SAMeLQ

What is SAMeLQ®?

SAMeLQ® is a supplement for dogs and cats that helps support normal liver function. It contains a blend of nutritional ingredients, including:

• S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe): Helps support liver function, detoxification, and cleansing of the liver from impurities.
• Licorice root extract (L): Helps maintain healthy liver cells and promotes the body’s immune response to disease-causing pathogens. 
• Quercetin (Q), L-taurine, B-vitamins, and other antioxidants: Help enhance immune response and assist in removing damaging free radicals from the body.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health supplements (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health supplements must ensure their supplements are safe and labeled accurately. 

The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Health Canada licenses “veterinary health supplements” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These supplements are not tested by Health Canada.

Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health supplements in pets. Just because a supplement is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy. 

Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it may also be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.

How do I give my pet SAMeLQ®?

• SAMeLQ® is given orally (by mouth). Tablets are chewable and flavored.
• Tablets should be given on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
• If your pet vomits when given SAMeLQ® on an empty stomach, you can give future doses with a small amount of food.
• Follow your veterinarian’s directions and use supplements according to their label.
• Ideally, give this supplement at the same time daily.
• Ensure access to fresh, clean drinking water.
• Wash hands after use
• Do not handle if you have a known sensitivity to this supplement.

This supplement can take several days to have full effects on the body, but side effects can occur immediately. Improvements are not always evident, and laboratory tests may be needed to evaluate this supplement’s effectiveness.

What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once. 

Are there any potential side effects from SAMeLQ®?

SAMeLQ® may cause the following side effects:

• Lack of appetite or vomiting.
• Excess gas, diarrhea, or constipation
• Anxiety

Although not documented in SAMeLQ, oral supplements have the potential to cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose stools, flatulence and stomach upset. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian. 

Sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This supplement should stop working within several days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this drug/supplement?

DO NOT USE SAMeLQ® in:

• Pets who are allergic to it

Contact your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment. 

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

The following medications should be used with caution when given with SAMeLQ:

• Antidepressants
• Blood thinners
• Oral products that contain aluminum, calcium, and magnesium (may decrease SAMe absorption). 
• Cholestyramine (may decrease efficacy of SAMe)

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this supplement?

• Your veterinarian will do blood tests to assess liver enzymes, bilirubin, and bile acids to evaluate your pet’s response to the supplement. 
• At home, monitor for any abnormal changes. If any occur, discontinue the supplement and contact your veterinarian. 
• Your veterinarian will let you know when they want to reassess your pet to ensure the supplement is working and not causing side effects.

How do I store SAMeLQ?

• Store in a cool, dry area in a tightly sealed container to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Store in the original packaging.
• Keep out of reach of children.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the supplement/treatment, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms. Report any adverse effects to the FDA or Health Canada.