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VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets

INDICATIONS

VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets are indicated for the management of the signs of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs due to clinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). VETMEDIN Chewable Tablets are indicated for use with concurrent therapy for congestive heart failure (eg, furosemide, etc.) as appropriate on a case-by-case basis.

CLINICAL BENEFITS

The unique mode of action of VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets acts as both a positive inotrope and potent, balanced vasodilator, simultaneously dilating veins and arteries. In this form, the chew enters the GI tract and is rapidly dissolved and absorbed.

 

  • Proprietary formulation ensures optimal bioavailability that in turn ensures optimal therapeutic effect 

  • In a clinical study, the unique dual mode of action was shown to increase survival time and quality of life compared to ACE inhibitors.1,2

  • Published evidence of improved clinical parameters and reduced heart size when compared to dogs on ACE inhibitors3

  • Recommended by American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) specialty of cardiology panel as part of first-line therapy in dogs diagnosed with heart failure to ensure optimal patient outcomes4

  • Beef-flavored chewable tablet ensures high levels of acceptability that in turn promotes compliance10,11

  • Meets FDA standards of product efficacy, stability, and strength

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets should be administered orally at a total daily dose of 0.23mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) body weight.

 

  • The total daily dose should be divided into 2 portions that are not necessarily equal, and the portions should be administered approximately 12 hours apart (ie, morning and evening)

  • Any suitable combination of whole or half tablets may be used

  • The tablets are scored and the calculated dosage should be provided to the nearest half-tablet increment

 

Dosage Chart

Image
Chart showing the dosage requirements for different sized animals

 

Please note: These examples given in the dosage chart do not necessarily depict the only way to provide the correct dose. Other combinations of whole and half tablets may also be appropriate

 

SAFETY

Contraindications: VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets should not be given in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons.

 

Warnings: Only for use in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. At 3 and 5 times the recommended dosage, administered over a 6-month period of time, pimobendan caused an exaggerated hemodynamic response in the normal dog heart, which was associated with cardiac pathology.

 

Human Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans.

 

Precautions: The safety of VETMEDIN has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). 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.

 

Adverse Reactions: The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. 

 

For more information, please see full prescribing information.

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For the Heart, From the Start

VETMEDIN Chewable Tablets are designed to protect your patients against the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). They are a proven way to increase your patients’ survival times and improve their quality of life after CHF diagnosis.1-3

 

  • VETMEDIN Chewable Tablets have a dual mode of action, relaxing the blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart, and improving heart muscle function to help the heart work more efficiently.

 

  • In clinical studies, dogs treated with VETMEDIN Chewable Tablets at the onset of clinical signs lived almost twice as long from the start of treatment than those treated with an ACE inhibitor.2

 

  • Dogs treated with VETMEDIN Chewable Tablets from the onset of clinical signs also required less therapy to maintain quality of life than those treated with an ACE inhibitor.2
A happy white dog smiles at you

Catch It Early,
 Make a Difference

Heart disease is common—10% of dogs will be diagnosed with heart disease in their lifetime.4,5 Early intervention can help patients live longer, with a higher quality of life. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) recommends looking for the following clinical signs:4,5

  • Tachypnea (rapid breathing or panting)
  • Restlessness
  • Respiratory distress
  • Persistent cough
  • Reluctance to exercise or play
  • Lack of stamina
  • In severe cases, distended stomach

Catch It Early,
 Make a Difference

Heart disease is common—10% of dogs will be diagnosed with heart disease in their lifetime.4,5 Early intervention can help patients live longer, with a higher quality of life. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) recommends looking for the following clinical signs:4,5

  • Tachypnea (rapid breathing or panting)
  • Restlessness
  • Respiratory distress
  • Persistent cough
  • Reluctance to exercise or play
  • Lack of stamina
  • In severe cases, distended stomach
A happy white dog smiles at you

Common Heart Conditions

Of the two heart conditions that most commonly lead to CHF, one typically affects large dogs, and one typically affects small and medium-sized dogs.

Image of a heart with MMVD.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD)

  • A heart condition where the degeneration of the mitral valve prevents closure of the valve leaflets, allowing blood to leak back into the left atrium.

  • A common type of chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD), MMVD accounts for roughly 75% of canine heart diseases.1,6

  • Common at-risk breeds include: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Miniature Pinscher, Boston Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD)

  • A heart condition where the degeneration of the mitral valve prevents closure of the valve leaflets, allowing blood to leak back into the left atrium.

