GS441524 is an experimental antiviral drug that has shown great success in treating feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a deadly viral disease that affects approximately 2-5% of cats globally. While GS441524 is not currently approved for use in cats by regulatory agencies, some veterinarians have been using it on a compassionate basis.
GS441524 is usually administered to cats via subcutaneous injections (under the skin). However, due to the high acidity of the liquid, some cats experience great pain and even severe skin irritations when used over 84 days, the recommended length of the FIP treatment using GS441524.
GS-441524 injections can be painful, as with any injection. However, there are techniques that can be used to help minimize discomfort and pain during the injection.
For example, using a smaller needle and injecting the drug slowly can help reduce pain. Additionally, some veterinarians may use a local anaesthetic to numb the injection site before administering the injection.
It's important to note that even with these measures, some cats may still experience discomfort or pain during the injection. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on how to minimize pain and discomfort during GS-441524 injections and can also discuss alternative administration methods if necessary.
Many cat parents are concerned about the pain and skin irritations that can result from injections, and are searching for better solutions. Unfortunately, some marketers have been promoting water-based solutions of the drug as a solution to these problems, which is a misnomer. The pain from injections is actually caused by the high acidity of the solution, typically between 1.5 to 1.6 pH, which is necessary to dissolve the GS-441524 powder into a liquid state. A water-based solution, with a pH level ranging from 6.5 to 8.5, cannot dissolve the GS-441524 powder and is therefore unsuitable for injections. It's important to be aware of these facts when considering treatment options for FIP in cats.
Every GS-441524 solution contains some amount of water. In the clinical trials conducted at the University of California Davis, the original formula contained around 20% water to achieve a proper dilution of propylene glycol for easy injection. Although the exact percentage of water used may vary among different brands, all GS-441524 manufacturers strive to replicate the original formula in order to achieve the same clinical results that were demonstrated by Dr. Niel Pedersens and his team.
As a consumer, it's important to inquire about the percentage of water used in a product that claims to be water-based. Additionally, it's crucial to ask about the pH level of the solution. If a seller states that the pH is above 1.8, it's a clear indication that they lack the professional expertise in FIP treatment and may not be truthful in their sales pitch. It's advisable to discount all other claims made by such a seller.
Oral capsules and pills are a popular option for painless FIP treatment as they can be easily administered at home without veterinary assistance. However, it's essential to exercise caution and be mindful that oral GS-441524 is only effective for treating mild cases of FIP infection. It's not recommended to give these pills to cats experiencing digestive issues such as lack of appetite or diarrhoea, or when FIP symptoms are severe, such as in the later stages of the disease when neurological and ocular symptoms become apparent.