Percorten-V (desoxycorticosterone pivalate) is the only medication approved by the FDA for treating Canine Addisons Disease (hypoadrenocorticism). Percorten-V requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
•
Well tolerated
•
Low incidence of side effects
How it works:
Canine Addison's Disease is a condition where a dog's adrenal glands dont work properly. Normal adrenal glands produce mineralocorticoids that help regulate many bodily functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response. Percorten-V is a replacement therapy for the mineralocorticoid deficiency in dogs with Addisons disease.
Cautions:
Do not use any preventative vaccines such as Percorten-V without checking with your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effects that seem unusual or bothersome to your pet. Percorten-V should not be stopped suddenly. Percorten-V should not be given to pregnant dogs, or dogs suffering from congestive heart disease, severe renal disease or edema.
More Information:
Brand Name Percorten-V (Novartis)
Generic Name Desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP)
What is the most important information I should know about Percorten-V: Percorten-V is a prescription medication that is commonly used by veterinarians in dogs for the treatment of Addison's disease. Percorten-V is available as a 4 ml multi-dose vial containing 25mg/ml. Percorten-V should not be stopped suddenly. Irritation at the injection site may occur. Percorten-V is administered IM (intramuscularly). Do not administer IV (intravenously). Contact the veterinarian if the pet develops behavior changes, swelling, or unusual weight gain.
What is Percorten-V: Percorten-V is a corticosteroid used to treat conditions in which the body does not produce enough of its own steroids, such as Addison's disease. Percorten-V may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Percorten-V to my pet: Do not give Percorten-V to your pet if the pet has a serious bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Percorten-V weakens the pet's immune response and its ability to fight infections. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or any other medical conditions. Also tell your veterinarian if the pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give more or less than is prescribed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. The usual dose of Percorten-V in dogs is 1mg/pound given by IM injection every 25 days. Store Percorten-V at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it almost time for the next dose, skip the dose missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include swelling or water retention, high blood pressure, weight gain, low levels of potassium in the blood, and Cushing's disease.
What should I avoid while giving Percorten-V to my pet: Avoid sources of infection. Do not use any preventative vaccines without checking with the veterinarian.
What are the possible side effects of Percorten-V: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Percorten-V and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), increased blood pressure or sudden weight gain. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Percorten-V and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences insomnia, nausea, vomiting or stomach upset, fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain, problems with diabetes control or increased hunger or thirst. Other side effects that occur rarely, usually with high doses of Percorten-V include thinning of the skin, cataracts, glaucoma, behavior changes. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Percorten-V: Do not give any other over the counter or prescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with Percorten-V without first talking to the veterinarian. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking Phenobarbital, furosemide, insulin or glipizide, phenytoin, digoxin, warfarin, or aspirin. Drugs other than those listed may interact with Percorten-V resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Percorten-V written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
•
Percoten-V is a prescription medication that is commonly used by veterinarians in dogs for the treatment of Addison’s disease.
•
Percoten-V is a corticosteroid used to treat conditions, such as Addison’s disease, in which the body does not produce enough of its own steroids.
•
Percoten-V is available as a 4 ml multi-dose vial containing 25mg/ml and is administered IM (intramuscularly). Do not administer IV (intravenously).
Tip: Percoten-V should not be stopped suddenly. Irritation at the injection site may occur.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
Shake well before using. Give 1mg per pound of body weight by IM (intramuscular) injection every 25 days
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Percorten-V:
Active Ingredients (per mL)
Amount
Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate
25 mg
Methylcellulose
10.5 mg
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose
3 mg
Polysorbate 80
1 mg
Sodium Chloride
8 mg
Thimerosal (a preservative)
0.002%
Percorten
4.9
5
19
19
Life Changing
This medicine has done wonders for my Addison's dog. Her electrolytes have stabilized and she is back to her old self. If your dog is currently taking Fludrocordisone and you aren't happy with the results, ask your vet to try this instead. I know it's expensive, but it's worth it.
05/07/2012
Addisions & Percorten-V
Plain & simple, if your dog is diagnosed with Addisions disease, it will need to be put on Percorten (monthly) with a daily dose of prednisone. This disease is deadly without these medications. Once the dog gets stabilized, it can live a normal and happy life. Any dog with Addisions needs to be monitored closely to be sure that the medicine is at the proper dosage. Sometimes it takes some trial and error to get it right. Your vet will help you with this. This medication is expensive, but it's the only thing that will keep your dog alive. Thank you Petmeds for price matching! It's a big help and greatly appreciated.
04/12/2012
2.5mg at the moment
going down to lower hopefully from 20mg originally which was way too much.
she still goes to the bathroom too much and often three times in a row...
she drinks fast and a bucket of water ...alot of water cuz of medication.
she still needs to go lower i think
she has addisons disease
11/15/2011
Percoten pricey but a good deal...
Jesse Marie is 7 y ears diagnosed of Addisons which every dog parent knows is devestating and if not treated promptly and regulary will cost your baby her life. Thank youPet Meds Making Percoten Available so I don't have to go through a vet (costs much more) to keep my baby alive healthy and like a pup.! RRD
07/29/2011
It works
Vino is now up to 30 day lapse between injections. He is his normal self and only taking 1/2 prednisone tablet which has made his hair stop falling out and has its sheen back. Thank you 1800PetMeds for helping to make the medication available at the lowest cost available.
03/19/2011
I think what the customer, (at least I would want to know) is: how far out is the expiration date going to be on the vials when we buy them on-line. My dog is about 10#, and so a vial "should" last her 10 months, but if the expiration date is in 2 months... it would be a waste... in otherwords, will the expiration date be at least a year on the product when shipped?
Raven is 4 years old on Feb, 16th she was a rescue dog, that has rescued my heart. She came to me while I was unable to walk and was recovering from a motorcycle accident. She was born with puppy strangles which effected her breathing and skin. After many months of recovery for both of us, We grew to be healthy together. Yesterday, my heart sank when I got the news that Raven had Addison :( I am disabled and worry that I wont be able to afford her medicines.
Based on a usual dose of 1 mg per lb, your 69 lb dog will use approximately 2.6 to 2.8 ml out of a 4 ml vial each month. This is an approximation. Your veterinarian would determine the actual dose.
I live in Mexico, it is hard to get it here. ¿Do you accept mexican scripts/prescription? I know you sell to other parts of the world, can you ship it here?
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.