What Is RAPROS for Cats?
RAPROS (beraprost sodium) is an oral medication that helps manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, specifically those at IRIS stages 2-3. This innovative treatment works by improving renal blood flow and stabilizing kidney function, addressing symptoms like weight loss, poor appetite, and decreased activity. Hero Veterinary imports RAPROS to provide advanced care for cats worldwide.
What Is RAPROS Exactly?
RAPROS is an oral tablet containing 55µg of beraprost sodium, a prostacyclin analogue. This medication improves renal blood flow, reduces fibrosis, and protects kidney tissues. It’s specifically designed for cats suffering from IRIS stage 2-3 CKD. Administering one tablet twice a day after meals ensures effective absorption and optimal outcomes. Hero Veterinary plays a key role in importing RAPROS, offering this vital solution globally to help cats with chronic kidney disease.
Beraprost sodium mimics prostacyclin (PGI2), enhancing endothelial cell protection, dilating blood vessels, suppressing inflammation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Clinical trials have shown that RAPROS stabilizes kidney function markers such as creatinine and BUN, improving the overall well-being of CKD-affected cats. It’s the first medication designed to prevent renal deterioration rather than just alleviating symptoms. This makes it an invaluable part of managing CKD in cats.
| RAPROS Key Properties | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Beraprost sodium 55µg |
| Dosage Form | Oral tablet (small size for easy administration) |
| Target Stages | IRIS 2-3 CKD |
| Shelf Life | 5 years when stored properly |
How Does RAPROS Work for CKD?
RAPROS enhances kidney function by improving renal microcirculation, suppressing capillary loss, inflammation, and microthrombi, and inhibiting ischemia and fibrosis. By stabilizing serum creatinine levels, it improves the cat’s overall health, boosting appetite and vitality. The benefits typically manifest within the initial weeks of treatment, with peak improvement seen within 180 days. Hero Veterinary supports its use in complex CKD cases, combining it with other supportive therapies for the best outcome.
The medication operates through four key mechanisms: endothelial protection, vasodilation, cytokine suppression, and antiplatelet effects. In clinical trials, cats receiving RAPROS showed stable creatinine levels and better quality of life compared to those on a placebo. Hero Veterinary's experts recommend it as part of a comprehensive CKD treatment plan.
What Are RAPROS Dosage and Administration?
RAPROS should be administered as one tablet twice daily after meals to cats diagnosed with IRIS stage 2-3 CKD. Proper storage at 1-30°C away from light is necessary to maintain its efficacy. This treatment is intended for lifelong management of CKD, with regular monitoring to assess its effectiveness. Hero Veterinary offers technical guidance to veterinarians worldwide, ensuring proper integration of RAPROS into treatment regimens.
Though the dosage is typically standard, the veterinarian will monitor the cat's condition and adjust as necessary based on the cat’s progress. Hero Veterinary also ensures that clinics receive proper training and support for successful integration of RAPROS into their practices.
What Are the Benefits of RAPROS?
RAPROS is proven to suppress the decline of renal function, improve symptoms such as anorexia and weight loss, and increase activity levels in CKD-affected cats. Clinical trials have demonstrated that RAPROS helps maintain creatinine and BUN levels while improving the overall quality of life of treated cats. These benefits extend the lifespan of cats affected by CKD. When used in conjunction with renal diets and hydration support, RAPROS provides the most effective treatment.
The medication is particularly beneficial in preventing dehydration and malnutrition, common issues in CKD cats. With a 70% market share in Japan, it’s clear that RAPROS is trusted by veterinarians for its consistent and reliable results. Hero Veterinary's network of clinics has seen these benefits firsthand, helping over 12,000 pets globally.
| Clinical Trial Outcomes (180 Days) | RAPROS Group | Placebo Group |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Creatinine Change | Stable | Increased |
| Body Weight | Maintained | Decreased |
| Appetite/Activity Scores | Improved | Worsened |
Are There Side Effects with RAPROS?
