Vetrimec

VetOne
Bimeda, Inc. Division of Cross Vetpharm Group

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

ANADA 200-447, Approved by FDA

Restricted Drug (California) - Use Only as Directed

VETone

Vetrimec™ 1 percent

(ivermectin)

Injection for Cattle and Swine

1 percent Sterile Solution

A Parasiticide for the Treatment and Control of Internal and External Parasites of Cattle and Swine.

Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.

INTRODUCTION

Vetrimec™ (ivermectin) is an injectable parasiticide for cattle and swine.  One low-volume dose effectively treats and controls the following internal and external parasites that may impair the health of cattle and swine: gastrointestinal roundworms (including inhibited Ostertagia ostertagi in cattle), lungworms, grubs, sucking lice, and mange mites of cattle; and gastrointestinal round worms, lungworms, lice and mange mites of swine.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Ivermectin is derived from the avermectins, a family of potent, broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents isolated from fermentation of Streptomyces avermitilis.  Vetrimec™ Injection is a clear, ready-to-use, sterile solution containing 1 percent ivermectin, 40 percent glycerol formal, and propylene glycol, q.s. ad 100 percent.  Vetrimec™ Injection is formulated to deliver the recommended dose level of 200 mcg ivermectin/kilogram of body weight in cattle when given subcutaneously at the rate of 1 mL/110 lb (50 kg).  In Swine, Vetrimec™ Injection is formulated to deliver the recommended dose level of 300 mcg ivermectin/kilogram body weight when given subcutaneously in the neck at tthe rate of 1 mL per 75 lb (33 kg).

MODE OF ACTION

Ivermectin is a member of the macrocyclic lactone class of endectocides which have a unique mode of action.  Compounds of the class bind selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channles which occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells.  This leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions with hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite.  Compounds of this class may also interact with other ligand-gated chloride channels, such as those gated by the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The margin of safety for compounds of this class is attributable to the fact that mammals do not have glutamate-gated chloride channels, the macrocyclic lactones have a low affinity for other mammalian ligand-gated chloride channels and they do not readily cross the blood-brain barrier.

Uses

INDICATIONS

Cattle:   Vetrimec™ Injection is indicated for the effective treatment and control of the following harmful species of gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, grubs, sucking lice, and mange mites in cattle:

Gastrointestinal Roundworms (adults and fourth-stage larvae):

Ostertagia ostertagi (including inhibited O. ostertagi)

O. lyrata

Haemonchus placei

Trichostrongylus axei

T. colubriformis

Cooperia oncophora

C. punctata

C. pectinata

Oesophagostomum radiatum

Bunostomum phlebotomum

Nematodirus helvetianus (adults only)

N. spathiger (adults only)

Lungworms (adult and fourth-stage larvae):

Dictyocaulus viviparus

Cattle Grubs (parasitic stages):

Hypoderma bovis

H. lineatum

Sucking Lice:

Linognathus vituli

Haematopinus eurysternus

Solenopotes capillatus

Mites (scabies):

Psoroptes ovis (syn. P. communis var. bovis)

Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis

Persistent Activity

Ivermectin Injection has been proved to effectively control infections and to protect cattle from reinfection with Dictyocaulus viviparus and Oesophagostomum radiatum for 28 days after treatment; Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei and Cooperia punctata for 21 days after treatment; Haemonchus placei and Cooperia oncophora for 14 days after treatment.

Swine:   Vetrimec™ Injection is indicated for the effective treatment and control of the following harmful species of gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, lice, and mange mites in swine:

Gastrointestinal Roundworms:

Large roundworm, Ascaris suum

(adults and fourth-stage larvae)

Red stomach worm, Hyostrongylus rubidus

(adults and fourth-stage larvae)

Nodular worm, Oesophagostomum spp.

(adults and fourth-stage larvae)

Threadworm, Strongyloides ransomi (adults)

Somatic Roundworms Larvae:

Threadworm, Strongyloides ransomi (somatic larvae)

Sows must be treated at least seven days before farrowing to prevent infection in piglets.

