Acarexx Otic Suspension (per pouch)

Acarexx (0.01% ivermectin) Otic Suspension is a specially formulated ivermectrin treatment for ear mites in cats. ACAREXX is indicated for the treatment of adult ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations in cats and kittens four weeks of age or older. Effectiveness against eggs and immature stages has not been proven.

Key Features

• Water-base, non-oily formulation
• Contains no irritating solvents which can cause hypersensitivity
• Easy, one-step application - ear cleaning not necessary for efficacy
• Safe for cats and kittens as young as 4 weeks
• FDA approved safety and efficacy - not a pesticide

Key Benefits

• Less mess and increased patient comfort
• Safe and gentle for patients 4 weeks of age and older. See important safety information
• A one-step ear mite treatment, delivers fast results that enhance patient comfort and client satisfaction
• Offers a safe and versatile product for acute treatment of ear mites

Indications

Acarexx (0.01% ivermectin) Otic Suspension is indicated for the treatment of adult ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations in cats and kittens four weeks of age or older. Effectiveness against eggs and immature stages has not been proven.

Tear foil pouch at the notch to remove the two plastic ampules. Use one ampule per ear. Shake well before use. Snap off the cap of the ampule and place the tip into the external ear canal. Squeeze the entire contents of one ampule into the ear and massage the base of the ear to distribute the medication. Repeat the procedure in the other ear using the second ampule. In clinical field trials, ears were not cleaned and many animals still had debris in their ears at the end of the study. Cleaning the ears prior to administration of Acarexx suspension is not necessary to provide effectiveness.

Acarexx is administered topically in the ear canal at an ivermectin concentration of 0.01%. One dose of 0.5 mL is applied in each ear. Repeat treatment one time if necessary, based upon the ear mite life cycle and the response to treatment.

Acarexx is packaged in two polypropylene ampules per foil pouch, which are packaged 12 foil pouches per display carton. Each ampule is filled to deliver 0.5 mL of 0.01% ivermectin otic suspension per ear.

ACAREXX is proven effective

• Utilizes Wisdom technology, a water-based delivery system that allows ivermectin to be used safely in the ear
• Penetrates exudate build-up to reach and kill mites

ACAREXX is proven safe

• In safety studies, four-week-old kittens were administered Acarexx at dose rates of 1X, 3X and 5X the recommended dose for three or six consecutive days and no adverse reactions were observed, except one kitten treated at 1X the dose had histologic evidence of minimal, chronic dermal in?ammation of the ear.
• In approximately 1% of 80 cats and kittens, pain associated with the pinna and vomiting were observed following treatment with Acarexx.

A one-step ear mite treatment

• Ear cleaning not necessary for efficacy

The Ear Mite Problem

Ear mites are a common problem in cats, especially in kittens. These mites, Otodectes cynotis, typically live within the ear canal, but can also be found on other areas of the body or in the environment. Ear mites cause intense irritation as they move about the ear canal feeding on epidermal debris and tissue fluid. Ear mites complete their life cycle from egg to adult in five stages. The complete metamorphosis takes approximately three weeks as illustrated.

Phase 1: The Eggs

The female ear mite typically lays about five eggs per day for the entirety of her adult life. Deposited on the ear canal, the eggs hatch within four days.

Phase 2: The Larvae

Once hatched, larvae feed for 3-5 days before becoming lethargic for 24 hours as they molt into the nymph phase.

Phase 3: The Nymphs

There are two stages of nymphs: the protonymph and the deutonymph. Each feeds for 3-5 days, rests, then molts to the next stage.

Phase 4: The Adults

Barely visible to the naked eye, the adult ear mite appears white in color and feeds off the epithelial debris in a cat's ear. The record number of ear mites found in a cat's ear was 3,500.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs of ear mites in cats:

• Head shaking
• Scratching the ears (there may be sores around the ears as a result of scratching)
• Reddish-brown to black discharge (crusts and cerumen) in the ears that resemble coffee grounds
• No clinical signs*

A diagnosis of ear mites by the veterinarian is usually made by one of the following methods:

• Direct visualization of the mites with an otoscope
• Microscopic examination of the ear discharge

*Although some cats show no outward signs of ear mite infestations, the mites can be diagnosed as described above. Veterinarians often check for ear mites as part of the routine physical exam, especially in multi-cat households.

Nongreasy Acarexx Suspension

Acarexx suspension is nongreasy and easy to administer. Because it contains no irritating solvents, it won't cause hypersensitivity that can be associated with other products.

Traditional Treatments

Most other treatments are oil-based, which makes them difficult and messy to administer. Many contain solvents that can cause irritation and hypersensitivity in some cats.

Safety Information

The safe use of ACAREXX in cats used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating queens, has not been evaluated. ACAREXX suspension is a safe, convenient, proven ear mite treatment. In a well-controlled clinical field trial, ACAREXX was used safely in cats and kittens receiving other frequently used veterinary products such as flea control products, vaccines, anthelmintics, antibiotics and steroids. Not for human use.

Caution:

Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian

Precaution:

The safe use of Acarexx suspension in cats used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating queens, has not been evaluated.

Human Warnings:

Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children.

Effectiveness:

One treatment with Acarexx suspension was 92% effective in treating adult ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations after seven days in a dose titration/confirmation study. In a well-controlled clinical field trial, one treatment of Acarexx suspension was 94% effective in clearing cats and kittens of adult ear mite infestations within 7 to 10 days.

Storage:

Store below 86°F (30°C). Protect from freezing.