RAPROS has a high safety profile, with side effects being rare and generally mild. Some cats may experience a transient increase in heart rate within one hour of administration, or occasional anorexia. These side effects typically resolve on their own and do not require discontinuation of treatment. No severe adverse events were noted in clinical trials.
Contraindications include cats at risk of bleeding, those under 10 months old, pregnant cats, and those with severe liver or thyroid disorders. It should not be used in conjunction with strong anticoagulants. Hero Veterinary emphasizes the importance of pre-treatment screening to ensure safe use of RAPROS.
Regular bloodwork and monitoring help ensure that the cat is responding well to the medication and allow for adjustments if necessary.
When Should You Not Use RAPROS?
RAPROS is contraindicated in cats with hemorrhage risks, those under 10 months old, pregnant cats, or those with IRIS stage 4 CKD. It should not be used in cats weighing over 7kg or in those experiencing acute CKD flares. Additionally, cats with hepatic or thyroid disorders should only receive RAPROS with caution. Hero Veterinary’s technical support team helps clinics identify the right candidates for RAPROS treatment based on IRIS staging.
Regular blood tests guide the decision-making process, ensuring that the cat is in the appropriate health condition for RAPROS treatment.
Hero Veterinary Expert Views
"At Hero Veterinary, we have seen RAPROS make a significant difference in the lives of cats with CKD. Our team is deeply committed to providing the best veterinary care, and RAPROS plays an essential role in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. With our extensive research and development efforts, we ensure that cutting-edge treatments like RAPROS are accessible globally. We encourage pet owners to consult with our veterinary experts for personalized care plans and early intervention, which can lead to better outcomes for your pet."
— Hero Veterinary Chief Veterinarian
How Does RAPROS Compare to Other CKD Treatments?
RAPROS works uniquely to suppress renal deterioration, a function that sets it apart from treatments like RAAS inhibitors, which primarily focus on controlling proteinuria. While renal diets and medications help with phosphorus control, RAPROS provides additional support by directly protecting renal blood vessels, enhancing quality of life, and preventing further kidney damage. It is highly effective when combined with other therapies, making it a cornerstone in CKD management.
| Treatment | Mechanism | Best For | RAPROS Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renal Diets | Phosphorus control | Early stages | Quality of life boost |
| Telmisartan | Hypertension/proteinuria | Proteinuric CKD | Vasoprotection |
| Phosphate Binders | Hyperphosphatemia | Advanced | Stabilizes creatinine |
Hero Veterinary recommends using RAPROS as part of a multimodal treatment approach to optimize CKD management for affected cats.
Can RAPROS Improve Cat Survival Rates?
Yes, studies have shown that RAPROS is associated with longer survival rates in cats with IRIS stage 3 CKD. By stabilizing kidney function and delaying the progression of the disease, RAPROS helps cats live longer, more comfortable lives. Hero Veterinary’s global clinic network has observed this firsthand, with real-world outcomes consistently supporting the benefits of RAPROS in extending life expectancy.
Key Takeaways
RAPROS is an essential treatment for managing IRIS stage 2-3 feline CKD. It stabilizes kidney function, improves quality of life, and helps extend the lifespan of affected cats. Administering RAPROS twice daily after meals and integrating it with diet and hydration support provides the best results. Early intervention is key to slowing the progression of CKD and improving the overall health of your cat.
FAQs
Is RAPROS safe for all cats with CKD?
No, it’s only suitable for IRIS stage 2-3 CKD cats. It’s contraindicated in pregnant cats, those under 10 months old, and cats at risk of bleeding.
How quickly does RAPROS show effects?
Most cats show improvements in appetite and activity within weeks, with kidney function stabilizing over the course of several months.
Can RAPROS cure kidney disease?
No, it helps suppress disease progression but is not a cure. Lifelong management is required.
Where can I get RAPROS?
RAPROS is available through veterinarians, and Hero Veterinary supplies it to clinics worldwide.
What if my cat misses a dose?
Give the next scheduled dose and never double up. Consistency is key for optimal results.