Eqvalan Paste (Canada)

(ivermectin)

Oral Paste for Horses

VETERINARY USE ONLY

DIN 00594431

For the treatment of infections with internal parasites, including bots, in horses.

Introduction

Discovered and developed by scientists from the Merck Research Laboratories. EQVALAN contains ivermectin, a unique chemical entity. Its convenience, broad spectrum efficacy and wide safety margin make it an excellent antiparasitic product for horses.

Product Description

EQVALAN is a clean, white, homogeneous, ready-to-use paste contained in a disposable plastic syringe. The formulation contains 1.87% of ivermectin, the active ingredient.

Active Ingredient

Ivermectin is the first in a series of antiparasitic agents derived from the avermectin family of compounds. The avermectins are highly active, broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents isolated from fermentation of the soil organism Streptomyces avermitilis.

Product Indications

EQVALAN is indicated for the treatment of parasitic infestations due to:

Large strongyles: adult and arterial larval stages of Strongylus vulgaris, and adult stage of S. edentatus, S. equinus, Craterostomum acuticaudatum, Triodontophorus brevicauda and T. serratus.

Small strongyles (including those resistant to some benzimidazole class compounds): adult and luminal larval (L₄) stages of Coronocyclus coronatus, C. labiatus, C. labratus; Cyathostomum catinatum, C. pateratum; Cylicocyclus elongatus, C. insigne, C. leptostomum, C. nassatus, C. radiatus; Cylicostephanus asymetricus, C. bidentatus, C. calicatus, C. goldi, C. longibursatus, C. minutus; Parapoteriostomum mettami, P. euproctus; Petrovinema poculatum, Poteriostomum imparidentatum, Cylicodontophorus spp. and Gyalocephalus spp.

Intestinal threadworms (adults): Strongyloides westeri

Pinworms (adult and luminal larval (L₄) stages): Oxyuris equi

Ascarids (adult and third and fourth stage larvae): Parascaris equorum

Hairworms (adult): Trichostrongylus axei

Large-mouthed stomach worms (adult): Habronema muscae

Neck threadworms (microfilariae): Onchocerca cervicalis

Bots (oral and gastric stages): Gastrophilus intestinalis, G. nasalis

EQVALAN may aid in the clinical improvement of dermatoses caused by cutaneous larvae of Habronema spp. and Draschia megastoma, and microfilariae of Onchocerca cervicalis.

Dosage

EQVALAN is given orally at the recommended dosage level of 200 µg of ivermectin per kilogram of body weight.

Each syringe delivers 120 mg of ivermectin sufficient to treat 600 kg of body weight.

Administration

EQVALAN is administered orally.

Each weight marking on the syringe plunger will deliver sufficient paste to treat 100 kg of body weight. To set the syringe plunger, unlock the knurled ring by rotating it 1/4 turn. Slide the knurled ring along the plunger shaft so that the arrow on the plunger indicating the prescribed weight marking is aligned with the notch on the ring. Rotate the knurled ring 1/4 turn to lock it in place and ensure it is locked. Remove the plastic cap from the tip of the nozzle. Make sure the horse’s mouth contains no feed. Insert the syringe into the horse’s mouth at the interdental space. Advance the plunger as far as it will go, depositing the medication at the base of the tongue. Immediately raise the horse’s head for a few seconds after dosing.

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 channels 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.

Product Advantages

Broad Spectrum

EQVALAN kills important internal parasites, including oral and gastric stages of bots, and the arterial larval stages of Strongylus vulgaris at the recommended dose.

Unique Chemical Compound

EQVALAN contains ivermectin, a unique, highly active parasitic agent.

Safety

Acute toxicity studies have demonstrated a wide safety margin at the approved dose level. Field trials show that EQVALAN may be given to pregnant mares and that breeding stallions may be treated without adversely affecting their fertility.

Stability

EQVALAN is stable for up to three years when stored below 30° C.

Suggested Parasite Control Program

All horses should be included in a regular parasite control program with particular attention being paid to mares, foals, and yearlings. Foals should be treated initially at 6 to 8 weeks of age. The program should be designed to accommodate the needs of horses and their specific husbandry and conditions. EQVALAN is highly effective against gastro-intestinal nematodes and bots in horses. Regular treatment will reduce the chances of verminous arteritis and colic caused by S. vulgaris. If there is a high risk of re-infection with P. equorum, foals should be re-treated at 6-8 week intervals. With its broad spectrum, EQVALAN is well suited to be the major product in a parasite control program. Consult your veterinarian for parasite control programs to meet your specific needs.

Note To User

Resolution of summer sores involving extensive tissue changes may require other appropriate therapy in conjunction with EQVALAN Paste treatment. Re-infection, and measures for its prevention, should also be considered. Consult your veterinarian for the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism of horses.

Warnings

This drug is not to be administered to horses that are to be slaughtered for use as food. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.

Environmental Safety

Studies indicate that when ivermectin comes in contact with the soil, it readily and tightly binds to the soil and becomes inactive over time. Drug containers and any residual contents should be disposed of safely (e.g. by burying or incinerating) since free ivermectin may adversely affect fish and certain water-borne organisms.

Eqvalan Paste Caution

1. Some horses have experienced reactions with swelling and itching shortly after treatment. In most such cases, the horses have been diagnosed as carrying heavy infections of Onchocerca microfilariae, and it is assumed the reactions were the result of microfilariae dying in large numbers. Although the signs have resolved spontaneously in a few days, symptomatic treatment may be advisable. Consult your veterinarian should these symptoms persist.

2. Reasonable care should be taken in the handling of sick or debilitated animals.

3. EQVALAN Paste has been formulated specifically for use in horses only. The product should not be used in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.

Packaging

Product H25873 CA, DIN 00594431, EQVALAN Oral Paste for Horses is available in disposable, plastic, adjustable dosage syringes. Packaged in individual cartons (20 per grouper) or 50 syringes per carton.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc., 5180 South Service Road, Burlington ON L7L 5H4

EQVALAN^® is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group.

147477-003

CPN: 1182021.6