Valbazen 2.5% SC

Presentation
A pale green aqueous suspension for administration as a drench. Contains 2.5% albendazole w/v (25 mg/ml). Each ml of Valbazen SC 2.5% contains 0.27 mg elemental selenium and 0.63 mg elemental cobalt.

Uses
A broad-spectrum multi-purpose anthelmintic for the control of the following types of benzimidazole susceptible mature and immature internal parasites in sheep:
Gastro-intestinal roundworms: Mature and developing immature forms of Ostertagia, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus (including N. battus), Chabertia and Oesophagostomum spp. It is usually effective against inhibited larvae of benzimidazole susceptible Ostertagia.
Lungworms: Dictyocaulus filaria.
Tapeworms: Moniezia spp.
Adult liver fluke: Fasciola hepatica.
Valbazen is ovicidal and will kill worm and fluke eggs, thus reducing pasture contamination.

Dosage and administration
Valbazen SC 2.5% is given as an oral drench and is suitable for use with most types of automatic drenching equipment. Assess bodyweight as accurately as possible before calculating the dosage.

Worm dose
For the control of roundworm, lungworm, tapeworm, worm and fluke eggs.

Dosage
Approximately 5 mg albendazole per kg bodyweight.
Fluke and worm dose
For the additional treatment of adult liver fluke (chronic fascioliasis).

Dosage
Approximately 7.5 mg albendazole per kg bodyweight.
<img src="images/valbazen1.jpg">

Contra-indications, warnings, etc
Valbazen SC 2.5% is highly effective, when used as recommended. Side effects are not to be expected following treatment. Overdosage of five times the highest recommended dose is unlikely to cause adverse reactions in healthy animals.
Valbazen SC 2.5% is not recommended for the treatment of acute fascioliasis in sheep. Do not dose ewes at the `fluke and worm` dose rate (7.5 mg/kg) during tupping and for 1 month after removing the rams. Do not use in cattle.
Intensive use or misuse of anthelmintics can give rise to resistance. To reduce the risk, dosing programmes should be discussed with your vet.
For animal treatment only. Keep out of the reach of children.
The product should only be used in areas where deficiencies of selenium and cobalt are likely to occur. In cases of doubt, consult your veterinary surgeon.

Withholding times
Animals must not be slaughtered for human consumption during treatment. Eight days should elapse between treatment and the slaughter of sheep for human consumption. Valbazen SC 2.5% should not be used in sheep producing milk for human consumption.

Operator warnings
Direct contact with the skin should be kept to a minimum. Wear suitable protective clothing including impermeable rubber gloves. Wash hands after use.

Protecting livestock, wildlife and others
Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with product or used containers. Dispose of used containers safely.

Pharmaceutical precautions
Shake container before use. Store below 25°C.

Legal category
POM-VPS (previously PML).

Packaging Quantities
Packs containing 1 litre, 2.5 litres, 5 litres and 10 litres are available.

Further information
No special control of diet is necessary before or after treatment.
The use of Valbazen SC 2.5% in breeding rams is not expected to interfere with their reproductive performance.
Selenium and cobalt are included in Valbazen SC 2.5% as nutritional supplements and are not intended to be used therapeutically.
Use in goats and deer
Limited experience has indicated the usefulness of Valbazen SC 2.5% at a dose rate of 10 mg albendazole per kg bodyweight in the treatment of some gastro-intestinal and lungworm infections in goats and deer. No adverse reactions have been recorded. Lower dose rates may well be ineffective and could lead to resistance problems. If used in these species, minimum withdrawal periods of at least 28 days for meat and 7 days for milk should be observed. The possible use of this product in goats and deer or in any other circumstance not mentioned herein should be discussed beforehand with your veterinary surgeon.
Albendazole belongs to the benzimidazole (1-BZ) class of anthelmintics.

Marketing authorisation number
VM 00057/4155.