Dosage form and features
Imunofan is produced in 3 dosage forms:
- injection;
- nasal spray;
- rectal suppositories.
For cats, the immunomodulator is used only in the form of an injection solution. Externally, it is a transparent liquid, colorless and odorless. It is packaged in 1 ml transparent glass ampoules. A cardboard package contains 5 of these ampoules.
The drug is a 0.005% solution of immunofan, a synthetic hexapeptide. This substance has a complex chemical formula, and is based on a natural immune hormone called thymopoietin, which is produced by the thymus gland. The drug also contains auxiliary components:
- glycine;
- sodium chloride;
- purified water.
The immunomodulator should be stored at a temperature of 2 to 10˚C, so it is best to place the ampoules in the refrigerator. If foreign impurities appear in the solution or the liquid becomes cloudy, the medicine cannot be used to treat animals. Empty ampoules can be disposed of with commercial waste. No special precautions are required.
General information about the drug
Imunofan solution is used in livestock and poultry farming, as well as in veterinary medicine for the treatment and prevention of problems arising from a weak immune system in dogs of various breeds. The sterile injection solution contains a synthetic component that acts at the cellular level.
The drug Imunofan has a positive effect on the general condition of the body, increases the resistance of dogs and other animals to stress during travel, and reduces the risk of side effects after vaccinations. After a course of use, a decrease in the frequency of stillbirths and miscarriages in pregnant bitches was noted.
Synthetic hexapetide is actively absorbed and quickly breaks down into molecules. The positive point is a combination of fast and slow phases of influence on the body, a prolonged effect after administration of the immunomodulator solution.
Imunofan is safe for animals; side effects have been reported in isolated cases. The drug can be combined with many types of medications.
Pharmacological properties
A special feature of the drug is its wide spectrum of action. When it enters the bloodstream, the active substance begins to “work” after 2-3 hours. The effect of the immunostimulating agent lasts from several weeks to several months, depending on the general health of the pet, existing disease and other factors.
Imunofan has the following effect on the animal’s body:
- corrects the functioning of the immune system;
- promotes restoration and enhancement of cellular immunity;
- removes toxic substances from the body;
- improves liver function and promotes the restoration of cells in this organ;
- eliminates inflammatory processes;
- normalizes the course of redox reactions;
- helps to increase the body's response to various factors of influence;
- increases the circulation of specific antibodies that destroy bacteria and viruses.
Note! In the early stages, the drug is able to provide antitumor protection. It enhances the effect of anti-cancer drugs, but it can only be used in oncology after consultation with a doctor.
When vaccinated, Imunofan allows you to improve the formation of immunity against introduced viruses and avoid complications. At the same time, the medicine is considered harmless to animals and can be used with virtually no restrictions. Does not have a negative effect on the development of embryos and does not cause mutations. In addition, it does not cause allergic reactions and does not increase hypersensitivity.
How does Imunofan work?
The drug begins to act several hours after administration to the cat’s body. The following stages are distinguished :
- At this stage, harmful substances (toxins) are removed, and immunity begins to increase.
- Two days after using this immunostimulant, the body’s protective functions are significantly strengthened, and an effective fight against viruses and harmful bacteria is carried out.
- After a week, the process of renewal of the body begins, complete restoration of immunity, and the production of necessary antibodies increases.
In addition, Imunofan protects liver cells, its action contributes to the normal functioning of this important organ.
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Indications for use
According to the instructions, Imunofan for cats is used in complex therapy for the following pathologies:
- with plague of carnivores;
- for parainfluenza, infectious rhinotracheitis and other respiratory diseases;
- for intrauterine infectious diseases;
- for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is also used to prevent gynecological diseases and improve reproductive functions. Injections of the drug are also given to kittens with developmental delays and slow weight gain. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to use Imunofan during epidemics, as well as in cases of decreased immunity. The drug can be used after chemotherapy or surgery to speed up the recovery period.
Note! The medicine can be used for vaccination. The solution can be used to dilute the dry vaccine or be administered separately.
To prevent the negative effects of stress on an animal, an immunomodulator is used in the following situations:
- when moving;
- when visiting a veterinarian;
- when participating in exhibitions;
- when guests arrive;
- during transportation;
- during medical procedures, etc.
Preventive value of Imunofan
One-time use of the drug for the prevention of infectious diseases is allowed. It is also used to increase immunity in cats that go outside before the onset of the cold season. When Imunofan is used simultaneously with vaccines, the safe period is significantly extended and the likelihood of negative side effects is reduced.
Imunofan is considered a low-hazard substance. When strictly observed in recommended doses, it does not have any irritating or toxic effects. Reviews from animal owners indicate that its correct use alleviated the suffering of cats and significantly shortened the period of illness.
Dosage and application regimens
According to the instructions for use, Imunofan injections for cats are given subcutaneously or intramuscularly. A single dose of the drug, regardless of age and breed, is 1 ml (1 ampoule). Drug use regimens may vary depending on the pathology:
- For parainfluenza, adenovirus infection and other respiratory viral diseases, injections are given once a day for 3-4 days.
- If the medicine is used to treat pathologies of the digestive system, it is also administered once a day. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times.
- For plague, injections are given once a day and repeated up to 5-6 times.
- For infectious diseases, the drug is injected once a day for 5 days.
- To improve the reproductive system and produce healthy offspring, the medication is injected for 3 days, once a day. According to the same scheme, the immunomodulator is used for kittens to stimulate growth and weight gain.
- To prevent the development of gynecological pathologies, injections are given once 3-4 times a year.
