blood of cats. Left untreated, hookworm infections can result in potentially life-threatening blood loss, weakness, and malnutrition.⁴

Despite the high prevalence of parasite infections, many pet owners remain unaware of how common they are. In fact, according to veterinary specialist Dr. Ross Antonio Banayo, Technical Manager for the Companion Animal Business Segment of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. pet owners remain misinformed about how these parasites are transmitted and impact their cats. These common misconceptions include: 

●      Cats that are kept indoors are not susceptible to parasite infections and do not require regular veterinary visits.

●      Cats only require treatment when they are infected with parasites. Preventive treatment is not necessary.

●      Parasite infections are self-limiting and do not cause serious health issues.

●      Removal of ticks and fleas can be effectively managed with parasite prevention shampoos alone.

According to Dr. Ross Antonio Banayo, Technical Manager for the Companion Animal Business Segment of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. “Parasite infections can be particularly dangerous for cats. Common feline behaviours like grooming and roaming outdoors put them at a higher risk of contracting a variety of parasites. Often, cats only present with symptoms much later into the infection, resulting in worse complications. This highlights the need for us to change perceptions and move towards a preventive approach to parasite infections to safeguard their health.”

Parasites can be transmitted and affect human health too

Parasite infections not only impact the health of cats but can be transmitted to humans to cause complications such as skin infections, anaemia, gastrointestinal disturbances and more. Fortunately, transmission can be effectively prevented by administering regular parasiticide treatment for cats and adhering to regular follow-ups with a veterinarian. 

“The lives of pets and humans are so deeply interconnected that their health issues can impact our own. Just as we are shifting towards a preventive approach to human health, NexGard® COMBO is our preventive solution to preserve the health of cats. It represents the next step that we are taking to improve the health of animals across the region and drive a positive impact on our own health into the future,” said Sung.

Important Safety Information 

NexGard® COMBO is for topical use only in cats. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, application site reactions, and anorexia. If ingested, hypersalivation may occur.

 

Avoid direct contact with application site for 4 hours or until visibly dry.

 

Esafoxolaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in cats with or without a history of seizures. 

 

Use with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.

 

The safety of NexGard® COMBO has been tested and is approved in breeding, pregnant, or lactating queen (cats) in the Philippines. The safety of the product has not been established in breeding male cats. 

 

NexGard® COMBO is for use in cats 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 0.8 kg or more.

 

For more information, click here for full prescribing information.

 

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[i] Colella V, Nguyen VL, Tan DY, Lu N, Fang F, Zhijuan Y, et al. Zoonotic Vectorborne Pathogens and Ectoparasites of Dogs and Cats in Eastern and Southeast Asia. Emerg Infect Dis. 2020;26(6):1221-1233. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2606.191832. Accessed April 2023.

[i] Rakuten Insight. Pet Ownership in Asia. Available from https://insight.rakuten.com/pet-ownership-in-asia/. Accessed April 2023.

³ Little, S., and K. Duncan. "Ear mites: Uncovering, treating, and preventing infestations." Today's Veterinary Practice, 16 June 2021, todaysveterinarypractice.com/parasitology/ear-mites-uncovering-treating-and-preventing-infestations/. Accessed 9 May 2023

⁴ American Veterinary Medical Association. Parasites in cats and dogs. Available from https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/LR_COM_ClientBroch_InternalParasites.pdf Accessed May 2023.

 

 

Antistax helps you attain healthy legs

Supermodel, entrepreneur and mom Ms. Tweety De Leon-Gonzales the Antistax ambassadress together with host Gelli Victor shared to the media their secrets to sexy long legs in "Tea Time with Tweetie and Ellie" at the Chi Spa Shangri-la Hotel last July 3, 2014. Ms. Tweety de Leon told that she begins her day by eating healthy and juicing fruits. She plays squash, that alone requires a lot of leg movement, and dwells on her passion for making "charms" jewelry.  

