Pet Health

Pexion is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with neurological conditions like epileptic seizures or epileptic fits that are of unknown causes (idiopathic) and affecting most or all of the brain (generalised seizures).  It can also be prescribed to reduce anxiety and fear associated with noise and other phobias.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE AT AT MAY 2021: PEXION MANUFACTURER ANNOUNCES GLOBAL DISRUPTION TO SUPPLY OF PEXION - OUT OF STOCK WORLDWIDE! The manufacturer of Pexion has advised that, due to Covid19 related interruptions, there is a global shortage of Pexion. In Australia, we have been advised that there is NO available Pexion stock. You can read more about the global shortage from Boehringer Ingelheim here . Until supply is resumed, it is critical that you speak with your vet about an alternative medication to Pexion.   We will continue to update this page with any further information we have about the expected restocking.

 

Understanding Epilepsy

Remarkably, humans and dogs have similar nervous systems, and this means that our beloved dogs can suffer many of the same neurological disorders that we do.  Whilst vets can sometimes identify the cause of these disorders (trauma, congenital defect, autoimmune disorder, infection etc.), other times they are idiopathic disorders, meaning no cause can be found.

 

Epilepsy simply means “repeated seizures”.  Your dog’s brain has a burst of excessive electrical activity, which causes the epileptic seizure. 

 

It can be very distressing to watch your dog have a seizure or epileptic fit - or the seizure might be as mild as lip twitching on one side of Fido’s face.  Your dog may collapse, move involuntarily, or lose consciousness. 

 

You can learn more about epilepsy at www.dogswithepilepsy.com.au

 

What do I do when my dog is having a seizure or epileptic fit?

 

If your dog is having a seizure:

• As hard as it might be, it’s important for you to remain calm - your panic or upset won’t help, and your calmness may calm your dog as well. 
• Your vet may have given you specific instructions - follow any advice that your vet has previously given you
• Your dog is not in pain, when they are having a seizure, even if they sound or act like it. He is not conscious and is not aware of what is happening. Neither animals nor humans swallow their tongue during a seizure - don’t ever try to grab a pet’s tongue whilst they are having a fit.
• Talk to your dog or cat softly, to reassure them. If you can, remove sensory stimuli - dim the lighting and reduce the noise in the room.
• Make sure the space around them is as safe and quiet as possible - block any stairs, remove items that they may get tangled in and if possible, cushion their head.
• Take a video.  This may not be your first impulse, but video evidence can provide your vet with lots of information about the seizure.
• A seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures in 24 hours needs an immediate call to your vet.

Epilepsy can be managed! 

Whilst there is no cure for epilepsy, especially idiopathic epilepsy (where no cause can be found), the great news for dog lovers is that it can be managed so you and your dog can live your best life together.

What is Pexion?

Pexion’s active ingredient is Imepitoin, which is an anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety medicine. As epilepsy is caused when there is excessive electrical activity in the brain, Pexion works by activating the receptors for the neuro-transmitter GABA, a substance that reduces electrical activity in the brain.  It also works to (weakly) block calcium channels - normally, these channels or pores let calcium move into nerve cells, and allow electrical impulses between nerve cells - when this are blocked, excessive activity and seizures are controlled.  The activation of the GABA neurotransmitter receptors also reduces fear and anxiety.

 

What can I expect when my dog starts on Pexion?

• Pexion starts to work within hours of the first dose. As most dogs only have a seizure every few weeks, you may not see it working immediately - and it may take a little time for your vet to work out the optimal dose of Pexion for your dog’s needs. 
• Sadly, it is considered very unusual for a dog with epilepsy to become completely seizure free.  Epilepsy medication aims to reduce the number of seizures, but cannot promise that the seizures will be completely eliminated.
• A major benefit of using Pexion to control seizures (compared to phenobarbitone based treatments) is that there are minimal side effects of sedation or unsteadiness.  Talk to your vet if you see these side effects, as the dosage of Pexion may require adjusting. 
• Your pet is likely to require medication to control their seizures for the rest of their life.  

How to give Pexion to my dog?

Pexion comes in tablet form,and generally given twice per day.  If possible, you should give the dose to your pet at approximately the same time each day.  It can be given with or without food, although studies suggest superior absorption when given without food to fasted dogs (ie. give your dog the tablet, wait, then give the dog its meal).

What if I give too much Pexion? What if I miss a dose of Pexion or give the wrong dose of Pexion?
Administration of drug issues

Whilst it is important that you give your pet the correct dose at the correct time, if you miss giving a dose of Pexion, don’t worry - just give the normal dose next time.  Don’t increase, or  give a higher dose to “make up” a missed dose.  

 

If your animal has taken too much Pexion, or you suspect an overdose, monitor your dog closely.  Pexion has a high margin of safety in dogs, but if you are in any way concerned, call your vet.

Storage of Pexion

The manufacturer of Pexion recommends that it be stored at room temperature (below 30 degrees).

Who should NOT take Pexion?

• Dogs that are allergic/sensitive to imepitoin should not take Pexion
• Dogs with severely impaired hepatic (liver) function, severe renal or cardiovascular disorders should not take Pexion.
• Use by pregnant or lactating dogs should be assessed by a vet.
• There are many other drugs that will not work as well, if your pet is also taking Pexion.  Also, there are drugs that cannot be taken with Pexion.  For this reason, please make sure that you tell your vet about all other medications that your pet is taking, including vitamins, supplements and herbal therapies.  

Can I buy Pexion online?

Pexion is a prescription medicine, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet.  Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment or with any questions you may have rega

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