Treatment With Oral GS-441524
Pills or capsules are a great option if your cat is free from gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, or inappetence, and is in a stable condition and able to eat and swallow.
Pills or capsules have historically been recommended after your cat shows significant improvement from the effects of FIP, following a short injection course. However, emerging research has shown that most cats do well with oral options from the start of treatment. Compounding pharmacies (as of 6/1/2024) now produce GS-441524 for veterinarians to prescribe. You can decide based on your research, experience, and finances in consultation with your veterinarian, the best course of treatment for your cat. You should never feel pressured one way or the other, as only you know your cat and what works best for you and for them. Some owners prefer injections over oral medications for a number of reasons. The most crucial aspect is successful administration.
Injections can be intimidating at first, and some owners are needle-phobic or need extra help to administer them. If injections are your chosen method of administration, your treatment advisors can help you overcome injection anxiety and gain confidence to give successful injections. The Help for FIP® Facebook support group contains a community of owners who love sharing injection and pill tips.
When giving your cat oral GS, they must fast for one hour before AND after administration. Water during fasting is fine. When at all possible, do not crush tablets or open capsules to mix into food--this should be a last resort. You may use a small amount of food or liquid treatment to coat and administer the pill. Give capsules whole for proper delivery and absorption. You may split tablets into smaller pieces.
**Crush tablets or open capsules when administered through a feeding tube.
You may coat each pill or capsule with a soft treat like "Churu" or use a small chicken cube (partially boiled and slightly pink). Cut an "X" in it, and tuck the pill inside. Cats will generally eat it whole. Please see the videos below for further pill instructions:
Video One: (https://rb.gy/nb7pc) - Video Two: (https://rb.gy/xyitn)
Give another dose if the cat vomits within one hour of taking the pills. Thirty minutes should be ample time for the GS to absorb, but the safest timeframe to resume eating is one hour after pilling.