Lungworms:

Metastrongylus spp. (adults)

Lice:

Haematopinus suis

Mange Mites:

Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis

DOSAGE

Cattle: Vetrimec™ Injection should be given only by subcutaneous injection under the loose skin in front of or behind the shoulder at the recommended dose level of 200 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram of body weight.  Each mL of Vetrimec Injection contains 10 mg of ivermectin, sufficient to treat 110 lb (50 kg) of body weight (maximum 10 mL per injection site).

Body Weight (lb)             Dose Volume (mL)

220                                2

330                                3

440                                4

550                                5

660                                6

770                                7

880                                8

990                                9

1100                              10

Swine:  Vetrimec™ Injection should be given only by subcutaneous injection in the neck of swine at the recommended dose level of 300 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.2 lb) of body weight.  Each mL of Vetrimec™ Injection contains 10 mg of ivermectin, sufficient to treat 75 lb of body weight.

Body Weight (lb)                           Dose Volume (mL)

Growing Pigs                            19                                             1/4

                                                  38                                             1/2

                                                  75                                              1

                                                  150                                            2

Breeding Animals                     225                                            3

  (Sows, Gilts, and Boars)        300                                            4

                                                  375                                            5

                                                  400                                            6

ADMINISTRATION

Cattle: Vetrimec Injection is to be given subcutaneously only, to reduce risk of potentially fatal clostridial infection of the injection site.  Animals should be appropriately restrained to achieve the proper route  of administration.  Use of a 16-gauge, 1/2 to 3/4" needle is suggested.  Inject under the loose skine in front of or behind the shoulder (see illustration).

When using the 250 mL, 500 mL or 1000 mL package size, use only automatic syringe equipment.

Use sterile equipment and sanitize the injection site by applying a suitable disinfectant.

Clean, properly disinfected  needles should be used to reduce the potential for injection site infections.

No special handling or protective clothing is necessary.

Swine: Vetrimec™ (ivermectin) Injection is to be given subcutaneously in the neck.  Animals  should be appropriately restrained to achieve  the proper  route of adminstration.  Use of a 16- or 18- guage needle is suggested for sows and boars, while an 18- or 20- guage needle may be appropriate for young animals.  Inject under the skin, immediately behind the ear (see illustration).

When using the 250 mL, 500 mL or 1000 mL package size, use only automatic syringe equipment.  As with any injection, sterile equipment should be used.  The injection site should be cleaned and disinfected with alcohol before injection.  The rubber stopper should also be disinfected with alcohol to prevent contamination of the contents.  Mild and transient pain reactions may be seen in some swine following subcutaneous administration.

Recommended Treatment Program

Swine: At the time of initiating any parasite control program, it is important to treat all breeding animals in the herd.  After the initial treatment, use Vetrimec Injection regularly as follows:

BREEDING ANIMALS

Sows: Treat prior to farrowing, preferably 7-14 days before, to minimize infection of piglets.

Gilts: Treat 7-14 days prior to breeding.

         Treat 7-14 days prior to farrowing.

Boars: Frequency and need for treatments are dependent upon exposure.  Treat at least two times per year.

FEEDER PIGS

(Weaners/Growers/Finishers)

All weaner/feeder pigs should be treated before placement in clean quarters.  Pigs exposed to contaminated soil or pasture may need retreatment if reinfection occurs.

NOTE:

(1) Vetrimec™ Injection has a persistent drug level sufficient to control mite infections throughout the egg to adult life cycle.  However, since the ivermectin effect is not immediate, care must be taken to prevent reinfestation from exposure to untreated  animals or contaminated facilities.  Generally, pigs should not be moved to clean quarters or exposed to uninfested pigs for approximately one week after treatment.  Sows should be treated at least one week before farrowing to minimize transfer of mites to newborn baby pigs.

(2) Louse eggs are unaffected by Vetrimec™ Injection and may require up to three  weeks to hatch.  Louse infestations developing from hatching eggs may require retreatment.

(3) Consult a veterinarian for aid in the diagnosis and control of interal and external parasites of swine.

