Composition and action
For animals, Imunofan is available in the form of an injection solution. The outwardly transparent and colorless liquid is odorless. It is packaged in ampoules of 1 ml. The cardboard packaging usually contains instructions for use and 5 such ampoules. Other forms of medication (spray and suppositories) are not used in treating dogs.
The main component of the drug is a synthetic hexapeptide. It is obtained by synthesis from a natural peptide hormone of immunity, therefore it is well tolerated by the body.
Imunofan acts in three main directions:
- increases immunity, including at the cellular level;
- improves metabolic processes;
- promotes better absorption of medications, which is especially important when used in complex therapy.
The medication corrects the functioning of the immune system. Activates defenses if necessary, but at the same time can smooth out the body’s inadequate reactions to various irritants. In addition, it has the following effect:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antitumor;
- detoxification;
- hepatoprotective.
The drug provides protection to the body from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In case of intoxication, radionuclide poisoning or chemical exposure, the medication helps reduce the negative effects of harmful substances and remove them from the body.
When used during vaccination, it increases the lifetime of antibodies. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system, helps bitches recover faster after childbirth, and increases the survival rate of puppies. The drug helps to avoid unpleasant consequences in stressful situations, and also increases the chances of recovery from oncology and other serious diseases.
Imunofan is a low-hazard drug because it does not have an allergic, mutagenic or toxic effect.
Composition, release form, packaging
"Imunofan" is a medicine that can be used to prevent various diseases. The injection solution is transparent, colorless and odorless. The main active component is hexapeptide. Also contains glycine, sodium chloride and water.
There are 2 types of packaging of the drug:
- ampoules of 1 ml in a cardboard box of 5 pcs.;
- hermetically sealed glass bottles of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 ml.
The drug is sold with instructions for use.
Before making a purchase, check bottles and ampoules for integrity; they cannot be opened or cracked. Also carefully review the expiration date of the medicine. Damaged or expired medications must be returned and should not be used under any circumstances.
Did you know? When cats wash themselves, they lick a substance containing vitamin B from their fur. This vitamin protects the animal’s nervous system from overload.
What is the price
The price of a package of 5 ampoules of Imunofan will cost 350-450 rubles. In many pharmacies, ampoules can be purchased individually. You can purchase the solution not only in veterinary pharmacies and large pet stores, but also in regular pharmacies, since the drug is also used for humans, although in this case it will cost a little more. If you prefer to shop online, choose trusted portals to order medicine.
You can now view the current price of the drug and buy it right here:
Indications for use
According to the instructions for use, Imunofan for dogs is prescribed in the following cases:
- in an immunodeficient state;
- with the plague;
- with enteritis;
- with infectious hepatitis;
- for intestinal pathologies caused by pathogenic bacteria;
- for respiratory viral diseases;
- for other diseases of a viral or bacteriological nature.
It is used in oncology, especially after radiotherapy or chemotherapy, as well as in combination with other medications. The medication is also used in the following cases:
- during vaccination;
- during stress (moving, visiting an exhibition, traveling to the veterinarian, etc.);
- for the prevention of gynecological diseases and obtaining healthy offspring.
And although the medicine is considered safe, it should not be used without consulting a doctor.
Instructions for use
In the treatment of infectious diseases and oncology, the drug is used in combination with antibiotics, medications aimed at eliminating symptoms, and other medications. The instructions indicate that Imunofan is administered to dogs intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The single dose for small and large pets is the same and is 1 ml.
During treatment, injections are given once a day, every other day. The number of injections depends on the disease:
- for infectious rhinotracheitis, adenovirus infection, parainfluenza and other respiratory infections - 3-4 times;
- for gastrointestinal infections, including viral enteritis - 2-3 times;
- for carnivore plague – 5-6 times;
- for intrauterine infections – 5 times;
- for malnutrition of puppies – 3 times;
- to improve reproductive function – 3 times.