- If the drug is used as an anti-stress agent, the injection is given once 12-18 hours before an event that will cause stress in the animal (transportation, going to the veterinarian, etc.).
The drug can be combined with drugs for symptomatic treatment. Before use, consult a veterinarian.
Terms of use
The dosage and details of the instructions for use of Imunofan for cats depend on the release form. Before using the medication, you must remove it from the refrigerator and warm it up a little. To ensure that the procedure remains safe, you should carefully adhere to all hygiene and sanitary standards, use only disposable instruments and work with rubber gloves.
Injection
Imunofan can be administered to your pet intramuscularly or subcutaneously. It is advisable to have a veterinarian do this, but if necessary, you can carry out the procedure yourself. Injections are given once a day. To ensure that the injection does not harm the cat, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Use only sterile disposable syringes. Never reuse needles, even if they appear clean. Choose devices with a short needle. They are easy to use and cause less discomfort to the cat. The injection can only be given after the animal has been securely secured. This may require the help of a second person. If the cat is not held well enough, it can not only scratch or escape, but also injure itself on the needle. The injection should not be given immediately after eating. It is advisable to wait 1 hour (minimum 30 minutes) from feeding to the procedure. Before the injection, you must make sure that there are no air bubbles in the syringe.
If the owner does not have medical skills or is not confident in his abilities, it is better to refuse an independent injection. Subcutaneous injection at home is given in the following order:
Pull back the cat's skin at the withers. A wide fold should form into which the needle can be inserted without any problems. Take a syringe with a solution, insert a needle into the withers area at an angle of 45° to the spine, 1 cm deep. Make movements carefully, without effort or sudden movements, so as not to harm the pet. Slowly inject the solution by pressing on the syringe. Carefully remove the needle and release the animal.
Injecting into a muscle is more difficult. It is used in cases where the animal is exhausted or injured. Instructions for intramuscular injection:
Feel the pet's muscle in the inner thigh. Massage it lightly so that the fibers can be felt under your fingers - this will make it easier to inject. Take a syringe with medicine and release the air. Insert the needle 1 cm deep at an angle of 90° to the cat's thigh. Introduce the veterinary drug by slowly pressing on the base of the syringe. Pull out the needle.
There is no need to disinfect the injection site. After the procedure, your pet may act restless from pain and stress - this is a normal reaction. But if it continues for too long, you should contact your veterinarian.
Nasal spray
The nasal form of the veterinary drug is most often used to combat respiratory infections. The spray comes with a special dispenser, but using it can cause stress to the cat. This is due to the fact that the jet from the dispenser flies out under high pressure, spraying over the face and causing discomfort from the collision.
It is best to use a regular pipette. Imunofan is injected into it from an opened bottle, after which the nasal mucosa is irrigated. Then the instrument should be washed, and the bottle should be carefully closed and placed in the refrigerator.
Rectal suppositories
Candles are rarely used due to disgust and difficulty in use. You cannot use a whole piece - it must be cut into two parts. You need to insert the suppository after defecation, having first thoroughly cleaned the anal area with a damp cloth without alcohol additives. As with an injection, the pet must be well secured before the procedure.
The suppository must be inserted gently, without effort, otherwise the mucous membrane of the animal can be damaged. The active substance is quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. After use, diarrhea is possible - this is considered a normal reaction. But if the side effects are too severe, you may want to choose another form of treatment.
Contraindications and side effects
Imunofan has no contraindications. It can be used for cats of different breeds and ages. Approved for pregnant and lactating females, as well as newborn kittens and old animals that have various chronic diseases.
Does not cause side effects even in case of overdose. In most cases, it is well tolerated by animals, but you should not abuse the immunomodulator, as it can weaken the immune system. With constant use, the animal’s immune system atrophies, that is, it stops working. Without maintenance therapy, it will not be able to independently resist viruses and bacteria and provide the body with the necessary protection.
Note! Imunofan cannot be combined with other immunomodulators and biostimulants.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of the drug include the following:
- no contraindications;
- compatibility with other medications;
- wide spectrum of action;
- possibility of use for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes;
- quick effect;
- long-term effect.
The advantages of Imunofan include its high efficiency, which was confirmed in clinical studies and proven in practice by veterinarians and pet owners. After the first injection, the pet’s condition noticeably improves.
The main disadvantage of the drug is the dosage form. Some cat owners do not know how or are afraid to give injections to their pets. The drug has no other significant disadvantages.
Owner reviews
Diana, owner of a 10-year-old cat:
“When our already middle-aged cat caught an infection, Imunofan was used in combination with other drugs. I can’t say that Murka’s recovery is due to this medicine, since other medications were also used, but after 2 days the cat felt much better.”
Artem, owner of the Persian cat:
“Our cat has a runny nose. At first they didn’t think anything of it, but when the pet stopped breathing through his nose, they went to the hospital. After the examination, the veterinarian gave me an injection of Imunofan and an antibiotic. The next day, another injection of an immunomodulator was given. The cat felt better, his appetite appeared, he became more active, but after a few days the runny nose returned, so I doubt the effectiveness of the medicine.”
Price
The manufacturer of the drug is the domestic research and production enterprise BIONOX. It has been specializing in the production of reliable medicines for many years, so purchasing its products will not be difficult. The medicine is sold in retail pharmacies and veterinary stores in all cities of the country. You can also order it at an online pharmacy. Imunofan is produced in packages of 5 ampoules. On average, the cost of one package is about 320-360 rubles (prices are indicated in accordance with data from online pharmacies).