Comfortis® Chewable Tablets (Brand)

What is Comfortis?
Comfortis is a monthly chewable tablet used to kill fleas and indicated for the prevention and treatment of flea infestations in dogs and cats. Its beef flavor is derived from pork protein and hydrolyzed soy.

Who is it for?
Comfortis is for dogs 14 weeks of age and older, and 3.3 lbs of body weight or greater.

Comfortis is for cats 14 weeks of age and older, and 2 lbs of body weight or greater.

What are the benefits?

How does Comfortis work?
The active ingredient in Comfortis, spinosad, works on the nervous system of a flea, causing paralysis and death.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
No.

How is it given?
Comfortis is a chewable tablet that is given orally with food for maximum effectiveness. If vomiting occurs within one hour of administration, redose with another full dose.

Comfortis is preferably started one month before fleas become active and should be given monthly through the end of the flea season. In areas where fleas are common year-round, monthly treatment should continue the entire year without interruption.

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

What results can I expect?
Comfortis will start to kill fleas within 30 minutes and it should remain effective for one month. If the pet was already infested with fleas when Comfortis was given, you may see fleas after that period of time as the immature forms of the fleas in the environment hatch.

What form(s) does it come in?
Comfortis comes in a chewable tablet form.

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

Brand Name
Comfortis

Pronunciation
KUM-FOR-tiss

Common Drug Name
Spinosad

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Comfortis?
If fleas are already present, discuss what other flea control measures should be used. Talk about what flea products to use on any other pets in the household, since all pets should be treated if there is an infestation. Have your veterinarian explain the life cycle of the flea and how that influences the effectiveness of monthly flea products.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has epilepsy, could be pregnant, or is currently taking the medication ivermectin.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet 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 and resume giving it every 30 days (once a month).

What is the most important information I should know?
If a flea infestation is present, all pets in the household should be treated with an appropriate product. You may see fleas on the pet after giving Comfortis. The fleas will need to be on the pet to have contact with the Comfortis that will kill them.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to spinosad. Use with caution in breeding, pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Spinosad enters the mother's milk. Consult your veterinarian before using spinosad in a lactating dog or cat. The safe use of Comfortis in breeding males has not been evaluated.

Do not use in dogs less than 14 weeks of age or less than 3.3 lbs of body weight.

Do not use in cats less than 14 weeks of age or less than 2 lbs of body weight.

Consult your veterinarian before using in animals on high doses of ivermectin.

Use with caution in dogs or cats with pre-existing epilepsy.

What side effects may be seen when taking Comfortis?
Side effects are rare at the recommended dosage. May see vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, cough, excessive thirst, vocalization, increased appetite, redness of skin, hyperactivity or excessive salivation. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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 any of the side effects in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Comfortis?
Do not use in animals that are receiving high doses of ivermectin, as ivermectin toxicity may occur.

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.