Felimazole tablets for cats

Felimazole tablets for cats

Felimazole tablets for cats

PRESCRIPTION NEEDED (Pom-V)

Felimazole coated tablets for cats – treatment for feline hyperthyroidism

Felimazole tablets for cats are specifically designed to treat hyperthyroidism, a common hormonal disease in older cats. Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid glands in the neck produce too much thyroid hormone. This speeds up the body’s metabolism and can lead to weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhoea and changes in behaviour.

The active ingredient in Felimazole tablets for cats is thiamazole (also known as methimazole). Thiamazole reduces the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland, helping bring hormone levels back towards normal. With the right dose and regular monitoring, many hyperthyroid cats can live more comfortably and maintain a better quality of life.

What Felimazole tablets for cats are used for

Vets prescribe Felimazole tablets for cats to:

• Stabilise cats with hyperthyroidism before other treatments such as surgery

• Provide long-term medical management of feline hyperthyroidism when ongoing tablet therapy is chosen

• Help control the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased thirst and urination, hyperactivity and rapid heart rate

Felimazole tablets for cats are not a cure for the underlying thyroid disease, but they can control hormone levels and symptoms effectively in many cats as long as treatment continues.

Available strengths and pack size

Felimazole tablets for cats are film-coated and colour-coded by strength to reduce dosing errors. This product listing covers:

• Felimazole 1.25 mg coated tablets for cats 1×100

• Felimazole 2.5 mg coated tablets for cats 1×100

• Felimazole 5 mg coated tablets for cats 1×100

Your vet will select the appropriate tablet strength, or combination of strengths, based on your cat’s weight, blood test results and clinical signs.

How Felimazole tablets for cats work

Thiamazole works by blocking the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. Over time, this helps:

• Lower excessively high thyroid hormone levels (T4)

• Improve clinical signs such as weight loss, restlessness and excessive hunger

• Reduce strain on the heart and other organs that are affected by uncontrolled hyperthyroidism

Because thyroid disease affects the whole body, your vet will carefully monitor your cat to find the lowest dose of Felimazole that keeps thyroid levels in the target range.

How Felimazole tablets for cats are given

Felimazole tablets for cats are given by mouth. They may be given directly by hand or hidden in a small portion of food, depending on your vet’s advice and what your cat will accept.

General guidance (always follow your own vet’s specific instructions):

• Give exactly the dose prescribed. Do not change the dose yourself.

• Tablets are usually given once or twice daily at roughly the same times each day.

• Try to be consistent with whether tablets are given with or without food, as advised by your vet.

• If you miss a dose, or your cat spits a tablet out, contact your vet for advice. Do not double the next dose.

Never stop Felimazole suddenly unless your vet tells you to. Abrupt withdrawal can allow thyroid hormones to rise again and your cat’s signs to return or even worsen.

Monitoring and follow-up

Hyperthyroidism is a long-term condition and requires regular monitoring. When using Felimazole tablets for cats, your vet will usually:

• Check blood tests (including thyroid hormone levels and sometimes kidney values and blood counts) at set intervals, especially after starting or changing the dose.

• Examine your cat to assess weight, heart rate, breathing and overall condition.

• Adjust the Felimazole dose based on blood results and clinical response.

Routine monitoring is essential to make sure the dose is effective and safe, and to pick up any side effects early. Many cats remain on Felimazole tablets for cats for the rest of their lives, with doses adjusted over time.

Safety, contraindications and precautions

Felimazole tablets for cats are a powerful prescription medicine and are not suitable for every cat. Your vet will decide if they are right for your pet after a full examination and blood tests. In general, Felimazole:

• Must not be used in cats with suspected primary liver disease, severe kidney failure or certain blood disorders, unless your vet decides the benefits outweigh the risks.

• Must not be used in pregnant or lactating queens.

• Should be used with particular caution in cats with other serious illnesses, especially heart disease or kidney disease.

Always tell your vet about any other medicines or supplements your cat is receiving. Do not combine Felimazole tablets for cats with other treatments unless your vet has advised that this is safe.

Possible side effects of Felimazole tablets for cats

Most cats tolerate Felimazole tablets for cats well when doses are carefully adjusted. However, side effects can occur in some cats. These may include:

• Mild digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhoea or reduced appetite

• Lethargy or quietness

• Skin or coat changes, itching or facial scratching

• Behavioural changes

More serious but less common reactions can involve blood cell changes, liver problems or more severe gastrointestinal signs. Contact your vet immediately if you notice:

• Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea

• Marked loss of appetite or weight loss

• Extreme lethargy, weakness or collapse

• Unexplained bruising, bleeding or pale gums

• Yellow tinge to the gums, eyes or skin

Your vet may reduce the dose, pause treatment, change medication or carry out further tests depending on what is found.

Handling advice for owners

Because Felimazole tablets for cats contain an antithyroid medicine, some care is needed when handling them:

• Keep tablets in the original blister pack and carton, out of sight and reach of children and other animals.

• Do not break or crush tablets unless your vet specifically advises it.

• Wash your hands after handling tablets or contaminated litter.

• Pregnant women, women trying to conceive, and people with thyroid disease should avoid handling tablets, used litter or vomit from treated cats where possible.

If a person accidentally swallows a tablet, they should seek medical advice and show the doctor the packaging or leaflet.

Frequently asked questions about Felimazole tablets for cats

Is Felimazole a prescription-only medicine?
Yes. Felimazole tablets for cats are POM-V. Your cat must be examined by a vet and you must have a valid prescription before they can be supplied.

Will my cat need Felimazole tablets for cats for life?
Hyperthyroidism is often a lifelong condition. Many cats stay on Felimazole long term, with doses adjusted according to blood tests and how they are doing. Your vet will discuss other options such as surgery or radioactive iodine if appropriate.

How quickly will Felimazole start to work?
Some improvement in activity and behaviour may be seen within a couple of weeks, but it can take several weeks and repeat blood tests to fully stabilise thyroid levels.

Can I stop Felimazole once my cat seems better?
No. Do not stop or change the dose without veterinary advice. Your cat may appear better because the medicine is controlling hormone levels. Stopping abruptly can allow hyperthyroidism to return and may be dangerous.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
Contact your vet for advice. In most cases you should give the next dose at the normal time and avoid doubling up, but always follow your vet’s instructions.

Always follow the directions on your cat’s prescription, the product label and the package leaflet. If you have any concerns or questions about Felimazole tablets for cats, speak to your vet for personalised advice.

You can download the datasheet here

You can visit the manufacturer’s website here

Available in 1.25, 2.5 & 5mg – boxes of 100