Fevaxyn Pentofel

Fevaxyn Pentofel is a vaccine for cats, which is a solution for injection in a prefilled syringe. Fevaxyn Pentofel contains the following inactivated viruses: feline panleukopenia virus, feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus, feline leukaemia virus, and the inactivated bacterium feline Chlamydophila felis.

Fevaxyn Pentofel is used to immunise healthy cats of nine weeks or older against feline panleukopenia and feline leukaemia, and against respiratory diseases caused by feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus and feline Chlamydophila felis.

The contents of the prefilled syringe are shaken and given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. For cats nine weeks and older, two doses are given at an interval of three to four weeks. An additional dose is recommended for kittens living in high-risk areas for feline leukaemia virus whose first dose was administered before 12 weeks of age. Fevaxyn Pentofel is then given once every year.

Fevaxyn Pentofel contains small amounts of four inactivated viruses and one inactivated bacterium. When injected, this small exposure helps the cat’s immune system to recognise and attack the viruses and bacterium. When exposed to any of these viruses and bacterium later in life, the cat will either not become infected or will have a much less serious infection.

Fevaxyn Pentofel has been studied against feline leukaemia, against respiratory diseases caused by feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus and feline Chlamydophila felis, and against disease caused by feline panleukopenia virus.

In addition, studies in cats of various breeds were carried out to observe any side effects of Fevaxyn Pentofel after the first and second vaccinations.

Fevaxyn Pentofel has been shown to be effective against feline leukaemia, against respiratory diseases caused by feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus and feline Chlamydophila felis, and against disease caused by feline panleukopenia virus.

In the trial to observe side effects, there were no side effects in 94.2% of cats for the first vaccination and no side effects observed for 99% of cats for the second vaccination.

Some vaccinated cats may develop reactions to the vaccine, which include temporary fever, vomiting, anorexia (not eating) or depression, which usually disappear within 24 hours.

Occasionally there is swelling, pain, pruritus (itching) or hair loss at the injection site. In very rare cases, there is an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergy) with oedema (fluid under the skin), pruritus, respiratory and cardiac distress, severe gastrointestinal signs or shock during the first hours after vaccination.

Fevaxyn Pentofel contains mineral oil. Accidental injection may cause severe pain and swelling, particularly if injected into a joint or finger, rarely causing the loss of a finger. If someone is accidentally injected with this product, they must seek immediate medical advice even if only a very small amount is injected. The package leaflet should be taken to the doctor. If pain persists for more than 12 hours after medical examination, the doctor should be contacted again.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) agreed that the benefits of Fevaxyn Pentofel are greater than any risks to immunise healthy cats of nine weeks or older against feline viruses. It recommended that Fevaxyn Pentofel should be given a marketing authorisation. The benefit-risk balance may be found in the scientific discussion of this EPAR.

The European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union for Fevaxyn Pentofel on 5 February 1997. Information on the prescription status of this product may be found on the outer package.