  • A common type of chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD), MMVD accounts for roughly 75% of canine heart diseases.1,6

  • Common at-risk breeds include: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Miniature Pinscher, Boston Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua.

Image of a heart with MMVD.
An image of a heart with DCM

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

  • A heart condition where the heart muscles are weakened and cannot contract with as much force as normal.

  • Accounts for roughly 10% of acquired canine heart disease.7

  • Common at-risk breeds include: Doberman Pinscher, Afghan Hound, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Great Dane, Boxer, Dalmatian, Newfoundland, St. Bernard

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

  • A heart condition where the heart muscles are weakened and cannot contract with as much force as normal.

  • Accounts for roughly 10% of acquired canine heart disease.7

  • Common at-risk breeds include: Doberman Pinscher, Afghan Hound, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Great Dane, Boxer, Dalmatian, Newfoundland, St. Bernard

An image of a heart with DCM

Three Signs to Know

When you are on the lookout for CHF in a patient, there are 3 early predictors that indicate if, or when, heart disease will progress into Stage C heart failure. Paying attention to these signs can help prolong your patient’s life:

 

1. Increased heart size, demonstrated by Vertebral Heart Score (VHS)

2. Increased Heart Rate (HR)

3. Increased Respiratory Rate (RR) and Increased Resting Respiratory Rate (RRR)

VETMEDIN vs Compounded Pimobendan

  • VETMEDIN is the only FDA-approved product for treating congestive heart failure in dogs.

 

  • Compounded preparations are not equivalent to generic drug products. Generic drug products have a demonstrated bioequivalence in safety and efficacy with the pioneer FDA-approved drug product; compounded substances do not.8

 

  • The safety of compounded formulations is not evaluated by the FDA.

 

  • Without an appropriate formulation process, compounded products are formulated with unknown GI absorption properties and uncertain efficacy.

Studies & Resources

Learn more about VETMEDIN (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets and what you can do to help your patients with CHF. See the clinical studies and access useful resources.

 

QUEST
The largest clinical study of dogs with CHF ever conducted found that the survival time of dogs treated with VETMEDIN Chewable Tablets nearly doubled compared to those treated with an ACE inhibitor.3
VetSCOPE
VETMEDIN Chewable Tablets improved quality of life of dogs in heart failure while decreasing the mean heart size in patients treated for the full 56 days.1
ACVIM
The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine’s official website has continuing education resources, certification trainings, and more.
EPIC
The EPIC study was a prospective, multi-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. It compared the changes that occurred as dogs with preclinical MMVD and cardiomegaly developed CHF, compared to dogs that do not develop CHF.9
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The Cardiac Education Group logo

Additional Resources from CEG

The Cardiac Education Group is a not-for-profit of board-certified veterinary cardiologists, with resources on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart disease in dogs and cats.

The Cardiac Education Group logo

Additional Resources from CEG

The Cardiac Education Group is a not-for-profit of board-certified veterinary cardiologists, with resources on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart disease in dogs and cats.

The My Pets Heart2Heart logo

Download Our App

Download the “My Pets Heart2Heart” app, which helps dog owners to count and record their dog’s resting respiratory rate and send that information back to you.

The My Pets Heart2Heart logo

Download Our App

Download the “My Pets Heart2Heart” app, which helps dog owners to count and record their dog’s resting respiratory rate and send that information back to you.

The BI-Connect Logo

Sign Up for BI-Connect™

Manage your online orders, connect with our customer care team, and unlock free continuing education courses all in one place by signing up 
for BI-CONNECT.

The BI-Connect Logo

Sign Up for BI-Connect™

Manage your online orders, connect with our customer care team, and unlock free continuing education courses all in one place by signing up 
for BI-CONNECT.

The Cardiac Education Group logo

Additional Resources from CEG

The Cardiac Education Group is a not-for-profit of board-certified veterinary cardiologists, with resources on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart disease in dogs and cats.

The Cardiac Education Group logo

Additional Resources from CEG

The Cardiac Education Group is a not-for-profit of board-certified veterinary cardiologists, with resources on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart disease in dogs and cats.

The My Pets Heart2Heart logo

Download Our App

Download the “My Pets Heart2Heart” app, which helps dog owners to count and record their dog’s resting respiratory rate and send that information back to you.

