Vetmedin® (pimobendan)
Chewable Tablets
- VETMEDIN is recommended by the ACVIM as part of standard treatment for dogs with CHF.1
- Well-known clinical studies have established that VETMEDIN can help dogs with CHF feel better and live longer.2,3
- The QUEST study update showed that dogs treated with VETMEDIN required less therapy to maintain quality of life (QOL) than those treated with an ACE inhibitor.4
ACVIM guidelines
VETMEDIN is recommended for use at the onset of clinical signs of CHF.1
* Both the QUEST and VetSCOPE studies were completed using VETMEDIN Capsules. In the US, only the chewable tablets are licensed.
Both the capsules and chewable tablets contain the same pharmaceutical ingredient, pimobendan, and are considered equivalent for clinical use. Bioequivalence, however, has not been shown.
† Survival was defined as the composite endpoint of cardiac death, euthanasia due to heart failure, or treatment failure. All dogs received furosemide therapy.CHF.1
Important safety information: VETMEDIN should not be given in case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons. The safety of VETMEDIN has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. Use only in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. If side effects should occur, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.
QUEST study update: Dogs on VETMEDIN required less therapy to maintain QOL than dogs on an ACE inhibitor.4
In contrast to VetSCOPE, which measured changes in QOL, the QUEST study focused on extending survival time so intensification of therapy was permitted.2,3‡
‡ Intensification of therapy was defined as an increase in the dose of benazepril or addition of concomitant treatment for either drug.4
QUEST study update: VETMEDIN demonstrated a variety of clinical advantages.
VETMEDIN also improved body temperature, serum sodium concentration, total protein concentration, and packed cell volume, while reducing fluid retention.4
Think VETMEDIN from the start and make it the heart of your treatment plan.
VETMEDIN is available for your client’s convenience in 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg dosage sizes.These additional dosing options will:
- Help you ensure accurate dosing
- Encourage ongoing compliance
- Give owners choices that are both effective and cost-effective
Important safety information: 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. Use only in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. For additional information, see the full prescribing information.
§ All doses provided as tablets.
References: 1. Atkins C, Bonagura J, Ettinger S, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of canine chronic valvular heart disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2009;23(6):1142–1150. 2. Häggström J, Boswood A, O’Grady M, et al. Effect of pimobendan or benazepril hydrochloride on survival times in dogs with congestive heart failure caused by naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease: the QUEST study. J Vet Intern Med. 2008;22(5):1124–1135. 3. Lombard CW, Jöns O, Bussadori CM; for the VetSCOPE Study. Clinical efficacy of pimobendan versus benazepril for the treatment of acquired atrioventricular valvular disease in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42(4):249–261. 4. Häggström J, Boswood A, O’Grady M, et al. Longitudinal analysis of quality of life, clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease receiving pimobendan or benazepril: the QUEST study. J Vet Intern Med. 2013;27(6):1441–1451.