The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.’s Vetmedin (pimobendan) for the management of the signs of mild, moderate or severe congestive heart failure in dogs due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. Vetmedin, which is the first drug approved to treat congestive heart failure in dogs in more than ten years, is indicated for use with concurrent therapy for congestive heart failure as appropriate on a case-by-case basis, according to the FDA. Vetmedin helps alleviate signs of heart failure by increasing contractility and by dilating blood vessels, according to the FDA. Adverse reactions associated with Vetmedin were potentially related to congestive heart failure, the therapy of congestive heart failure or both and included poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, worsening signs of heart failure, heart failure death, azotemia and mild increases in serum liver enzymes. Vetmedin is not for use in cats. For more information, visit www.fda.gov <HOME>
