Although other flea species may be found on dogs, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the predominant flea associated with infestations on dogs in the United States. In addition to the common nuisance irritations associated with infestations, fleas can be responsible for medical problems in your pet such as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), a skin reaction to flea bites. Also, fleas transmit other parasites, including tapeworms. Controlling flea infestations is important to your pet's health while also reducing the major and minor annoyances associated with these parasites.
Lufenuron, the active ingredient of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs does not kill adult fleas, but effectively breaks the flea's life cycle by inhibiting egg development. The diagram to the right illustrates the fleas' life cycle and where PROGRAM Flavor Tabs acts to break this cycle.
Life Cycle of the Flea
Fleas can be a problem because they reproduce so rapidly. A single female flea may produce up to 2,000 eggs over her lifetime. Eggs hatch and can develop into adults within only three weeks. Adult female fleas feed by ingesting blood from your dog and subsequently lay eggs which drop off your dog's coat. Within days, larvae hatch from the eggs and live undetected in your dog's surroundings, such as the carpet, bedding and other protected areas. Flea larvae spin a cocoon, and when appropriately stimulated, a young adult flea emerges and jumps onto your dog to continue the life cycle. After biting a PROGRAM Flavor Tabs-treated dog, the female flea ingests lufenuron which is deposited in her eggs. Lufenuron prevents these flea eggs from developing into mature adults. This safe and convenient approach to flea control effectively breaks the flea's life cycle and controls flea populations.
Dosage
PROGRAM Flavor Tabs are given orally, once a month, at the recommended minimum dosage of 4.5 mg lufenuron per pound (10 mg/kg) of body weight.
Recommended Dosage Schedule
Body Weight Dose Lufenuron Per Tablet
Up to 10 lbs.............One tablet.................45.0 mg
11 to 20 lbs.............One tablet.................90.0 mg
21 to 45 lbs.............One tablet................204.9 mg
46 to 90 lbs.............One tablet................409.8 mg
Dogs over 90 lbs. should receive the appropriate combination of tablets.
Once-A-Month
PROGRAM Flavor Tabs will safely and effectively control flea infestations only if administered in conjunction with a normal meal on a monthly dosing schedule. To help you remember the monthly dosing, use the enclosed reminder stickers on the appropriate dates on your calendar.
Adverse Reactions
The following adverse reactions have been reported in dogs after giving PROGRAM: vomiting, depression/lethargy, pruritus (itchy, scratchy skin), urticaria (wheals, hives), diarrhea, anorexia (loss of appetite), and skin congestion (red skin).
How Supplied
PROGRAM Flavor Tabs are available in four tablet sizes (see Dosage section), formulated according to the weight of the dog. Each tablet size is available in color-coded packages of six tablets each.
Storage Conditions
PROGRAM Flavor Tabs should be stored at room temperature between 59° and 86°F (15-30°C).
Keep out of reach of children.
Manufactured for:
Novartis Animal Health US, Inc.
Greensboro, NC 27404, USA
NADA # 141-035, Approved by FDA.
©1999 Novartis NAH/PRO-FT/PI/1
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