She shows us around these stations and share her passion for what makes her the good model that she is by leading a healthy lifestyle, getting a hobby that  makes her happy and earn at the same time, and by practicing a correct posture when walking and posing for the camera.

She takes care of "Ellie" the elephant, a metaphor for leg cramps, the one that drags her legs down by taking  Antistax the leg supplement which is available in tablet and cooling leg gel.

Red wine in small quantities is supposed to be the secret of a long and healthy life, but did you know that the secret of healthy legs is hidden in red vine leaves? It’s true.

For many years, researchers puzzled over the fact that French wine growers almost never suffered from vein disorders. Then they discovered that the farmers were making infusions and poultices from vine leaves to treat their heavy, swollen and painful legs. This home remedy was proving to be a great success.

Pharmacologists analyzed the active ingredients of the red vine leaf and developed it into an effective extract, containing significant amounts of bio-active Flaven. This pure herbal extract is the basis of the Antistax range of products for tired, heavy legs which have been clinically proven to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.

Strict guidelines determine which leaves can be harvested, to assure the highest quality and content of herbal protective agents. The leaves are carefully rinsed and dried, before being enriched via a special process to obtain bio-active Flaven.

By the way – did you know that one Antistax tablet contains as much bio-active Flaven as you would get from three bottles of red wine? So it delivers good news for your legs without the next morning headache!

Antistax is available in two forms: topical cooling leg gel and in tablets. The cooling gel contains bioactive flaven, a type of flavanoid dried from a special variety of grape leaves, and the calming and cooling properties of peppermint oil and menthol, offering immediate relaxation. On the other hand, the tablet offers a 360mg of the same falavanoid, which may help improve the blood flow in the legs and fight tired, heavy legs.

Antistax - Walking Tips

Walk with your body upright, looking straight ahead, chin pointing slightly downwards, stretching the back of your neck.

Pull your shoulders back and lift your chest.

Pull in your stomach and bottom, keep muscles slightly tensed and try to avoid a hollow back.

Keep your elbows parallel and close to your body, bend your arms slightly allowing them to hang loosely at your side and swing as you walk, with your hands slightly clenched.

Make sure your heel hits the ground first and that you then roll onto the ball of your foot and then your toes.

 Your knees should always be relaxed and not completely straightened.

Always stay relaxed and walk at your own pace.

Angelica Panganiban and Regine Tolentino makes the BIG MOVE

Constipation is not the sort of medical condition that most people would want to talk about. In fact not many would admit that they have it. And in as much as they don’t want to talk about it, what many don’t know is that these sufferers have their own habits or routines that allow them to simply manage this silent troublemaker - but not really addressing it completely.

Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc., through one of their Consumer Healthcare pillar brands, (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax  shed more light on constipation and how to treat this medical condition the right way on March 17, 2014 The Big Move campaign was held at the Ascott Hotel in Makati City. The event featured two of the country’s well renowned talents – “The Sexy, Young Actress and Comedian” Ms. Angelica Panganiban and “The Dance Diva” and successful businesswoman, Ms. Regine Tolentino. Dulcolax made more relevant to their silent sufferers by letting them share their experiences and how they deal with their constipation with the help of Dulcolax. 

The event also featured the Medical Manager for Consumer Healthcare of Boehringer Ingelheim, Dr. Melvin Pasay who de-mystified the myths and misconceptions surrounding constipation and the use of laxatives so that the silent sufferers understand that they need not suffer in silence more so suffer at all from constipation . He shared information on Dulcolax as the brand that offers a full range of stimulant laxatives, from Tablets, Suppositories to Syrup that targets the colon, resulting to the stimulation of the colon, and softening of the stool. This truly reinforces the expertise of Dulcolax given its efficacy and safety profiles and how it offers predictable results. No wonder it’s #1 in the market and has been present for more than 60 years, trusted by millions all over the world.

Furthermore, Dulcolax, through its brand manager, Ms. Jo-Ann Ramos highlighted the activities for the Big Move Campaign as she steps on the stage.

