Instructions for use of the veterinary drug Covinan

Doses and method of administration

Covinan is administered to animals strictly subcutaneously into the middle part of the skin fold, avoiding intradermal injections, contact with subcutaneous fat deposits and scar tissue. Before use, the bottle with the drug must be shaken thoroughly and the injection site treated with 70% ethyl alcohol. For the prevention and treatment of false pregnancy and pseudolactation, the drug is administered to females once in doses: 1 ml (with a weight of up to 20 kg), 2 ml (with a weight of 21 to 40 kg) and 3 ml (with a weight of more than 40 kg). To suppress sexual heat in cats, Covinan is prescribed in a dose of 1 ml (for large cats weighing more than 7 kg, the dose can be increased to 1.5 ml). For bitches, the dose is selected individually depending on body weight: with a weight of less than 5 kg - 1 - 1.5 ml, with a weight from 5 to 10 kg - 1.5 - 2.5 ml, from 10 to 20 kg - by 2.5 - 3.5 ml, from 20 to 30 kg - 3.5 - 4.5 ml, from 30 to 45 kg - 4.5 - 5.5 ml, from 45 to 60 kg - 5, 5 – 6.0 ml. To develop persistent anestrus (period of sexual rest), the drug is used according to the following scheme: the first injection of Covinan is carried out during the period of anestrus in bitches and cats or proestrus (beginning of estrus, the first 1 - 2 days) only in females, the second injection is given after 3 months, the third - 4 months after the second administration of the drug, and then Covinan is administered every 5 months. In cases where bitches who have been treated with the drug according to the above regimen still show signs of proestrus (swelling of the genital loop, bleeding from the vagina), an extraordinary injection of Covinan must be given to prevent unwanted estrus. The further regimen of use depends on the interval at which the injections were made before the occurrence of undesirable signs of proestrus. If the interval between injections is 5 months, then after an extraordinary administration the drug is administered after 4 months and then every 5 months. If the interval is 4 months, then after an extraordinary administration, the regimen is adjusted as follows: after 3 months there will be the next injection, then the drug is administered after 4 months and then every 5 months. For one-time prevention of estrus, the drug is administered once: to bitches during the period of anestrus, but no later than a month before the expected estrus, to cats during the period of anestrus or diestrus (the period immediately after estrus). To suppress estrus in bitches, Covinan is administered immediately after signs of proestrus appear. Signs of proestrus disappear within 5–7 days. Restoration of the reproductive cycle in females occurs on average in 6–7 months, sometimes in a period of 3–12 months.

Undesirable consequences

The use of Covinan to regulate the sexual behavior of cats is usually not accompanied by severe side effects. Manifestations of overdose were not recorded. But there are still cases when the use of Covinan is accompanied by unpleasant phenomena.

• Often there is a change in the color of the fur and its partial loss at the injection site. These phenomena then disappear on their own and are important only in cases where it is necessary to exhibit the animal.
• Behavioral abnormalities may appear, including aggressiveness. But more often than not, the cat’s character changes for the better.
• A common phenomenon is increased appetite and obesity as a consequence.
• Hypertrophy of the mammary glands may appear.
• Sometimes after administration of the drug, cats become depressed.
• Nausea, vomiting, or discharge from the genitals after a Covinan injection is a reason to immediately consult a veterinarian. These symptoms may be signs of uterine inflammation.

But severe side effects are rare, and more often than not, Covinan has a beneficial effect on the cat's behavior.

Pharmacological properties

Covinan is a hormonal drug based on a synthetic analogue of progesterone. The natural hormone progesterone is produced in both sexes in the adrenal cortex, in females by the luteal cells of the corpus luteum. Its function is to prepare the endometrium for implantation of the zygote, to ensure the normal course of pregnancy, and to stimulate the development of mammary gland tissue. Its synthetic analogue (prolygestone) has the property of inhibiting the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are produced by the anterior pituitary gland. The drug Covinan inhibits the synthesis of estradiol by ovarian follicles, which prevents the development of morphological and psychophysiological changes in females associated with the sexual cycle (prevents the development of estrus). Prolygestone changes the physical and chemical properties of mucus in the uterus, inhibits the proliferation of the endometrium and mammary gland cells. When the drug is administered during the period of sexual rest (anestrus), prolygestone maintains the concentration of LH at a low level, as a result of which the process of ovulation becomes impossible. Prolygestone is deposited in fatty tissue and recycled in the animal’s liver, which is responsible for the long-lasting effect of the drug. Its maximum concentration in blood plasma when administered subcutaneously is reached after 2 - 3.5 days and is 29 ng/ml. The drug has weak estrogenic, insignificant corticosteroid activity and practically no androgenic effect. Therefore, all possible risks from using hormonal contraceptives are minimized. The drug is excreted primarily in bile. In terms of the degree of impact on the body of warm-blooded animals, the drug is classified as a low-hazard substance and in recommended doses does not have a resorptive-toxic, mutagenic or sensitizing effect.

