why is vetmedin out of stock 2021

Vetmedinis out of stockdue to a paperwork issue with their manufacturing plant in Mexico. Many of our readers have reached outasking about the constant backorder of the life saving pet drug, Vetmedin. This drug does require a prescription from your vet.

Full Answer

Why is Vetmedin out of stock?

May 12, 2021 · In response to a shortage of Vetmedin (pimobendan), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not intend to object to the temporary importation of Vetmedin capsules …

Is Vetmedin in short supply in 2021?

Oct 13, 2020 · In the U.S., Vetmedin typically comes in 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg chewable tablets. After calling around, Thiessen said she recently "got lucky" and found a two …

Why is Vetmedin so expensive?

Mar 10, 2020 · To give you a cost comparison – for my dog, a bottle of 50 (10mg) Vetmedin tablets costs $89.99 through KVSupply.com, which was the best online price I could find; and it …

Is there a shortage of Vetmedin for dogs?

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 …

Is there still a shortage of Vetmedin?

Is Vetmedin backordered?

Is there a generic version of Vetmedin?

Who manufactures Vetmedin?

Why is there a shortage of Vetmedin for dogs?

What happens if you stop giving your dog Vetmedin?

How long can a dog live on Vetmedin?

How long can a dog live on pimobendan?

Is compounded Vetmedin safe?

Is Fortekor the same as Vetmedin?

Does Vetmedin have the same active ingredient?

Vetmedin capsules, chews and chewable tablets all contain the same active ingredient, pimobendan. However, there are differences in the way these products are labeled.

Is there a substitute for Vetmedin?

There is no FDA-approved alternative to Vetmedin. This measure should help fill recent gaps in the supply of Vetmedin in the U.S. Vetmedin capsules, chews and chewable tablets all contain ...

Is Vetmedin in short supply?

Vetmedin (pimobendan) is in short supply. The drug is used to treat dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency, both prior to and after developing congestive heart failure, as well as subclinical mitral valve disease.

Is there a substitute for Vetmedin?

There is no FDA-approved alternative to Vetmedin. Vetmedin capsules, chews and chewable tablets all contain the same active ingredient, pimobendan. VIN News Service commentaries are opinion pieces presenting insights, personal experiences and/or perspectives on topical issues by members of the veterinary community.

Is Kathy Thiessen taking Vetmedin?

October 13, 2020 (published) Kathy Thiessen's 10-year-old shih tzu, Zoe, has been taking Vetmedin for a heart condition since March, but the drug is increasingly tough to come by. Kathy Thiessen vaguely recalls a veterinarian telling her of Zoe's heart murmur in 2018. She didn't think much of it at the time, assuming her then-8-year-old shih tzu ...

What is the name of the medication Zoe's vet prescribed for her heart?

X-rays revealed an enlarged heart. Zoe's veterinarian prescribed Vetmedin (pimobendan), a life-extending cardiac medication for dogs with heart disease. "She told me that with this medication, it would give Zoe a couple more years than without it," said Thiessen, of Everett, Washington.

What is Zoe's vet prescribed for?

Zoe's veterinarian prescribed Vetmedin (pimobendan), a life-extending cardiac medication for dogs with heart disease. "She told me that with this medication, it would give Zoe a couple more years than without it," said Thiessen, of Everett, Washington.

How many tablets should I give my dog for Zoe?

Zoe is prescribed to take one 2.5 mg tablet in the morning and a half-dose at night. Thiessen makes do by giving her dog three 1.25 mg tablets a day. "My dog's life is dependent on this," she said. "I should have bought more when I could.".

Is pimobendan prescribed for feline heart disease?

In rare cases, it's prescribed off-label for feline heart conditions. While the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine acknowledges that pimobendan is important to animal health, it is not on the agency's list of medically necessary drugs that regulators track to help alleviate or prevent shortages.

Is Vetmedin a chewable?

Vetmedin is the chewable form of Pimobendan. There is an online compounding pharmacy which makes Pimobendan (see link at the end of my post) in a Flex-Dose tablet (not a chewable, btw) which is scored in such a way as to offer an amazing dosing flexibility.

Is Vetmedin a human label?

According to my Pharmacology textbook, Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a Inotropic Mixed Dilator and there is only a veterinary label for it. A lot of the drugs in my text do have a human label as well, but it looks as if this one was specifically designed for veterinary medicine.

Is VetMedin the same as pimobendan?

* 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.

Can dogs take VetMedin?

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.

Can VetMedin be given to dogs with CHF?

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.

Is pimobendan the same as chewable?

In the US, only the chewable tablets are licensed. Both the capsules and chewable tablets contain the same pharma ceutical ingredient, pimobendan, and are considered equivalent for clinical use. Bioequivalence, however, has not been shown.

When was Vetmedin approved for dogs?

This isn't the first time Vetmedin suddenly has become scarce since the FDA approved it in April 2007 for use in dogs.

Is Metacam a NSAID?

While U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved NSAID alternatives to Metacam exist, that's not the case for Vetmedin. Its active ingredient, pimobendan, is the first drug in a class of heart medications called inodilators. It's used to treat heart failure due to mitral regurgitation and dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.

Why do dogs need Vetmedin?

Why use Vetmedin Chewable Tablets? Recommended for dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Helps extend the life expectancy and improve the quality of life in dogs with heart failure. Available as a twice-daily, beef-flavored, chewable tablet in 4 convenient dosing sizes (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg).

Is VetMedin safe for dogs?

What special precautions are there? IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: VETMEDIN is only for use in dogs with clinical signs of congestive heart failure. VETMEDIN is not for use in humans: keep this and all medications out of reach of children and consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion.

Can dogs take VetMedin?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: VETMEDIN is only for use in dogs with clinical signs of congestive heart failure. VETMEDIN is not for use in humans: keep this and all medications out of reach of children and consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion.

Can VetMedin cause shortness of breath?

VETMEDIN should only be used in accordance with instructions from your veterinarian. The most common side effects are poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, shortness of breath, weakness, and ataxia (lack of muscle control and coordination). If side effects occur, consult your veterinarian.

What to do if my dog refuses to take Vetmedin?

If your dog refuses to take medication, try hiding a Vetmedin tablet in a tasty treat or pill pocket. Pharmacists are standing by to offer Pet Parent counseling regarding prescription medication purchased from WalmartPetRx before and after dispensing.

What is the best inodilator for dogs with heart failure?

VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) is the only FDA-approved inodilator¹ that helps extend the life expectancy and improves quality of life in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF).²,³ Given every 12 hours, VETMEDIN’s dual action dilates the blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart—reducing the load on the heart—while simultaneously improving contraction of the heart muscle. Pimobendan, VETMEDIN’s active ingredient, decreases stress on the heart muscle while increasing cardiac output, without raising oxygen or energy consumption. Dogs with CHF have weakened circulatory systems; pimobendan helps them engage in the daily activities they enjoy. The older dogs get, the more susceptible they are to heart disease and heart failure.4 With early diagnosis and treatment of clinical signs, you can significantly prolong and improve your dog’s quality of life.²,³ Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about VETMEDIN for dogs to determine the proper regimen for your pet.