The Use of Acemannan in Dogs and Cats

Summary

Acemannan is a compound used to stimulate the immune system to be more effective in killing certain viruses (FeLV and FIV) and certain cancer cells (fibrosarcomas). Given orally or by injection. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences lack of appetite, diarrhea, depression, fainting, changes in heart rate, or pain at the injection site.

Generic Ingredient
Aloe-derived mannan polysaccharide

Brand Name
Acemannan

Type of Drug
Immunostimulant

Form and Storage
Powder for reconstitution for injection and oral administration. Protect from light. Use within 4 hours of reconstituting.

Indications for Use
Assists in the treatment of immunosuppression caused by feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections, and certain cancers.

General Information
FDA approved for use as part of the treatment for fibrosarcoma (a type of cancer) in dogs and cats. Other uses are without FDA approval. Available by prescription. It stimulates release of cytokines which then help the body kill the cancer cells and may help kill certain viruses also.

Usual Dose and Administration
Contact your veterinarian. Given directly into a lesion or into the abdominal cavity. For treatment of cat viruses, it appears to be as useful given by mouth.

Side Effects
May see lack of appetite, diarrhea, depression, fainting, slow or fast heart rates or breathing, or pain at injection site.

Contraindications/Warnings
Not for use in patients hypersensitive (allergic) to it.

Not for use in pregnant or nursing animals.

Drug or Food Interactions
No known drug interactions. Should probably receive the oral form without food.

Overdose/Toxicity
No information available. See side effects.