Advantage Multi™ (Brand) for Cats by Bayer

What is Advantage Multi for Cats?
Advantage Multi for Cats is a once-a-month prescription pet medication for cats that controls fleas, prevents heartworm infection, and kills intestinal parasites.

Who is it for?
For cats and kittens over 9 weeks of age and at least 2 lbs. The safety of Advantage Multi for Cats in breeding, pregnant or nursing cats has not been evaluated.

What are the benefits?

How does Advantage Multi for Cats work?
Advantage Multi is used for flea control and the prevention, control, and treatment of various worm infections. It contains 10% imidacloprid, which affects the flea's or ear mite's nervous system and results in paralysis and death of the flea/mite. In addition, Advantage Multi contains 1% moxidectin, which kills larval stages of the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) plus gastrointestinal worms such as roundworms (Toxocara cati) and hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme).

Is there a generic equivalent available?
No.

How is it given?
Advantage Multi for cats must be administered monthly, preferably on the same date each month. Drs. Foster and Smith recommends (and our guarantee requires) that Advantage Multi be given year round, although some veterinarians may recommend giving it only during the mosquito season. If given seasonally, the first dose must be given within 30 days of the cat's first exposure to mosquitoes. The last dose must be given within 30 days after the cat's last exposure to mosquitoes.

The single-dose applicator tube is easy to use. Simply open the applicator, part the hair on the cat's neck at the base of the head, and apply. Make sure you get the medication directly on your cat's skin, not on the haircoat. Do not let your cat lick himself until the product dries (approximately 30 minutes after application).

What results can I expect?
Advantage Multi will kill the immature heartworms the cat was exposed to in the preceding month. It will treat an intestinal infection with adult hookworms and roundworms. It will kill adult fleas. If the pet was already infested with fleas when Advantage Multi was applied, you may see fleas for up to 6 weeks after application as the immature forms of the fleas in the environment hatch. It will kill ear mites and by using the product monthly, you can control subsequent ear mite infestations.

What form(s) does it come in?
Topical

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Advantage Multi for Cats

Pronunciation
ad-VAN-tage MUL-ti

Common Drug Name
Imidacloprid plus moxidectin

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Advantage Multi for Cats?
Talk to your veterinarian about any heartworm testing that is recommended before starting your cat on a heartworm prevention program.

Some intestinal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms can be spread to people. Talk to your veterinarian about other measures you can take to prevent your pet from being infected with intestinal worms, and protecting yourself.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your cat is taking, and also if your cat has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and resume a monthly dosing schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
If the interval between doses is longer than one month, the efficacy of the drug is reduced. Do not give this medication orally - it can cause very severe side effects. Avoid touching the area of application for 30 minutes after applying. Also prevent the cat from licking the application site for 30 minutes after applying.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to imidacloprid or moxidectin. Do not use in animals who are sick, debilitated, or underweight.

Also do not use in kittens less than 9 weeks of age or cats or kittens less than 2 lbs of body weight.

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What side effects may be seen when taking Advantage Multi for Cats?
Side effects may include scratching, residue, or a medicinal odor at the application site. Rarely, you may also see sleepiness, behavior changes, drooling, increased drinking or coughing. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of these signs.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe sleepiness, weakness, staggering, dilated pupils, trembling, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme behavior changes or coma, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Advantage Multi for Cats?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins, supplements, and other flea/tick products your pet is receiving while using imidacloprid and moxidectin on your pet.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication. For technical assistance, contact the manufacturer, Bayer, at 1-800-255-6826. To report suspected adverse reactions, call the manufacturer at 1-800-422-9874.