Supaverm Oral Suspension

Presentation
White oral suspension containing closantel 5% w/v and mebendazole 7.5% w/v.

Uses
For the control of fascioliasis (due to Fasciola hepatica - mature and immature) and gastrointestinal nematodes and cestodes in sheep and lambs.

Supaverm is active against benzimidazole susceptible strains of lungworm, roundworms, tapeworms (heads and segments):
Gastro-intestinal roundworms: Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Nematodirus spp., Cooperia spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Chabertia ovina, Bunostomum spp., Trichuris ovis, Strongyloides papillosus.
Lungworm: Dictyocaulus filaria
Tapeworm: Moniezia spp.
For the control of the larval stages of Oestrus ovis (Sheep Nasal Bot Fly).
For the control of inhibited, immature and adult stages of Haemonchus contortus (Barber Pole worm) including benzimidazole resistant strains.
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Ticks (Ixodes ricinus) feeding on sheep at the time of treatment are likely to produce fewer viable eggs.

Dosage and administration
1 ml of Supaverm per 5 kg bodyweight (i.e. 10 mg/kg bodyweight closantel and 15 mg/kg bodyweight mebendazole).
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Give orally as a drench. Suitable for use with most types of standard drenching equipment. Shake container well before each use.

Suggested dosing schedule
Gastrointestinal worms
The frequency of treatment with Supaverm will depend on the level of pasture contamination. Treat ewes prior to lambing, 6 weeks after lambing and prior to tupping to reduce pasture contamination. Dose lambs at regular intervals during high risk periods.
H. contortus
For the treatment and prevention of inhibited, immature and adult stages of benzimidazole resistant and susceptible H. contortus, dose at lambing to help prevent pasture contamination by infected ewes. Treat all animals at 6 weekly intervals during high risk periods in summer and autumn.

Fluke
All sheep on infested pasture should be dosed at regular intervals during the fluke season (Sept–Mar).
Since closantel has been shown to delay egg-laying for up to 13 weeks after artificial infection, treatment intervals of 10–12 weeks throughout the fluke season are recommended. In severe fluke seasons, more frequent dosing may be necessary.
The treatment of ewes with a single dose of Supaverm in the spring will contribute to reducing pasture contamination during the following summer and autumn.
Any sheep brought in from fluke areas should be dosed before they join the flock.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc
Not to be used in sheep producing milk for human consumption.
Supaverm may be administered to pregnant animals. The product may be used during the lactation period but should not be administered to animals producing milk for human consumption.
Do not exceed the stated dose of Supaverm. Assess bodyweight as accurately as possible before calculating dosage. Supaverm should be administered carefully with a drenching gun.
Intensive use or misuse of anthelmintics can give rise to resistance. To reduce this risk, dosing programmes should be discussed with your veterinary surgeon.
At therapeutic doses, Supaverm is not toxic and causes no side effects.
Keep out of reach of children. For animal treatment only.

Withdrawal periods
Animals must not be slaughtered for human consumption during treatment. Sheep may be slaughtered for human consumption only after 42 days from the last treatment.

Overdose
Symptoms of serious closantel overdosage are decreased vision or blindness, anorexia, inco-ordination and general weakness.

Operator warnings
Wash splashes from skin and eyes immediately. Take off immediately any contaminated clothing. Wash hands and exposed skin before meals and after work. Wash hands after administration.

Disposal
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with national requirements. Dangerous to aquatic life. Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with the product or empty container.

Pharmaceutical precautions
Protect from light.

Legal category
POM-VPS (previously PML).

Packaging Quantities
1, 2.5 and 5 litre plastic flexipacks.

Further information
Supaverm can be used in all age groups of sheep. It can be used in rams at any time including during the breeding season. It can be used at any time during pregnancy.
Mebendazole belongs to the benzimidazole (1-BZ) class of anthelmintics.

Marketing authorisation number
Vm 00242/4025.