Features of using Covinan for cats

Many veterinarians believe that the more appropriate method of contraception for cats is neutering. However, if the owner breeds kittens or it is important for him to preserve the reproductive function of his pet, a hormonal injection will be the most correct solution to the issue.

An important requirement when using the drug is that the cat must be absolutely healthy at this time and be in a state of sexual rest.

Rarely, but there are cases when signs of estrus are observed after using Covinan. In this case, an additional injection should be given, having previously agreed on the dosage with the veterinarian.

Cases of overdose with the drug have not been registered. At the injection site, slight lightening of the fur and painful sensations may occur. The hair on the injection area may fall out.

It is not recommended to skip the next injection while taking the drug. If for some reason this happens, the drug must be administered earlier than expected.

Using the drug in an animal may cause weakness, nausea, and thirst. This symptomatology is characteristic of a pathology when, after an injection, the cat begins to have inflammation of the uterus. In this condition, you need to urgently seek medical help. The solution to the problem is an operation during which the uterus is removed.

During the period of use of the drug, you must adhere to the requirements of personal safety and hygiene:

1. Wash your hands before and after using the product;
2. If the medication gets on the skin or mucous membranes, wash this area thoroughly with running water;
3. After finishing work with the drug, dispose of the bottle of the product and cotton balls for disinfection accordingly.

How it works and when to use it

The steroid hormone is a type of gestagen. It has the following effect:

• inhibits the process of follicle maturation;
• stops the production of estradiol in mature follicles;
• makes the development of estrus impossible.

The synthetic hormone increases appetite, which can lead to weight gain. Prolygestone enters the intestines along with bile and is excreted from the body along with feces. The substance blocks the production of gonadotropic hormones, but after stopping the drug, the hormonal levels are restored and the contraceptive effect ceases.

Used to prevent unwanted pregnancy in dogs for various reasons, as well as to regulate sexual heat in females. Also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of false pregnancy and pseudolactation. In addition, Covinan can be used in complex therapy in the treatment of the following diseases:

• dermatitis caused by hormonal imbalances;
• tumors of the genital organs;
• metrorrhagia;
• uterine bleeding.

Hormonal medicine is a low-hazard substance, but it should not be used without consulting a veterinarian.

Veterinarian's review of Cowinan

The hormonal drug Covinan is a long-term contraceptive. An animal, having received the first injection at the right age, experiences virtually no side effects; on the contrary, its body is strengthened and is not exposed to stress in the form of pregnancy during an undesirable period for owners.

The drug is administered according to the instructions, according to a specific schedule; cases of overdose have not been recorded. The advantage of this remedy is that the cat who took Covinan remains able to have healthy kittens, which is impossible after sterilization. After a certain time after stopping the administration of the drug, the animal can become pregnant and have healthy offspring. A very convenient and harmless product, especially for those owners who care about the reproductive abilities of their pet.

Composition and action

The active ingredient of the drug is prolygestone. This synthetic analogue of progesterone inhibits the maturation of follicles in the ovaries, blocks the release of estrogen, the female sex hormone, from mature follicles, thereby preventing estrus. It increases the viscosity of the mucus in the uterus, preventing the fertilized egg from attaching to its walls. 1 ml of Covinan contains 100 mg of prolygestone.

The drug acts as a contraceptive; after stopping taking it, the hormonal levels in the female’s body are gradually restored, the effect of the drug stops after 6-7 months. The medicine should not be used independently, without consulting a veterinarian.

When is use prohibited?

The instructions indicate that Covinan for cats has many contraindications. You should refuse to use it in the following cases:

• during pregnancy;
• during sexual activity;
• during the lactation period (milk production stops);
• for pathologies of the genitourinary system;
• with vaginal discharge that is observed over a long period;
• before the first heat.

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If your animal has diabetes, you should monitor its sugar levels when using Covinan.

Note! It is strictly forbidden to use Covinan in combination with other hormonal medications. There is no information in the instructions about the interaction of the medication with other drugs.

Indications for use of the suspension

Covinan is used in cats in the following cases:

• regulation of sexual estrus;
• prevention and treatment of false pregnancy;
• prevention and treatment of pseudolactation.

False pregnancy in cats is a condition in which pregnancy does not occur, but the cat feels all the signs characteristic of pregnancy. The animal's hormonal levels and neuropsychic state change, and physiological changes occur. During this period, the cat feels pregnant, pseudolactation may begin, etc.

How does Covinan work?

