What is Epakitin?
Epakitin is a nutritional supplement powder for dogs and cats that helps support kidney function and slows down the progression of chronic kidney disease. Epakitin requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs and Cats
Benefits:
•
Palatable easy-to-administer powder
•
Helps support kidney (renal) function
How it works:
Epakitin's active ingredient, chitosan, is a natural polysaccharide derived from shells of shrimp and crab. This ingredient naturally binds phosphorus, which limits the absorption of phosphorus from the intestines. This limitation helps pets with chronic kidney (renal) disease by slowing down damage caused by the disease.
Cautions:
None
More Information:
Brand Name Epakitin Powder
Active Ingredient(s): Lactose, Calcium carbonate, Chitosan, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein.
What is this product used for: Epakitin is a nutritional supplement used to safely and effectively support kidney function as well as helping to slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Availability: Epakitin is a prescription medication.
How this product should be used: Give 1 gram per 11 lbs (5 kg) of body weight n the morning and the evening mixed with food. One level dosing spoon (provided) contains 1 gram of Epakitin. Allow free access to fresh water while using this product. Administration can be life long.
What are the side effects: There are no reported side effects.
What special precautions are there: Epakitin is a nutritional supplement for use in dogs and cats. Allow free access to fresh water while using this product.
In the event of an overdose: Contact a veterinarian or veterinary emergency room.
How should I store this product: Store this product in a cool dry place. Keep out of the reach of children.
Directions:
•
Epakitin is a nutritional supplement powder for dogs and cats that helps support kidney function and also limits phosphorus absorption from the intestines.
Tip: Allow free access to fresh water during administration.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats
All weights
1g/5Kg body weight given orally in the morning and the evening mixed with food. One level dosing spoon (provided) contains 1 gram of Epakitin.
Horses:
Storage: Store in a cool dry place.
Epakitin:
Active Ingredients
Lactose
Calcium Carbonate
Chitosan
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein
4.6% Min.
Crude Fat
0.5% Max.
Moisture
1.35% Max.
Crude Fiber
0.5% Max.
Ash
10.5% Max.
Calcium
3.7% Min.
Phosphorus
0.01% Max.
Potassium
0.024% Min.
Sodium
0.015% Min.
Epakitin Powder
4.2
5
10
11
A Lifesaver... Seriously.
In October 2010, my 11-ish-year-old Bella hid under the bed for almost a solid week. When we were finally able to get her to come out, she could barely walk a straight line and even collapsed to the floor once or twice before I scooped her up a took her to our vet. She was diagnosed with acute kidney failure and spent 5 days in the hospital. The doctor started her on Azodyl twice a day, Epakitin once a day, and subcutaneous fluids every other day. We were able to stop the fluids after 3 months. (Actually, we HAD to stop the fluids: she had recovered so well that her fight was back in full force.) Nine months later, her labs were within normal limits. We almost lost her, but now we look forward to another few years with our girl.
04/22/2012
So Far, So Good
When No-No, ~15 year old boy cat wasn't eating or drinking, we took him to the vet to find the problem. We found that he had renal failure and the prognosis was bleak, at best. So far, 4 weeks later, he is back to his "abnormal" self and all is working. The Epakitin is working! Also found out that after all these years of feeding my cats only dry food....they are really living in a constant state of dehydration, as they age. We've added wet food to the daily diet.
02/17/2012
Really works in extending life
This product has really worked well for us. My Cat is 17 yrs old and one of her kidneys was bad a few yrs ago so we started using Epakitin everyday. All of the other Cats from her litter have passed away. Even some from the yr after. We feel really blessed to still have her and we really believe if we had not used Epakitin she would not be here now.
09/02/2011
Feline HCM
We are using this product as a support med for kitty with enlarged heart (Hypertrophic cardio myopathy). Taking heart med and diuretic. Epakitin is to help kidneys working over time w diuretic. I believe the heart will go before renal failure. Prognosis was 6 months-we're going on 2 1/2 years. Kitty is really getting frail, but leaves proof every day that the kidneys are working fine!
07/27/2011
Doesn't Work - Don't Bother
Even with Azodyl, this product didn't work for me....Extended the life of my Himi for 3 weeks. Then stopped Well the three additional weeks were wonderul and she did perk up, so I have fond memories of what a happy little himi this cat once was., For that I am great. LOng-TERM FIX/SOLUTION...FORGET IT
But to PetMeds Credit, they are completely honoring the 100% refund Policy for which I am also greatful. They are a company that is honest and keeps their word
05/19/2011
This concerns my 13 yr. old Shepard Mix. She takes Epakitin and I do not have the money to buy any for at least a few weeks. I have at home, milk thistle, Omega 3 fish oil, Euchanasia, flax seed oil, Liv-52 (liver support). She has been having seizures and is taking phinabarbatol and a Thyroid medication (which I am almost out of).
There is not a generic form of this. Please consult your veterinarian about alternative treatments. Since your pet has a few different medical conditions, it is best to have your vet advise on possible alternatives to hold you over for now.
I administer my 17 yr.old female cat's 1st dosage with the morning feeding; however,it is difficult to wait 12 hrs for the second dosage. Since her evening meal is 8 or 9 hrs. later, I am having to feed again in 3 or 4 hrs. How close can the dosages be?
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.