Masitinib
Also known as: Masivet, Kinavet
Masitinib is a targeted cancer therapy used primarily to treat mast cell tumors in dogs. - **Handling Precautions:** This is a hazardous drug. **Wear disposable gloves** when handling the tablets and when cleaning up your pet's waste (urine, feces, vomit). Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Do not break or crush the tablets. - **Monitoring:** Your pet will need frequent veterinary visits for blood and urine tests, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, to ensure the drug is not affecting their kidneys, liver, or bone marrow. - **Side Effects:** Watch closely for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in the hair coat. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet seems unwell, as prompt action is required to manage side effects.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Non-resectable mast cell tumours (Patnaik grade 2 or 3)
- Injection site sarcoma, asthma (investigational)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Diarrhoea (mild to moderate)
- Vomiting (mild to moderate)
- Hair coat changes or alopecia
- Renal toxicity
- Anaemia
- Protein loss (protein-losing nephropathy/enteropathy)
- Myelosuppression
- Increased liver enzyme activity
- Lethargy
- Cough
- Lymphadenomegaly
Cautions & contraindications
- Pregnant or lactating bitches
- Dogs < 24 months old
- Dogs < 7 kg body weight
- Pre-existing signs of myelosuppression
- Previous hypersensitivity to masitinib
- > **Cytotoxic Handling:** Handle with care using appropriate chemotherapeutic safety guidelines. Do not split or crush tablets. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing **renal or hepatic dysfunction**. Patients require intensive monitoring. Blood pressure, urinalysis, haematology, and biochemistry should be checked before starting therapy, and then at least once a month (or 1-2 weeks after initiation). Full coagulation profiles and faecal occult blood tests are required if adverse clinical signs occur.
Drug interactions
- Highly protein-bound drugs: May displace masitinib or be displaced, increasing the risk of adverse side effects
- Cytochrome P450 inhibitors or inducers: May alter the metabolism of masitinib, increasing the risk of toxicity or reducing efficacy
Frequently asked questions
What is Masitinib used for in pets?
Masitinib is a targeted cancer therapy used primarily to treat mast cell tumors in dogs. - **Handling Precautions:** This is a hazardous drug. **Wear disposable gloves** when handling the tablets and when cleaning up your pet's waste (urine, feces, vomit). Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Do not break or crush the tablets. - **Monitoring:** Your pet will need frequent veterinary visits for blood and urine tests, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, to ensure the drug is not affecting their kidneys, liver, or bone marrow. - **Side Effects:** Watch closely for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in the hair coat. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet seems unwell, as prompt action is required to manage side effects.
Is Masitinib safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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