Understanding the Side Effects of Profender in Cats
Profender is a prescription-only, FDA-approved topical deworming medication developed for use in cats. It combines two active ingredients—emodepside and praziquantel—which are effective in treating and controlling common intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. While Profender offers a simple and non-invasive application method, pet owners should be aware of the potential side effects, precautions, and proper usage guidelines to ensure their cat’s safety and comfort.
Common Side Effects of Profender
Just like any medication, Profender can cause side effects in some cats, most of which are generally mild and self-resolving. Most adverse reactions occur shortly after administration and do not require medical intervention.
- Excessive licking or grooming of the application site
- Scratching at the site where the treatment was applied
- Salivation, particularly if the cat licks the site before it dries
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Hair loss or redness at the application area
- Agitation or restlessness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Eye or respiratory irritation in some cases
These symptoms generally resolve without treatment, but owners should monitor their pet and consult a veterinarian if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Rare and Serious Reactions
While most cats tolerate Profender well, serious side effects are rare. In clinical trials and field studies involving over 600 cats, serious complications were infrequent. However, in some cases, if a cat ingests the medication orally (by licking the application spot before it dries), it may experience increased salivation and vomiting. In such scenarios, veterinary consultation is recommended.
Precautions During and After Application
To minimize the risk of side effects and enhance efficacy, follow these safety tips:
- Do not apply to broken skin or wet hair.
- After application, prevent the cat from licking the application site for at least one hour.
- In multi-cat households, separate pets until the product is dry to avoid accidental grooming.
- Apply only on the skin; avoid contact with the cat’s eyes or mouth.
- Do not bathe the cat until the application site is dry, as wet conditions can reduce effectiveness.
Special Warnings and Considerations
Profender should only be used in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh 2.2 lbs (1 kg) or more. Safety has not been established for:
- Cats under 8 weeks of age
- Cats weighing less than 2.2 lbs
- Pregnant or lactating cats
- Breeding cats
Use with caution in cats that are sick, debilitated, or infected with heartworm. In studies, cats with heartworm infections treated with Profender had fewer complications than untreated controls.
Human Safety and Hygiene
Profender can also cause irritation in humans if mishandled. The following hygienic measures are advised:
- Wear disposable gloves during application, especially if pregnant or planning to become pregnant, due to the potential for fetal toxicity found in animal studies.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying the medication.
- Keep children and others from touching the application site for 24 hours after use.
- In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
Safe Storage and Use
Always store Profender at or below 77°F (25°C) and ensure it remains in its original packaging until use. Avoid freezing the product. It’s important to follow your veterinarian's instructions closely and to utilize the correct tube size based on your cat's weight:
- Small: 2.2–5.5 lbs
- Medium: 5.5–11 lbs
- Large: 11–17.6 lbs
- Cats over 17.6 lbs should receive the correct combination of tubes
Veterinary Supervision is Essential
Because Profender is a prescription medication, it requires an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your vet will evaluate whether Profender is suitable for your cat and instruct on correct dosing. Annual fecal testing is also recommended to monitor for intestinal parasites that may not present obvious symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Profender is a convenient, topical solution that eliminates the stress of pilling for both cats and pet parents. While side effects are usually mild and short-lived, understanding how to use it properly and what signs to watch for enhances safety and ensures your feline receives effective treatment. If you observe any persistent or concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly.
