TOP AZODYL QUESTIONS

1. How does it work? 
      A: This is a mixture of three viable bacteria that are strongly urease positive. This means they actively utilize the uremic toxins that diffuse into the bowel from the circulatory system thereby reducing the uremic toxic load.

2. How long will it take? 
      A: Depending on the overall health state of the animal the reduction in BUN and creatine can occur as soon as two weeks but certainly we can see a reduction by the time of the next re-check (usually 1 month).

3. Can I use it with Epakitin? 
      A: Certainly, in fact it can be used with any CKD treatment the patient is presently receiving.

4. How long can it be non-refrigerated? 
      A: As these are viable organisms we recommend that it be keep refrigerated at all times. We store under refrigerated conditions and ship using coolers and freezer packs. Our distributors keep it stored under those conditions. A clinical study showed that the bacterial counts were stable at -20, 4 and 25 degrees Centigrade (C) for up to 14 days. The counts decreased at 37, 45 and 55 degrees C. The urea hydrolytic activity remained at least at 50% even under the 45 degree conditions. We recommend refrigeration as we are concerned that there may be a cumulative effect of temperature elevations over time. These temperatures are: 4C= 39.2 Fahrenheit (F), -20C=-4 F, 25C=77F, 37C=99F, 45C=113F, 55C=131F.

5. Is there any way that one can tell if the Azodyl capsule cultures are still active?  (Since the capsules must be kept refrigerated, how does the consumer know that somewhere along the line from the time it left the company, either due to someone's neglect or forgetfulness, that the capsules have been left out too long and destroyed the cultures?
      A: We make every effort to make sure our product is stored and shipped to keep bacteria alive, We also have trusted distributors we work with that know the requirements of this product. The veterinarians are also educated in the proper storage. We also know there is a time frame that it can be kept out of The refrigerator and still be active. Vetoquinol works very hard at maintaining high quality products and regularly doing quality assurance tests.

6. What are the side effects?
      A: We have no reported side effects except for a case of vomiting and two cases of diarrhea.

7. Can I open the capsules?
      A: The capsules are intended to be administered as presented.

8. Why a capsule? 
      A: The bacteria in Azodyl work best in the colon region of the intestine. The harsh environments of the stomach and small intestine are detrimental to the bacteria. Consequently, we have to encapsulate them to ensure the maximum number of viable bacteria reach the colon.

9. Can Azodyl be given with simultaneous administration of antibiotics?
      A: Most antibiotics commonly used in renal failure are rapidly absorbed and have a short half life as they are excreted unchanged in the urine. There should be little to no interaction with the antibiotics as they are absorbed in the small intestine. The capsule is enteric coated to be dissolved in the large intestine/colon.