Special Minor Use

Reindeer: For the treatment and control of warbles (Oedemagena tarandi) in reindeer, inject 200 micrograms ivermectin per kilogram of body weight, subcutaneously.  Follow use directions for cattle as described under ADMINISTRATION.

American Bison: For the treatment and control of grubs (Hypoderma bovis) in American bison, inject 200 micrograms ivermectin per kilogram of body weight, subcutaneously.  Follow use directions for cattle as described under ADMINISTRATION. 

RESIDUE WARNING: Do not treat cattle within 35 days of slaughter.  Because a withdrawal time in milk has not been established, do not use in female dairy cattle of breeding age.  A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves.  Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.  Do not treat swine within 18 days of slaughter.

PRECAUTIONS

Transitory discomfort has been observed in some cattle following subcutaneous administration.  A low incidence of soft tissue swelling at the injection site has been observed.  These reactions have disappeared without treatment.  For cattle, divide doses greater than 10 mL between two injection sites to reduce occasional discomfort or site reaction. 

Use sterile equipment and sanitize the injection site by applying a suitable disinfectant.  Clean, properly disinfected needles should be used to reduce the potential for injection site infections.

Observe cattle for injection site reactions.  Reactions may be due to clostridial infection and should be aggressively treated with appropriate antibiotics.  If injection site infections are suspected, consult your veterinarian.

This product is not for intravenous or intramuscular use.

Protect product from light.

Vetrimec™ Injection for Cattle and Swine has been developed specifically for use in cattle, swine, reindeer, and American bison only.  This product should not be used in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.

Restricted Drug (California) - Use Only as Directed.

When to Treat Cattle with Grubs

Vetrimec Injection effectively controls all stages of cattle grubs.  However, proper timing of treatment is important.  For most effective results, cattle should be treated as soon as possible after the end of the heel fly (warble fly) season.  Destruction of Hypoderma larvae (cattle grubs) at the period when these grubs are in vital areas may cause undesirable host-parasite reactions including the possibility of fatalities.  Killing Hypoderma lineatum when it is in the tissue surrounding the esophagus (gullet) may cause salivation and bloat; killing H. bovis when it is in the vertebral canal may cause staggering or paralysis.  These reactions are not specific to treatment with Vetrimec Injection, but can occur with any successful treatment of grubs:  Cattle should be treated either before or after these stages of grub development.  Consult your veterinarian concerning the proper time for treatment.  Cattle treated with Vetrimec Injection during the winter for interal parasites, mange mites, or sucking lice without danger of grub-related reactions.  A planned parasite control program is recommended.

Environmental Safety

Studies indicate that when ivermectin comes in contact with soil, it readily and tightly binds to the soil and becomes inactive over time.  Free ivermectin may adversely affect fish and certain aquatic organisms on which they feed.  Do not permit water runoff from feedlots or production sites to enter lakes, streams or ponds.  Do not contaminate water by direct application or by the improper disposal of drug containers.  Dispose of containers in an approved landfill or by incineration.

As with other avermectins, Ivermectin is excreted in the dung of treated animals and can inhibit the reproduction and growth of pest and beneficial insects that use dung as a source of food and for reproduction.  The magnitude and duration of such effects are species and life-cycle specific.  When used according to label directions, the product is not expected to have an adverse impact on populations of dung-dependant insects.

HOW SUPPLIED

Vetrimec Injection for Cattle and Swine is available in three ready-to-use sizes:

The 250 mL plastic bottle suitable for use with automatic syringe equipment.  Each bottle contains sufficient solution to treat 50 head of 550 lb (250 kg) cattle or 500 head of 38 lb (17.3 kg) swine.

The 500 mL plastic bottle suitable for use with automatic syringe equipment.  Each bottle contains sufficient solution to treat 100 head of 550 lb (250)cattle or 500 head of 38 lb (17.3 kg) swine.

The 1000 mL plastic bottle suitable for use with automatic syringe equipment.  Each bottle contains sufficient solution to treat 200 head of 550 lb (250 kg) cattle or 2000 head of 38 lb (17.3 kg) swine.

STORAGE

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).  Protect from light.