Advantage Multi™ Heartworm, Flea Topical for Dogs by Bayer

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

Who is it for?
For dogs and puppies over 7 weeks of age and at least 3 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 work?
Once-a-month prescription pet medication for dogs controls fleas, prevents heartworm infection, and kills intestinal parasites. 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 nervous system and results in paralysis and death of the flea. In addition, Advantage Multi contains 2.5% moxidectin, which kills larval stages of the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) plus gastrointestinal worms such as roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala), and whipworms (Trichuris vulpis).

Is there a generic equivalent available?
No.

How is it given?
Advantage Multi for dogs 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 dog's first exposure to mosquitoes. The last dose must be given within 30 days after the dog's last exposure to mosquitoes.

The single-dose applicator tube is easy to use. Simply part the hair between the shoulder blades, open the applicator, and apply. Make sure you get the medication directly on your dog's skin, not on the haircoat. For dogs weighing less than 20 lbs, apply entire contents to the spot between the shoulder blades; for dogs 20 lbs and over, apply on 3 or 4 spots along the upper back in an area the dog will not be able to lick. Do not let your dog lick himself until the product dries (approximately 30 minutes after application).

What results can I expect?
Advantage Multi will kill the immature heartworms the dog 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.

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

Pronunciation
ad-VAN-tage MUL-ti

Common Drug Name
Imidacloprid plus moxidectin

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

Collies or other herding breeds may have a severe reaction to Advantage Multi if they ingest the product. If your dog is one of these breeds, and your veterinarian has prescribed Advantage Multi, observe your pet closely for at least 30 minutes to ensure your dog does not lick the site of application. Also observe for depression, weakness, staggering, dilated pupils, trembling, panting, or coma. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see these signs.

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 dog is taking, and also if your dog 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 dog 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 puppies less than 7 weeks of age or dogs or puppies less than 3 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?
Side effects may included 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 an 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 depression, weakness, staggering, dilated pupils, trembling, panting, or coma, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Advantage Multi?
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.

Administration: Single-dose applicator tube is easy to use. Simply part the hair between the shoulder blades, open the applicator, and apply. Make sure you get the medication directly on your dog's skin, not just on the haircoat. For dogs weighing less than 20 lbs, apply entire contents to the spot between the shoulder blades; for dogs 20 lbs and over, apply on 3 or 4 spots along the back. Do not let your dog lick himself until the product dries (approximately 30 minutes after application).

Heartworm Prevention: For prevention of heartworm disease, administer at one-month intervals. Advantage Multi for Dogs may be administered year-round or at a minimum should start one month before the first expected exposure to mosquitoes and should continue at monthly intervals until one month after the last exposure to mosquitoes. If a dose is missed and a 30-day interval between doses is exceeded, administer immediately and resume the monthly dosing schedule. We recommend you take your pet to the veterinarian for a heartworm test before you start a heartworm preventive program.

Switching Heartworm Preventives: When replacing another heartworm preventive product in a heartworm prevention program, the first dose must be given within 30 days of the last dose of the previous product.

Flea Control: For the treatment of flea infestations, administer at one-month intervals. If the dog is already infested with fleas when the first dose is administered, adult fleas on the dog will be killed.

Intestinal Wormer: For the treatment and control of intestinal hookworm infections administer this product once as a single topical dose.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry area away from heat. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.