Vidalta tablets for cats

Vidalta tablets for cats

Vidalta tablets for cats

PRESCRIPTION NEEDED (Pom-V)

Vidalta Prolonged-release Tablets for Cats – once-daily treatment for feline hyperthyroidism

Vidalta 10 mg and 15 mg Prolonged-release Tablets for Cats are designed specifically for the medical management of feline hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats where the thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone. This speeds up the body’s metabolism and can cause weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, rapid heart rate, increased thirst and urination, and changes in behaviour or coat quality.

The active ingredient in Vidalta tablets for cats is carbimazole, a pro-drug that is converted in the body to thiamazole (methimazole). Thiamazole reduces the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. By lowering excessively high thyroid levels, Vidalta helps to control the signs of hyperthyroidism and reduce strain on the heart and other organs.

Because Vidalta tablets for cats are prolonged-release, they are formulated to provide a full day’s effect from a single dose in most cats, which can make daily treatment simpler compared with twice-daily products.

What Vidalta tablets for cats are used for

Your vet may prescribe Vidalta tablets for cats to:

• Stabilise hyperthyroid cats before surgery or other treatments

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

• Control clinical signs such as weight loss, hyperactivity, increased appetite, vomiting and rapid heart rate associated with overactive thyroid glands

Vidalta does not cure the underlying thyroid disease, but it can control hormone levels effectively in many cats for as long as treatment continues.

Available strengths and pack size

This product entry covers:

• Vidalta 10 mg Prolonged-release Tablets for Cats 1×30

• Vidalta 15 mg Prolonged-release Tablets for Cats 1×30

Your vet will choose the appropriate strength, or a combination of strengths, based on your cat’s weight, blood test results and clinical response. The tablets are film-coated and colour-coded by strength to help reduce dosing errors.

How Vidalta tablets for cats work

After your cat swallows a Vidalta tablet, carbimazole is absorbed and converted to thiamazole in the body. Thiamazole acts within the thyroid gland to block the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Over time, this helps:

• Bring thyroid hormone levels (T4) back towards the normal range

• Improve clinical signs of hyperthyroidism

• Reduce the workload on the heart and other organs affected by the disease

Because the tablets are prolonged-release, the active ingredient is released gradually, helping to maintain more even control with once-daily dosing.

How Vidalta tablets for cats are given

Vidalta tablets for cats are given by mouth once daily. Your vet will prescribe the exact dose for your cat and will advise whether tablets should be given with or without food.

General guidance (always follow your own vet’s instructions and the package leaflet):

• Give Vidalta at the same time each day to keep levels steady

• Give exactly the dose prescribed; do not change the dose yourself

• Tablets should not be broken or crushed unless your vet specifically advises this

• If a dose is missed or your cat spits out a tablet, contact your vet for advice before giving any more – do not double the next dose

Never stop Vidalta suddenly unless your vet tells you to. If treatment is stopped abruptly, thyroid hormone levels can rise again and your cat’s signs may return or worsen.

Monitoring and follow-up

Hyperthyroidism is a long-term condition that requires ongoing monitoring. When Vidalta tablets for cats are used, your vet will generally:

• Arrange blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels, kidney values and sometimes blood cell counts at regular intervals, especially after starting or changing the dose

• Examine your cat to assess bodyweight, heart rate, breathing, hydration and general condition

• Adjust the Vidalta dose based on blood results and how your cat is doing at home

Many cats remain on Vidalta tablets for cats for life, with doses adjusted over time. Regular monitoring is essential to keep treatment safe and effective.

Safety, contraindications and precautions

Vidalta tablets for cats are a potent prescription medicine and are not suitable for every cat. Your vet will only prescribe Vidalta after examining your cat and reviewing relevant blood and urine tests. In general, Vidalta:

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

• Is not recommended for pregnant or lactating queens

• Must be used with care in cats with other serious illnesses, especially heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure

Always tell your vet about any other medication or supplements your cat is receiving. Do not combine Vidalta tablets for cats with other antithyroid products or treatments unless your vet has advised this and is monitoring closely.

Possible side effects of Vidalta tablets for cats

Most cats tolerate Vidalta tablets for cats well when the dose is carefully adjusted, but side effects can occur, especially at the start of treatment or when doses are changed. Possible signs include:

• Vomiting, diarrhoea or reduced appetite

• Lethargy or quietness

• Mild behaviour changes or changes in coat

• Facial itching or scratching

More serious reactions, although less common, can involve changes in blood cells, liver problems or severe gastrointestinal upset. You should contact your vet immediately if you notice:

• Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea

• Marked loss of appetite or sudden weight loss

• Extreme lethargy, weakness or collapse

• Unexplained bruising, bleeding or very pale gums

• Yellow tinge to the gums, eyes or skin

Your vet may reduce the dose, pause treatment, change to a different medicine or perform further tests depending on what is found.

Handling advice for owners

Because Vidalta contains an antithyroid agent, some precautions are recommended when handling tablets and waste from treated cats:

• Keep tablets in the original blister 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 your cat’s litter tray

• 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 promptly and show the doctor the packaging or leaflet.

Frequently asked questions about Vidalta tablets for cats

Is Vidalta a prescription-only medicine?
Yes. Vidalta tablets for cats are classed as 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 Vidalta tablets for cats for life?
Hyperthyroidism is usually a lifelong condition. Many cats remain on Vidalta long term with regular blood tests and dose adjustments, although your vet may also discuss other options such as surgery or radioactive iodine where appropriate.

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

Can I stop Vidalta once my cat seems better?
No. Your cat may appear better because Vidalta is controlling thyroid hormone levels. Stopping suddenly can allow hyperthyroidism to return and may be dangerous. Always speak to your vet before making any changes.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vidalta?
Do not double up the next dose. Contact your vet for specific advice. In many cases you will simply give the next scheduled dose at the usual time, but always follow your vet’s guidance.

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

You can download the datasheet here

You can visit the manufacturer’s website here

Available in 10 & 15mg – boxes of 30