If the drug is used to prevent gynecological pathologies, injections are given once every 3-4 months. Up to 4 injections are given throughout the year. To avoid the unpleasant consequences of stress, the medication is injected 12-18 hours before the event that may provoke it. It could be:
- transportation of the animal;
- visiting a veterinary clinic;
- carrying out hygienic or cosmetic procedures (clipping nails, cutting hair);
- arrival of guests;
- departure of the owner;
- participation in an exhibition or competition.
If the medication is used to enhance immunity during vaccination, it is mixed with the vaccine in one syringe. If the vaccine is used in the form of a dry powder, the solution can be used to dilute it.
How to take medication
The veterinarian prescribes Imunofan therapy for each animal individually, taking into account the cat’s overall condition and the degree of development of the disease. The instructions contain information about the recommended doses of the medicine, which are calculated based on general indicators.
If the weight of the animal does not exceed 100 kg, then the dosage of Imunofan for injection will be 1 ml. The injection is made into the withers area or into the muscle. To prevent the negative effects of vaccination in cats, Imunofan is used in the form of a solution for drugs in dry form.
In order to carry out preventive measures for diseases associated with the reproductive organs of cats, you should give an injection of Imunofan once a quarter. To reduce the impact of an upcoming stressful situation, for example, traveling in transport, it is necessary to give the cat an injection 12–18 hours before.
Imunofan injections are made subcutaneously or intramuscularly
During standard therapy, Imunofan injections are given every 24 hours. The following information is provided about the course of injection therapy with this medication:
- for canine distemper - from 5 to 6 injections;
- for infections associated with the gastrointestinal tract, viral enteritis - 1 or 2 injections;
- for adenoviral and rhinotracheal infections - from 3 to 4;
- for diseases associated with the reproductive organs - 3.
The medicine is injected under the skin or inside the muscle in a dosage prescribed by the doctor. Drip administration of Imunofan into the conjunctiva of the eyes (thin connective membrane) is also acceptable.
During treatment, it is important to give injections in a timely manner, without missing the next injection. Otherwise, you will need to start the course of therapy again.
Video: how to properly inject a cat
Use for pregnant animals and kittens
Imunofan is recommended for use in cats during pregnancy. The medicine reduces the number of miscarriages. Taking Imunofan by a cat helps make it easier for her to endure pregnancy. Kittens are born stronger and healthier. In addition, the immunomodulator increases the chances of fertilization if pregnancy is planned.
The use of Imunofan to a cat during pregnancy contributes to the birth of strong and viable offspring.
To increase the reproductive functions of a cat, as well as to cure hypertrophy in kittens, the medication is taken 3 times, one injection per day.
Since kittens do not have a fully formed immune system, you should consult a veterinary clinic before using a drug with immunomodulatory properties. The doctor will help you choose the right dosage.
It is good to combine the use of the vaccine with the simultaneous administration of the drug "Imunofan", it improves the body's metabolism and the development of immunity. Vaccination of kittens is carried out from the age of two months (without rabies), it is initially done twice, with an interval of two to three weeks between vaccines, but for it to be carried out the kitten must be completely healthy. From three to four weeks, deworming is carried out (worms are chased), always repeated after 10–14 days.
Vladimir Valentinovich Shebelnichenko, doctor at the Aibolit veterinary clinic
https://veterinariya.info/page/konsultaciya-veterinara-bolezni-koshek
Contraindications and side effects
The instructions do not contain information on contraindications. It can be used for dogs of any age and breed. If you plan to use Imunofan for pregnant and lactating bitches or puppies, consult a doctor. It is possible that the medication may cause an allergic reaction, but there is no information about this in the instructions. If you carefully monitor the animal after the first injection, it will not be unnecessary.
Attention! Imunofan should not be used with other bio- and immunostimulants.
If the recommended doses and treatment regimen are followed, the drug is well tolerated by animals and does not cause side effects. Despite its safety, experienced specialists do not recommend using it without a doctor’s prescription and very often. The fact is that the medication stimulates the immune system, but with frequent use it can have the opposite effect. The animal’s natural immunity will decrease and will not be able to cope with infections and other irritants without “outside” help, that is, the help of medication.