When asked about The Big Move Campaign she mentions, “We are very excited for this campaign and to have both Ms. Angelica and Ms. Regine join our team. It will be an exciting time for us because we know how they can help us change millions of lives for the better. Now our sufferers need not suffer in silence. They now have someone to relate with whether they’re young go-getters or multi-tasking moms. All they need to do is to see what Angelica and Regine are doing or saying in our Facebook page, Colon Care PH and realize that there is a way to move on from constipation. Both will offer tips, advice and many other things regarding management of constipation with Dulcolax, the Kontra Constipation Expert.”

With this launch, no one needs to suffer constipation alone or in silence. Why wait? Why endure the hassles of constipation? Make the Big Move to Dulcolax, the Kontra Constipation Expert4.

Dulcolax (bisacodyl) was first developed and distributed in 1952 in Germany , to provide relief to people suffering from constipation.  Since then the brand has grown to be the best-selling laxative in pharmacies worldwide1 and is now recognised by health specialists and consumers all over the world as one of the most trusted, reliable and effective of laxative brands.

How does Dulcolax work?

Being constipated often means feeling uncomfortable, bloated and unable to relax.  As such it is important to choose a laxative that works gently and effectively.  Each Dulcolax tablet (bisacodyl) has a "Comfort Coating" that prevents it from being dissolved until it reaches the colon.  There, the "Comfort Coating" dissolves, releasing Dulcolax's active ingredient right where it is needed.

 “Comfort Coating” mode of action over a period of 6 hours, dissolves finally in the colon

 It is in large and small intestine, shows where the laxative takes action.

• Helping to restart the body's natural rhythm

The active ingredients in Dulcolax's widely used and effective formula relieves constipation by stimulating the colon and so helping the body restart its natural rhythm,3 ensuring that the impact of constipation on the sufferers’ quality of life is minimised.  Furthermore, Dulcolax® gives sufferers peace of mind, as not only is it reliable and effective, it is also gentle to their body. 

• Effective overnight

Dulcolax tablets are effective within 6-12 hours and so it is recommended that tablets are taken before going to bed, providing relief from constipation the next morning.  This sits within the body’s natural rhythm and ‘waking up’ process, when many people feel it is a natural time to pass stools.  If symptoms persist, medical advice should be sought. 

Range/Formulations [adapt to only include those formulations available in your country]

Dulcolax formulations have been in development since the product was launched in 1952 to suit the individual needs of all constipation sufferers.  In the 1970s a new liquid format was launched with the active ingredient sodium picosulphate.  The Dulcolax range provides sufferers with a choice of convenient products with a good safety profile.3,5,7  These include: 

• Dulcolax Tablets have the special Dulcolax Comfort Coating, which ensures that the active ingredient, bisacodyl is released only in the colon where it is needed and is not affected by the acidic digestive juices of the stomach and the environment of the small intestine.  It dissolves only when it reaches an alkaline (non-acidic) environment: the colon.2  Milk or antacid products should be avoided an hour before or at the same time as taking Dulcolax® Tablets as they can dissolve the Comfort Coating too quickly.  For the same reason, Dulcolax® Tablets should never be crushed or chewed before swallowing, otherwise the "Comfort Coating" is destroyed.

• Dulcolax Suppositories (bisacodyl) are ideal for people seeking almost immediate relief from constipation but who have an aversion to swallowing their medicines.  They are reliably effective in 10 to 30 minutes,4 and are specially shaped so that they are easy to insert gently without causing pain.  Like the tablets, the active ingredient is bisacodyl and because it is effective only in the colon, it may be suitable for use during pregnancy.  

• Dulcolax SP (sodium picosulfate) the active ingredient is sodium picosulphate which ensures effective relief in 6 to 12 hours.4  The syrup comes in Tutti Fruity flavor that makes it easy-to-swallow, and can be precisely dosed according to individual needs.  

As with any medication, it is very important that the information on the pack and in the leaflet is carefully read.  A pharmacist, doctor or healthcare professional should be consulted if there is any uncertainty about how to take any Dulcolax product.