Bonqat

Bonqat can only be obtained with a prescription. It is given as a single dose of 5 mg/kg bodyweight (0.1 ml/kg bodyweight) approximately 1.5 hours before a transportation or planned veterinary visit. It can be given either directly into the mouth or mixed with a small amount of food, using the dosing syringe provided in the package.

For more information about using Bonqat, see the package leaflet or contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

The active substance in Bonqat, pregabalin, is similar in structure to a ‘neurotransmitter’ called gamma‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) but has different biological effects. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other. Pregabalin is thought to affect the way that calcium enters nerve cells. This reduces the activity of some of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the release of other neurotransmitters involved in anxiety.

In a main clinical field trial, of the 108 cats that received Bonqat, 51% had a treatment effect considered good or excellent as assessed by their owners, based on the cats’ stress, anxiety and fear during car transportations. A clinical examination showed similar results (55% of the cats had a good or excellent response). These compare with 27% and 30%, respectively, in a group of 101 cats receiving placebo (a dummy treatment).

The most common side effects with Bonqat (which may affect up to 1 in 10 animals) are signs of sedation (including tiredness, difficulties in perception of the position and movement of the body, and problems with balance) and vomiting. These effects were usually mild and temporary.

For the full list of side effects of Bonqat, see the package leaflet.

Safety information has been included in the summary of product characteristics and the package leaflet for Bonqat, including the appropriate precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and animal owners or keepers.

If the product is accidentally swallowed by a person, the advice of a doctor should be sought immediately, and the package leaflet or label should be shown to the doctor. The person should not drive due to the risk of sleepiness. 

In case of skin or eye contact, the affected area should be rinsed immediately with water, and any contaminated clothes should be removed. Medical advice should be sought if symptoms such as dizziness, tiredness, ataxia or blurred vision occur.

The European Medicines Agency decided that Bonqat’s benefits are greater than its risks and it can be authorised for use in the EU.

Bonqat received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU on 13 July 2021.