The only active ingredient in Covinan that is hormonal is prolygestone. This is a synthetic steroid component that affects the secretion of hormones in the pituitary gland. Without these hormones, the production of follicles in the ovaries is disrupted and viscosity in the uterine cavity increases. As a result, fertilized eggs cannot implant, and the secretion of the mammary glands is also disrupted. This explains the contraceptive effect of the drug. But when the medication is discontinued, the level of hormones in the blood is restored.

Prolygestone accumulates in the body, so after discontinuation of the drug, its effect does not end immediately. Most of the substance is removed with feces, as it enters the intestines along with bile. The rest of the proligestone is excreted in the urine.

Long-term contraception

Due to its ability to suppress ovulation, Covinan is used as a long-acting contraceptive. One injection of the drug is valid for 5 months. Due to the ease of use after the first injection, which must be performed by a veterinarian, in the future the owner can independently give injections, coordinating the dosage with a specialist.

The use of oral contraceptives in cats is discouraged. When using them, there is a very high probability of developing pyometry.

Owner reviews

Valentina, dachshund owner:

“We used Covinan for the dog 2 times. After that there was mating twice. No complications or side effects were found. Our dachshund is now 12 years old. No oncology. There are joint diseases, but they are associated with old age, and not with the use of a hormonal drug.”

Victor, owner of the shepherd:

“Our dog's heat used to be a living hell. There are two male dogs living next door. In addition, bloody discharge, stained carpets and furniture, and a terrible smell. We live in a small town, so there is no way to sterilize. On the advice of the veterinarian, they started injecting Covinan. We have been using it for more than 2 years. Very pleased with the result. I read on the Internet about serious side effects, but they did not affect us.”

Contraindications and side effects

Most cats tolerate Covinan injections well. Side effects from the administration of this drug are very rare. Among them are:

• pyometra - inflammatory lesion of the uterus, accompanied by accumulation of purulent discharge in its cavity;
• a sharp increase in the animal’s body weight;
• indifference to what is happening around or other changes in the cat’s behavior;
• endometrial hyperplasia - excessive growth of the uterine mucosa;
• increased appetite;
• swelling or short-term pain at the injection site;
• pathological growth (hypertrophy) of mammary gland tissue;
• lightening and (or) hair loss in the area of ​​drug administration.

Covinan has a number of contraindications. These include:

• period of estrus (estrus);
• final stages of the precursor;
• pregnancy;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• lactation;
• prolonged vaginal discharge;
• simultaneous use of estrogens or other progestogens.

For cats suffering from diabetes, the drug is administered only under conditions of careful monitoring of the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Description of the drug Covinan

Covinan is a hormonal drug for cats and dogs, used to regulate sexual heat and during false pregnancy in females. The drug was developed by the Dutch pharmacological company (Intervet International BV).

Covinan is a popular veterinary drug that is sold in almost any veterinary pharmacy.

Intervet was founded in 1949 in Boxmeer (Netherlands). The purpose of the creation was the development and production of vaccinations for birds. The demand for the goods produced was great, so the small company developed quickly. In 1969, it became known as Intervet International BV and became part of the largest pharmacological organization Akzo Nobel. Gradually, the Intervet brand became known throughout the world and the division became one of the three world leaders in the production of veterinary vaccines. Intervet became a separate organization again in 2006, and a year later it became a division of Schering-Plough, which is part of Merck & Co (Merck Animal Health or MSD). In Russia, this company is called Intervet LLC MSD Animal Health.

Covinan release form

Covinan is available in the form of an injection suspension. It is bottled in dark glass bottles. Each bottle (20 ml) is closed with a rubber stopper and covered with a metal cap. All units of the drug are individually packaged in cardboard boxes along with an annotation. A package with 1 bottle can cost from 1700 to 1900 rubles.

Externally, Covinan is a cloudy white liquid, which can separate during storage. This can be easily eliminated with vigorous shaking.

Previously, the manufacturer MSD was indicated on the packaging of Covinan, and Intervet was indicated on modern ones (but both modifications can be found in veterinary pharmacies)

Composition of the drug

The hormonal drug contains the following substances:

• prolygestone (active ingredient);
• food additives E-214 and E-218;
• polysorbate (surfactant);
• lecithin and sorbitan palmitate (emulsifiers);
• sodium citrate, water (food additive E-331);
• potassium dihydrogen phosphate (salt used to make an isotonic solution);
• macrogol 4000 (a substance that causes a laxative effect);
• water for injections.

How to properly store Covinan

The instructions for use say that Covinan should be stored under the following conditions:

• in sealed manufacturer's packaging;
• separately from food and feed;
• in places inaccessible to children;
• in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight;
• at temperatures from 2°C to 25°C;
• within 3 years from the date of production.

Important: the suspension must be used immediately after opening the bottle. Unused medicine should be discarded immediately. Also, you should not use expired or spoiled medicine (for example, a darkened suspension).

A first aid kit is the ideal place to store Covinan and other veterinary drugs