Side effects and contraindications
Imunofan has no absolute contraindications. It can be given to kittens, pregnant and lactating females, old or weakened animals. In rare cases, pets may develop an individual intolerance or allergy to the active substance. If an animal suffers from autoimmune pathologies, you should consult a veterinarian before treatment.
Injections and nasal spray have no side effects; when using rectal suppositories, stool and digestive disorders can rarely occur or worsen. No other undesirable reactions are observed, but with constant use of the immunomodulator, the animal’s natural immunity atrophies, so it is important not to exceed the recommended treatment time.
The medicine goes well with therapeutic and symptomatic medications. If necessary, it can be used in conjunction with antibiotics, but you should consult your doctor before doing so. It is undesirable to use Imunofan together with other immunomodulators, otherwise hypersensitivity and rapid suppression of natural immunity may occur.
Clinical researches
Imunofan is widely used in veterinary medicine due to its broad spectrum of action and high efficiency, which has been confirmed by clinical studies. 138 dogs of various breeds took part in them. In addition, a control group of 70 animals was created to compare the results.
The drug was administered to pets from the experimental group during the first vaccination against plague, botulism, hepatitis, and enteritis. As a result of observations, 7 cases of plague infection and 4 enteritis cases from the control group were noted, although all animals survived. In addition, the number of dead puppies in the experimental group decreased by 3.4%, and 6.8% more bitches were able to safely give birth.
Tests have also been conducted in treating dogs against distemper and other dangerous diseases. If with traditional treatment only 50% survive, then with the use of Imunofan, out of 20 sick pets, 19 were saved. The effectiveness of the drug was also confirmed when vaccinated against parvovirus enteritis. Of the 150 vaccinated puppies, not a single one fell ill with a dangerous disease during the observation period.
How to store
From the date of production, the medicine is suitable for use for 24 months, but subject to certain conditions. The medicine should be stored in a dry place protected from ultraviolet radiation at a temperature of 2 to 8˚C. A refrigerator is good for storage.
Do not use the drug if the expiration date has expired. You should also refuse to use it if the solution becomes cloudy, sediment or foreign impurities appear in it. Medicine containers must be thrown away with household waste.
Owner reviews
Olga, owner of several dogs:
“I always have Imunofan in my veterinary medicine cabinet. I mainly use it for prophylaxis during vaccinations, when we go to exhibitions or go to the country, after childbirth. Once the medicine saved my dog from distemper. I have never observed any side effects, although I have used it for old and young dogs (I have four of them). Excellent product."
Konstantin, boxer's owner:
“The dog developed a fungus on his paws after suffering from dirofilariasis. Ointments and other external remedies had no effect, and the fungus continued to develop. The veterinarian recommended taking a course of immunomodulator to strengthen the immune system. After the first injection, the dog felt significantly better. I think this is an excellent tool, and it’s inexpensive, well within your budget.”
User reviews
Reviews from animal owners and veterinarians about the drug are most often positive. Among the advantages are its safety, absence of contraindications and side effects, compatibility with other medications, quick and long-term effect. The disadvantages of the medication are the inconvenient dosage form and dosage in the packages. After treatment, there are almost always extra ampoules, suppositories or spray left.
One day our old cat caught a respiratory infection. For treatment, the veterinarian prescribed several medications, including Imunofan. After 2 days, our darling felt better, but I can’t say that this is solely the merit of this medicine.
Our cat has a stuffy nose. At first they didn’t pay attention to it, but he got worse and worse - in the end he almost couldn’t breathe. We took him to the veterinarian - he injected him with an antibiotic and Imunofan, then the next morning we gave him a second injection. He immediately perked up, had an appetite, and began to run. After 3-4 days, the disease returned, but now they took the cat to the doctor immediately and finally cured him with other medications. So I’m not sure what to think about this drug.
I work as a veterinarian. I have repeatedly used Imunofan to help small kittens, weakened and old animals for which conventional remedies are not suitable. I have no doubt about its effectiveness, but this remedy alone will not be enough - for a complete recovery you also need proper nutrition, vaccination, symptomatic therapy and comprehensive timely treatment of all health problems.
