Program (lufenuron): Cat Oral Suspension for use with Rabbits [Updated on: 09/26/24 01:02]
        The oral version of Program for cats is discontinued. In early January 2012 Novartis sent a letter to veterinarians informing them that it was suspending production and shipments of the Program Suspension (for cats by Novartis Animal Health). This occurred because the FDA issued a highly critical report of the manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska (US) in response to consumer complaints it has received regarding a number of its leading human consumer medications made there. In mid January Novartis closed the plant and ceased making many brands made there. In January 2015 Novartis Animal Health (a division of Swiss-based Novartis AG) merged with Elanco Animal Health (Elanco’s parent company: Eli Lilly and Company).

        Sites such as HRS and My House Rabbit still recommends Program on their sites, even 15 years later. As with any medication you must first talk to a very rabbit savvy vet for the correct dosage for your rabbit and current situation. The calculator will only show the dosing based on the data inputted. Talk to a rabbit savvy vet before using any flea, mite or tick med!

       Important: Lufenuron is ineffective against adult fleas and should not be used to treat existing flea infestations. Instead, it works by preventing flea infestations through the inhibition of egg and larval development. Program has fallen out of favor among veterinarians specializing in rabbit care, as superior alternatives are now available on the market.

        The information below is for reference only! Program may still be available for purchase online in certain countries, but it is unlikely.

Program box Colors & Sizes

The active ingredient in Program (oral Suspension for cats).

Box Color Amount Lufenuron Amount Liquid Weight (on box)
Orange
(carrot)		 US: 135 mg (71.0526 mg/g) (~ 7.1%)
EU: 133 mg (70 mg/g) (7%)		 1.9 g US: Up to 10 lbs
EU: 0.5 - 4.5 kg
Green
(Persian green)		 US: 270 mg (71.0526 mg/g) (~7.1%)
EU: 266 mg (70 mg/g) (7%)		 3.8 g US: 11 - 20 lbs
EU: < 4.5 kg
NOTE: The Oral Program for Cats lines have different concentrations...

Dosing

Source   Dosing
Exotic Animal Formulary   30 mg/kg PO q30d
When Your Rabbit Needs Special Care   10–30 mg/kg PO q15–30d

The 30 mg/kg dose comes from: Morrisey JK. Ectoparasites of small mammals. Proc North Am Vet Conf; 1998:844–845.

To use the calculator below you will need a few bits of information.
  1. Target dosage in mg/kg. Many rabbit-savvy will dose between 10-30 mg/kg. Best given by a rabbit-savvy vet.
  2. Rabbit's weight in pounds (lb) or kilograms (kg).
  3. Concentration. This info can be found on the package or by looking at the chart below.
  4. Double check your entries and press "Calculate ↵"

Calculate for mL dosage
Target dosage in mg/kg: mg/kg
Rabbit's weight kg lbs  kg
Concentration in mg/mL: mg/mL
Dosage in mL: ≈ 0.28 mL
Enter values & click calculate
1 cc or cc³ (cubic centimeter) = 1 ml or mL (milliliter)
"≈" = "almost equal to"

        Based on the numbers entered, your rabbit of 1kg (2.2lbs) would use a dose of 0.28ml (0.28cc), of Revolution. You are using the concentration of 71mg/ml, therefore your rabbit is getting a dosage of 20mg of medicine per 1kg of body weight (20mg/kg).

How should Program be stored?

Manufacture Information Sheets:

Studies:

Other Resources

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[Updated on: 09/26/24 01:02]