Q : What is FORTEKOR?:
A : The active ingredient in FORTEKOR is Benazepril hydrochloride. It is classified as an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

Q : When would I use FORTEKOR?
A : FORTEKOR is indicated for the treatment of heart failure in dogs caused by mitral regurgitation or dilated cardiomyopathy, in combination with standard cardiac therapy.

Q : How should FORTEKOR be given?
A : FORTEKOR is given once daily, preferably at the same time each day, with or without a meal. It can be crushed up or mixed with the dogs food as long as you are sure the dog eats the entire meal at one sitting to receive the entire dose. The duration of treatment is unlimited. FORTEKOR is only available through your veterinarian.

Q : How does FORTEKOR work?
A : When dogs suffer from heart failure, vital organs such as the kidneys begin a cycle called the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone (or RAA) system. This system is designed to act as a vasodilator to the peripheral blood vessels, which in turn increases blood pressure and allows more blood to be focused on these vital organs. In the short term this is a good thing for the kidneys, but in the long term this added pressure increases the workload for the heart. If the heart is failing (which caused the RAA system to be activated in the first place) an added workload will hasten the disease process. Benazepril acts to inhibit the RAA system, reducing blood pressure and reducing the amount of work the failing heart has to do. Ultimately FORTEKOR relieves some of the symptoms of heart disease and lengthens the life span of the dog.

Q : How fast does it work?
A : FORTEKOR is given in a tablet form. This tablet contains benazepril which is then converted by the liver to the active drug Benazeprilat. Benazeprilat is 100% absorbed into the bloodstream 2 hours after oral administration. Benazeprilat has a half life of approximately 23 hours and therefore needs to be given only once a day, regardless of the dose.

Q : When should my dog start taking FORTEKOR?
A : Your veterinarian will examine your dog and will make the necessary diagnosis based on the test results and clinical signs. Dosing instructions are always supplied by the prescribing veterinarian.

Q : How safe is FORTEKOR for my dog?
A : FORTEKOR has been tested and found safe for all breeds of dogs. In pre-clinical trials there were no serious reactions when the drug was given at 200x the label dosage.

Q : My dog has kidney problems, don't ACE inhibitors worsen these conditions?
A : Older ACE inhibitors are excreted almost completely by the kidney, which can adversely affect an already compromised pet (which is common in dogs with heart failure). FORTEKOR is the only ACE inhibitor for your dog that is excreted equally by the liver and the kidney, and does not require any dosage modification, or monitoring of the kidneys as a result of the medication. FORTEKOR helps your dog's heart and is kind to the kidneys.

Q : I thought all ACE inhibitors were excreted equally by the liver and kidney?
A : Regardless of the brand of tablet given, all veterinary ACE inhibitors are absorbed about 40% from the intestine, with the remaining 60% of the tablet being passed out un-metabolized through the feces. Once this absorbed 40% is converted by the liver to the active drug that acts within the body, only FORTEKOR excretes the metabolites equally. Older ACE inhibitors excrete 95% of the drug through the kidney.

Q : What about my pregnant pet?
A : FORTEKOR has not been tested on pregnant dogs. Its use in these dogs must be decided on by a risk/benefit ratio from the veterinarian.

Q : What if I accidentally give my dog more of a dose than was prescribed?
A : FORTEKOR has a very high safety index. If an overdose is inadvertently given there will likely be no effects seen. Occasionally some dogs may show signs of hypotension (the blood pressure has been lowered too much) if the dose is too high in which case your veterinarian will advise you how much to reduce the dogs dose.

Q : What about the other medications my dog is already on for his heart?
A : There are no known contraindications with any other medications which your dog may currently be receiving. In a large percentage of cases, the effectiveness of FORTEKOR is enough to allow other medications to be reduced by your veterinarian.

Q : I think my pet may have had a reaction to FORTEKOR, what should I do?
A : Because of it's safety index, true severe reactions with FORTEKOR have yet to be seen in Canada. If you are at all concerned about a reaction with a Novartis product please consult with your veterinarian . Some dogs have experienced vomiting or diarrhea, but these clinical signs are usually transient and passing. In the same way that some humans are unable to tolerate a relatively mild drug like ASA, some pets may be sensitive to a component of FORTEKOR and may suffer the equivalent of an upset stomach. Ensuring the dose is given after the full meal is one way to relieve this concern. Sometimes direct dosing of a dog with the tablet (forcing it directly down the throat) can stimulate the gag reflex and cause vomiting which is unrelated to the drug itself. If this occurs repeatedly, you will need to alter your dosing method, such as mixing the dose with a meal or crushing the tablet to powder.

Q : My child ate the tablet, what should I do?
A : Benazepril is available as a human medication. (We like to say "Tested in humans for 10 years") For piece of mind, please contact a poison control center in your area. Just as no side effects are seen in overdosage with FORTEKOR in normal dogs at the canine dose, humans would be even less at risk.

Q : Can FORTEKOR Be Used In Cats?
A : Although more rare than in dogs, heart disease does occur in cats. Using FORTEKOR is considered off label and should be sought only at the recommendation of a veterinarian, but there is data to show that FORTEKOR is an effective ACE inhibitor in cats. Your veterinarian would be able to provide you with more information.

Q : My dog is currently on an ACE inhibitor, how do I switch?
A : Once prescribed by your veterinarian, dosing with FORTEKOR can begin the next day, with no weaning or special instructions needed.

Q : What are the benefits of FORTEKOR over older ACE inhibitors?
A : Convenience and safety, due to single daily dosing and dual excretion are the primary benefits FORTEKOR offers to you and to your dog. As the first of a new "second generation" of veterinary ACE inhibitors FORTEKOR is absorbed faster, and typically costs less. This means that you are able to spend more quality time with your dog, and with less hassle.