Ferretonin

Melatonin Implanter

OPEN SLOWLY

Point Needle Upward

EACH STERILIZED DEVICE CONTAINS 5.4 MG MELATONIN

Veterinary use only as directed; complete instructions see www.MELATEK.net

CAUTION: Contains a new animal supplement not for use in humans. Edible products of investigational animals are not to be used for food unless authorization has been granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the U.S. Department or Agriculture. FDA has not evaluated this product.

STORAGE: Must remain out of UV light; Refrigerate or Room Temperature

Prescriber Highlights

- Melatonin Implants = Implantable pineal gland hormone

Ferretonin is used for adjunctive treatment for adrenal disease in ferrets.

- Adverse effects appear to be minimal to uncommon

- Potential contraindications include: pregnancy, sexually immature animals.

- Drug-drug interactions show no issues with use of melatonin implants.

Chemistry

A naturally occurring hormone produced in the pineal gland, melatonin occurs as a white/yellow crystalline solid and the implants are cylindrical in shape/off white color. It is derived from synthetic means.

PRODUCT NAME: N-[2(5-METHOXY-1H-INDOL-3-YL)ETHYL]ACETAMIDE

SYNONYMS: Melatonin, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (Pineal Gland Hormone)

SILICONE ELASTOMER: Polydimethylsiloxane

PRODUCT NUMBER 6382

FORMULA WEIGHT: 232.28

Storage/stability/compatibility

Unless otherwise labeled store at room temperature (15-25°C) and in tight containers and out of direct UV light. Note refrigeration is not necessary.

Pharmacology

Melatonin is involved with the neuroendocrine control of photoperiod dependent molting, hair growth and pelage color. Melatonin stimulates winter coat growth and spring shedding occurs when melatonin decreases. The mechanism of how melatonin induces these effects is not well understood. It may have direct effects on the hair follicle or alter the secretion of prolactin and/or melanocyte stimulating hormone.

Melatonin also increases serum prolactin levels, growth hormone, and increases response to growth hormone releasing hormone. Long-term use may decrease luteinizing hormone. Melatonin is also ostensibly a free radical scavenger.

Uses/indications

Ferretonin implants are used to reverse the symptoms of adrenal disease in ferrets.

Contraindications/precautions

Melatonin implants are considered contraindicated in pregnant or sexually immature animals. There are very specific times for administration depending on latitude, hemisphere, and breed. Animals that are nursing young may not benefit from implant therapy.

Adverse Effects/warnings

Ferretonin is extremely safe in ferrets with only some cases of the ferret being lethargic.

Overdosage/acute Toxicity

Unlikely to cause significant morbidity after a single overdose due to the animal currently produces melatonin naturally in the system.

Doses

For ferrets with adjunctive treatment of adrenal disease: Ferretonin Implants are available in a 5.4mg dose for any ferret weighing over 600 grams and a 2.7mg dose for ferrets less than 600 grams. The Ferretonin implant approximately once every 3 to 4 months have been received.

FERRETONIN INSTRUCTIONS

Sterilized Disposable Single Dose Melatonin Implanter Instructions

Instructions for Loading and Injection Implant

Step 1. Remove the sterilized Ferretonin syringe device. To load implant into syringe, use gloves or thumb forceps and load the pointed end of the needle.

Step 2. Have assistant hold the ferret and clean injection site with an alcohol swab. Angle the device parallel to the skin plane.

Step 3. Pick up fold of loose skin over shoulders, and insert needle into loose subcutaneous tissue under skin. Must avoid deeper muscle layers.

Step 4. Inject Implant full distance of needle by depressing device rod fully.

Step 5. Remove needle slowly.

Step 6. Sterilize and clean with alcohol the needle and area before each use.

IMPLANTATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Loading the implant is only necessary if during shipping the implant has become dislodged from the Ferretonin implanter needle. Only a one-time disposable, sterilized (with sterility expiry date) Ferretonin syringe should be used to avoid the risk of infection and transmittable diseases.

Step 2-3: To implant have the veterinary technician secure the ferret. The use of local anesthetic is at the discretion of the implanting veterinarian. Ferret must be positioned to expose the implantation site (loose skin, back of neck and between shoulder blades). Prepare injection site by wiping area thoroughly with alcohol (may want to clear all hair from area). Lift the loose skin at the injection site between thumb and index finger. Insert needle subcutaneous the full length of needle, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm). Needle must be positioned under and on a parallel plane to the surface of skin.

Step 4-6: Care must be taken not to penetrate muscle tissue or unintentionally damage the hair. With needle in proper position, depress fully injection device inserting implant. With injection device fully depressed, withdraw needle to insure that implant stays in place. Keep the ferret restrained for a few minutes after injection, so that the thumb can be pressed on the injection hole for a few seconds to enable the animal tissue to become reorganized. It is up to the veterinarian to inspect the site and diagnose any further need to close the implanted hole (i.e. skin glue). In case of bleeding and swelling of animal tissue, the necessary medical treatment should be provided. For more information on Ferretonin, please refer to the website www.MELATEK.net.

Note: Most ferrets can be distracted with a treat (such as Feretone, Nuti-cal, or Furovite) during the implantation procedure. Research has shown that a treat will relax the ferret and causes the skin to be easier to penetrate with the implant needle.

Dated 2006

These instructions are to only guide the veterinarian through the process and the veterinarian is responsible for their own procedure

Veterinary Source:

Ferretonin (all dose sizes) implants available in the United States and Internationally from Melatek, LLC (and their distributors) www.melatek.net. See NADA 140-846 for approval status. All doses come pre-loaded in a gas sterilized disposable syringe unit.

CONTENTS Gas Sterilized Implanter

DOSE 1

Distributed by Melatek, L.L.C., Middleton, WI 53562

CPN: 1380001.0