Wei Qi Booster

What is Wei Qi Booster? 

Wei Qi Booster is an herbal blend used in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) for general weakness, fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss in older animals, chronic viral infections, cancer, and many other conditions in which the immune system needs support. It can be used in dogs, cats, and horses.

“Wei Qi” means “defense system” or “immune system.” Wei Qi Booster contains seven herbs that practitioners of TCVM believe will tonify Qi, move Blood to help clear stagnation, clear Heat, and inhibit cell mutation. It is often combined with other TCVM herbal blends.

Wei Qi Booster contains the following seven herbs:

• Huang Qi (Astragalus)
• Dang Gui (Angelica)
• Dang Shen (Condonopsis)
• Hou Po (Magnolia)
• Ban Zhi Lian (Scutellaria)
• Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia)
• Xuan Shen (Scrophalaria) 

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 Wei Qi Booster?

• Wei Qi Booster is given by mouth (orally) and comes as a powder, tea pill, capsule, or extract (tincture). 
• Wei Qi Booster may be given with or without food.
• If vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat.
• Follow your veterinarian’s instructions and measure this medication carefully when it is in the form of a powder or tincture.

This product should work within 5 days, and an improvement in clinical signs should follow.

What if I miss giving my pet Wei Qi Booster?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled treatment, skip the missed treatment and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Are there any potential side effects from Wei Qi Booster?

• Wei Qi Booster is generally well tolerated and is not known to be associated with any side effects.
• 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 five days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this supplement?

DO NOT USE Wei Qi Booster in:

• Pets that are allergic to any of the herbs in this formula

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

There are no documented drug interactions for this medication. 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?

• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding when your pet needs to be rechecked and what tests may need to be performed before and during treatment with this product.
• At home, monitor for any abnormal changes. If any occur, discontinue the supplement and contact your veterinarian.

How do I store Wei Qi Booster?

• Store the extract form, also called tincture form, in the refrigerator.
• Store the capsule, powder, and tea pill forms in their original packaging.
• Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from heat or direct light.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the supplement, 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.