How does NexGard COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) work?
NexGard COMBO topical solution is a monthly topical solution for cats that provides broad-spectrum protection against external and internal parasites. The three active ingredients, esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel, kill fleas and ticks, prevent heartworm disease, and treat and control roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. This treatment comes from the maker of vet-recommended NexGard (afoxolaner) and HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel).
IMPORTANT SAFETY IMFORMATION:
NexGard COMBO is for topical use only in cats. Use with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. For more information, contact your veterinarian or refer to the full prescribing information.
How do I use NexGard COMBO topical solution?
Use NexGard COMBO topical solution by following the instructions and dosage guidelines provided by your veterinarian or refer to the full prescribing information. Each dose provides protection from fleas and ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
How do I apply NexGard COMBO topical solution on my cat?
NexGard COMBO topical solution is intended for topical application only. Do not inject, do not administer orally or via any other route. Carefully follow the application instructions on the packaging label for best results.
How fast does NexGard COMBO topical solution kill and control fleas?
NexGard COMBO topical solution works fast, killing adult fleas before they lay eggs. Although it kills adult fleas quickly, it may take several weeks to control infestations as the environment may include fleas in earlier stages that have not yet developed into adults.
Is there a weight or age requirement to give my cat NexGard COMBO topical solution?
NexGard COMBO topical solution is safe for cats and kittens as young as 8 weeks, weighing 1.8 pounds or more.
What NexGard COMBO topical solution sizes and options are available for purchase?
NexGard COMBO topical solution is available in packs containing either three or six topical doses and comes in two different sizes: 1) for cats 1.8 to 5.5 pounds, and 2) for cats 5.6 to 16.5 pounds.
How often do I need to use NexGard COMBO topical solution?
Outdoor and indoor cats should be treated with NexGard COMBO topical solution once a month. Year-round protection is highly recommended. The convenient applicator makes one-and-done monthly dosing easy. NexGard COMBO topical solution kills fleas and ticks, prevents heartworm disease, and treats and controls hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms.
Does NexGard COMBO topical solution need to be used even if I have an "indoor cat"?
Yes, even indoor-only cats can become exposed to external and internal parasites. Fleas and ticks can be brought into the home by other pets (or they can even hitch-hike in on people), and an infested pet will spread flea eggs throughout the house. These developing stages will survive in the areas that the infested pet frequents (carpet, cracks in hardwood floors, pet bedding, etc.) Other animals (such as rodents and cockroaches) can be infected with internal parasites that can infect an indoor cat while "hunting." And mosquitoes that can transmit heartworms can easily get indoors and pass heartworms to even indoor-only cats. In fact, one study found that 25% of heartworm infected cats were considered indoor only cats.1
How long does a dose of NexGard COMBO topical solution protect against fleas and ticks and how often should I treat my cat?
Each dose of NexGard COMBO topical solution protects your cat for one full month from fleas and ticks. In addition, NexGard COMBO topical solution also prevents heartworm disease, and treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. It is important to ensure that your cat receives one dose of NexGard COMBO topical solution each month to keep your cat protected year-round.
Can I start treating my cat with NexGard COMBO topical solution at any time during the year?
Treatment with NexGard COMBO topical solution may begin at any time of the year. It is recommended to treat your cat month after month, no matter the season.
Is NexGard COMBO topical solution safe for kittens?
NexGard COMBO topical solution is safe for kittens 8 weeks and older that weigh over 1.8 pounds. Talk to your veterinarian about the best treatments for your kitten and never give any medication that has not been prescribed or approved by your veterinarian.
Can NexGard COMBO topical solution be used in breeding, pregnant or lactating cats?
The safe use of NexGard COMBO topical solution in breeding, pregnant or lactating cats has not been evaluated.
Can NexGard COMBO topical solution be used on dogs or other animals?
No, NexGard COMBO should only be used on cats. Do not give NexGard COMBO to dogs or other animals.
Can NexGard COMBO topical solution be used with other feline medications?
In a field study, concurrent administration of various medications and vaccines did not have an impact on the safety of NexGard COMBO topical solution. For more information, contact your veterinarian.
Why am I still seeing fleas on my cat after using NexGard COMBO topical solution?
Adult fleas - the ones that you see on an infested pet - make up only ~5% of the total flea population. The developing stages (flea eggs, larvae, and pupae) make up the other 95%. These developing stages can be found anywhere an infested animal spends time. Commonly infested animals, which spread flea eggs throughout their surroundings, include untreated pets, feral cats, opossums, coyotes, etc.2 You are likely seeing NEW fleas on your pet, which are jumping on your cat as it moves through infested areas. These fleas will be killed quickly by NexGard COMBO topical solution before they can reproduce. Depending on the severity of an already existing infestation, you may continue to see new fleas jumping on your pet for three months or more (depending on environmental conditions). To prevent new infestations, continue to give NexGard COMBO topical solution monthly and year-round.
How do cats get hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms?
Cats get roundworms and hookworms from ingestion of the infective stage from a contaminated environment (often via grooming). They can even be infected after hunting and ingesting infected intermediate hosts, such as rodents. Infective hookworm stages can also penetrate the skin of a cat that visits a contaminated environment. Cats can get the tapeworm parasite by ingesting fleas.
How do cats get heartworms?
Cats get heartworms by being bitten by an infected mosquito. One bite is all it takes.3
What is the best number to call regarding any specific product questions?
For any specific product questions, please call Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health at 1-888-637-4251.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
NexGard COMBO is for topical use only in cats. Use with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, application site reactions, and anorexia. If ingested, hypersalivation may occur. Avoid direct contact with application site until visibly dry. For more information, contact your veterinarian or refer to the full prescribing information.
References
- Atkins C, et al. Heartworm infection in cats: 50 cases (1985-1997). JAVMA. 2000;217(3):355-358.
- Dryden M. Biology of fleas of dogs and cats. Compend Contin Educ Vet. 1993(4):569-579.
- Heartworm Guidelines American Heartworm Society. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/veterinary-resources/american-heartworm-society-guidelines Accessed March 7, 2023.