The My Pets Heart2Heart logo

Download Our App

Download the “My Pets Heart2Heart” app, which helps dog owners to count and record their dog’s resting respiratory rate and send that information back to you.

FAQ

Is VETMEDIN safe for use in all dogs?

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 MMVD or DCM. 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.

 

What happens if a pet owner forgets to give one of the VETMEDIN daily doses?

Instruct the pet owner to wait until the next scheduled dosing time and resume the normal twice-daily (every 12 hours) pattern of dosing.

 

What should be done in an acute overdose situation?

There is no specific antidote for an overdose of VETMEDIN. Contact 866-638-2226 for technical support.

 

What should be done if a dog vomits shortly after dosing?

Please call Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Technical Solutions to report the suspected adverse event at 866-638-2226. Some dogs in our clinical trials experienced transient mild vomiting that resolved after a few doses. If vomiting is severe or persistent, discontinue the medication and call Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Technical Solutions at 866-638-2226.

 

Is there a maximum duration of administration for VETMEDIN?

No, there is no limit on the period of time VETMEDIN can be administered to a patient.10,11

 

What is the Cardiac Education Group?

The Cardiac Education Group (CEG) is a group of board-certified veterinary cardiologists from both academia and private practice that offers independent recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of canine heart disease. The group provides resources and information on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart disease and heart failure in dogs to promote early detection and diagnosis with greater accuracy and confidence.

 

Visit the CEG website at www.cardiaceducationgroup.org. You’ll find many free tools to help simplify canine heart disease diagnosis and treatment.

 

What is myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)?

As its name suggests, MMVD affects the mitral valve located on the left side of the heart between the atrium and the ventricle. MMVD is a slowly progressive disease in which the mitral valve deteriorates over time. Normally, when they close, heart valves form a perfect seal ensuring that blood flows in the right direction through the heart. The function of the mitral valve is to channel blood from the left atrium into the left ventricle. However, when MMVD occurs, the distortion of the mitral valve leaflets results in an imperfect seal and allows blood to “leak” backward into the atrium as the ventricle contracts.

 

What is the difference between MMVD and DCM in dogs?

MMVD and DCM are the 2 most common causes of canine heart disease with MMVD accounting for about 75% of canine cases of heart disease seen in veterinary clinics in the US.1,6 MMVD tends to have a long preclinical phase lasting from months to years and is a slow-progressing degenerative disease1 that damages heart valve leaflets.

 

DCM has a preclinical phase as well but, unlike MMVD, tends to progress rapidly. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that causes loss of myocardial contractility. DCM is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in certain breeds.12 In North America, the Doberman Pinscher is the most commonly affected breed.12

 

Both MMVD and DCM ultimately lead to CHF in dogs and require prompt treatment at the first appearance of clinical signs to help improve quality of life and extend survival time.

References

  1. 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.
  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. 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 receivingpimobendan or benazepril: the QUEST study. J Vet Intern Med. 2013;27(6):1441–1451.
  4. Keene BW, Atkins CE, Bonagura JD, et al. ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):1127-1540.
  5. 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.
  6. Rush JE. Chronic valvular heart disease in dogs. Proceedings from the 26th Annual Waltham Diets/OSU Symposium for the Treatment of Small Animal Cardiology; October 19–20, 2002. Accessed August 23, 2022. https://www.vin.com/Proceedings/PDF/Walthamosu2002/PR02988.pdf.
  7. Client Information Series: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Texas A & M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Accessed August 24, 2022. https://vethospital.tamu.edu/hospital/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2018/01/cardiology-DCMHalfBooklet.pdf.
  8. Veterinary compounding. American Veterinary Medical Association website. Accessed July 20, 2022. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/veterinary-compounding.
  9. Boswood A, Gordon SG, Häggström J, et al. Temporal changes in clinical and radiographic variables in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease: The EPIC study. J Vet Intern Med. 2020;34(3):1108-1118.
  10. VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets [package insert]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2021.
  11. VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets [Freedom of Information Summary]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2007.
  12. O’Grady MR, Minors SL, O’Sullivan ML, Horne R. Effect of pimobendan on case fatality rate in Doberman pinschers with congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med. 2008;22(4):897–904.

Trademarks

VETMEDIN® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. BI-CONNECT™ and logo are trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner. ©2022 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.

US-PET-0653-2020
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets is for use in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure only. The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. 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. For more information, please see full prescribing information.

 

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