Fortekor Plus 1.25mg/2.5mg Tablet for Dogs - Pack of 30

Description

Fortekor Plus combines two heart medicines in one tablet for dogs with Congestive Heart Failure caused by atrioventricular valve insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. Each tablet in this strength contains 1.25mg pimobendan and 2.5mg benazepril hydrochloride. It is intended for dogs whose clinical signs are already successfully controlled with these two ingredients given together at the same individual doses. Once your vet has established those doses, the combined tablet can make the daily medicine routine simpler. This pack contains 30 tablets, each scored so it can be divided into equal halves when required.

The two ingredients in Fortekor Plus work in different ways. Pimobendan helps the heart muscle contract more effectively and widens blood vessels. Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor that helps reduce resistance in the circulation and the pressure and volume load on the heart. Together, they form part of veterinary treatment for the types of Congestive Heart Failure covered by this medicine. The condition needs ongoing assessment, even when your dog seems comfortable at home. Keep follow-up appointments and tell your vet about changes in breathing, appetite, energy or exercise tolerance. Sudden breathing difficulty or collapse needs urgent veterinary attention.

Fortekor Plus is given twice daily, approximately twelve hours apart and around one hour before feeding. Your vet will choose the amount according to bodyweight and the doses that have already worked for your dog. Use the exact strength and tablet quantity on the dispensing label; the higher-strength version is not interchangeable tablet for tablet. A consistent morning and evening routine can make it easier to remember both doses. If a dose is missed, or your dog vomits after taking a tablet, ask your vet what to do rather than giving an extra dose to compensate.

Your vet may include other medicines in your dog’s heart treatment, but each combination needs individual assessment. Tell them about every medicine and supplement your dog receives before starting Fortekor Plus. This is particularly important for diuretics, anti-inflammatory pain medicines and other treatments that affect blood pressure, kidney function or potassium levels. Do not continue separate pimobendan or benazepril alongside the combined tablet unless your vet has explicitly directed the transition. Blood tests may be needed to monitor kidney function, blood cells and electrolytes. Your vet will also assess hydration and blood pressure when reviewing treatment.

Fortekor Plus is unsuitable for some heart conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and certain obstructions to blood leaving the heart. It must not be used in dogs with low blood pressure, low circulating blood volume, low blood sodium or acute kidney failure. It is also unsuitable during pregnancy or nursing, for breeding dogs, or where there is an allergy to an ingredient. Severe liver impairment is another reason it should not be used. Safety has not been established in dogs weighing less than 2.5kg or younger than four months. Your vet will assess these factors before choosing treatment.

Keep Fortekor Plus below 25°C in its original packaging to protect it from moisture. Return any unused half-tablet to the opened blister and place it back in the carton; use that half within one day. Store all tablets out of children’s sight and reach and away from animals. Report suspected side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, poor appetite or unusual tiredness to your vet. Increased heart rate and changes in kidney blood results can also occur. Fortekor Plus is a prescription-only veterinary medicine, so a valid veterinary prescription is needed for supply from VetDispense.

What is Fortekor Plus used for?

It treats congestive heart failure associated with atrioventricular valve insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs already successfully controlled on matching doses of pimobendan and benazepril given together.

What does the 1.25mg/2.5mg strength mean?

Each tablet contains 1.25mg pimobendan and 2.5mg benazepril hydrochloride. Check both figures against the dispensing label, as the order of the ingredients matters when identifying this strength.

Can my dog start heart treatment with Fortekor Plus?

This fixed combination is for dogs already stabilised on the same doses of its separate components. Your vet first needs to establish the appropriate treatment and individual doses.

How often should the tablets be given?

Give the amount directed by your vet twice daily, about twelve hours apart, approximately one hour before food. Do not change the amount or timing without veterinary advice.

Is Fortekor Plus the same as Fortekor?

No. Fortekor Plus contains both pimobendan and benazepril hydrochloride. Fortekor contains benazepril hydrochloride alone. They must not be swapped or combined without your vet’s direction.