Entyce® and Elura®

Stephanie Howe, DVM
By Stephanie Howe, DVM. Medically reviewed by

Carina Fung, PharmD, MBA, BCPPS

Published Nov. 1, 2022
dog-and-cat-lying-on-floor-together

In This Article

Overview

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.

What are Entyce® and Elura®?

Entyce® and Elura® are both medications that may help pets improve their appetite. Entyce® is FDA approved for dogs as an appetite stimulant, while Elura® is FDA approved for cats to help manage weight loss associated with chronic kidney disease. Entyce® and Elura® come in liquid form and are administered orally. Both contain capromorelin as their active ingredient, but at different concentrations.

How Entyce® and Elura® Work

Capromorelin is the active ingredient in Entyce® and Elura®. Capromorelin is a ghrelin-receptor agonist that increases the production of growth hormone within the body and signals the brain’s hypothalamus to stimulate appetite.

Speak with your veterinarian about whether Entyce® and Elura® are right for your pet. Both products should not be used in dogs and cats that have a hypersensitivity to capromorelin, and Elura® should not be used in cats with hypersomatotropism (acromegaly).

Entyce® and Elura® Directions

Entyce® and Elura® are both liquid oral medications. Follow the administration directions on the drug label closely or as directed by your veterinarian.Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage based on your pet’s weight.

Missed a Dose?

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of Entyce® or Elura®. Generally, they may advise you to give the dose when you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, your veterinarian may instruct you to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. In most cases, do not give extra or double doses.  

Entyce® and Elura® Possible Side Effects

Side effects in dogs and cats may include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Drooling

  • Belly pain

  • Nausea

  • Flatulence

  • Increased thirst

  • Lack of energy

Additional side effects of Elura® in cats may include:

  • Loss of appetite

  • Changes in behavior

  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)

  • Dehydration

If you believe your pet may be experiencing any side effects, consult your veterinarian.

Call Your Vet If:

  • Severe side effects are seen (see above)

  • Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment

  • You see or suspect an overdose

  • You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Entyce® or Elura®

Human Side Effects

This medication is not approved for use in humans. If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, immediately seek medical attention or call the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.

Monitoring

For cat parents: Elura® mimics the action of a naturally-occurring hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin influences many systems in the body and Elura® may also affect these systems. As such, your veterinarian may instruct you to monitor for changes in thirst or water intake; lethargy or weakness; digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, decreased appetite); or behaviors.

Typically, no other specific monitoring is required for Elura® or Entyce®, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications they may be on, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication. Keeping a log of your pet’s food intake and body weight can help to monitor their response to this medication.

Entyce® and Elura® Overdose Information

Signs of Entyce® overdoses in dogs include drooling, red or swollen paws, liver damage, and pale skin or gums. Cats who receive overdoses of Elura® may experience vomiting, drooling, and lethargy.

If you suspect an overdose, immediately seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

 Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 ASPCA

Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435

Entyce® and Elura® Storage

Entyce® and Elura® should both be stored at controlled room temperature at or below 86 F.

Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture and light.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

References

  1. Zollers, B., Rhodes, L. & Heinen, E. Capromorelin. BMC Veterinary Research. Capromorelin oral solution (ENTYCE®) increases food consumption and body weight when administered for 4 consecutive days to healthy adult Beagle dogs in a randomized, masked, placebo controlled study. January 2017.

  2. Wofford JA, Zollers B, Rhodes L, Bell M, Heinen E. Evaluation of the safety of daily administration of capromorelin in cats. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2018;41(2):324-333.

No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Olezzo

References


Stephanie Howe, DVM

WRITTEN BY

Stephanie Howe, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Stephanie Howe graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, after receiving a Bachelor of Science...


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