Medicines news February 2020
Medicines News February 2020
New medicines
florfenicol, mometasone, terbinafine ear drops for dogs (brand name Neptra). A single-dose treatment for acute canine otitis externa or acute exacerbations of recurrent otitis caused by mixed infections of susceptible strains of bacteria sensitive to florfenicol (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) and fungi sensitive to terbinafine (Malassezia pachydermatis). POM-V. Care needed with administration because, like Osurnia (two treatments 1 week apart), there is a potential for Neptra to cause serious eye injury if the product gets into eyes. There are now 11 ear products for dogs containing a combination of an antibiotic plus an antifungal plus a steroid. Related module Antimicrobial ear products for dogs.
mirtazapine transdermal ointment for cats (Mirataz) for bodyweight gain in cats with poor appetite and weight loss resulting from chronic medical conditions. POM-V. This is the first time mirtazapine (used as an antidepressant in humans) has been authorised for use in animals. We haven’t been able to find out if, and when, it will be available in the UK.
tigilanol tiglinate solution for injection for dogs (Selfonta) for the treatment of non-resectable, non-metastatic subcutaneous mast cell tumours located at or distal to the elbow or the hock, and non-resectable, non-metastatic cutaneous mast cell tumours in dogs. Tumours must be less than or equal to 8 cm3 in volume, and must be accessible to intratumoral injection. An antineoplastic drug, which activates protein kinase signalling cascade and induction of necrosis in cells. POM-V. It’s not clear if, and when, it will be available in the UK.
flubendazole 5% 50mg/g premix for medicated feedstuff for pigs, chickens, turkeys, geese, partridges and pheasants (Flubenmix). Anthelmintic. POM-VPS. Related module Prescribing for backyard or pet hens.
Changes to products
Pardale-V oral tablets (paracetamol plus codeine). The legal distribution category has changed from NFA-VPS to POM-V. There are also a few changes to the prescribing information (under contraindications and adverse effects). You can see the revised SPC on the VMD product database. Related module Paracetamol for the management of pain in dogs.
Onsior tablets for dogs (robenacoxib) have a new indication 'For the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with soft tissue surgery in dogs'. There is also new information about the interchangeability of Onsior injection and tablets; a warning not to use Onsior in conjunction with glucocorticoids; and information about concurrent use of Onsior with furosemide and benazepril in dogs. Also new information about efficacy: 'In clinical trials in dogs, robenacoxib tablets reduced the lameness and inflammation associated of dogs with chronic osteoarthritis, and pain, inflammation and the need for rescue treatment in dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery.'
Onsior solution for injection for cats and dogs (robenacoxib) new information about adverse effects: ‘Gastrointestinal adverse events (diarrhoea and vomiting) were commonly reported but most cases were mild and recovered without treatment. Soft and dark faeces or reduced appetite were uncommon’ information about concurrent use with furosemide and benazepril; information about use updated to extend the period of administration for up to 2 days in dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery and to reflect the interchangeable use of tablets and solution for injection in dogs; information about efficacy 'In clinical trials at the recommended dose (2 mg/kg), robenacoxib reduced pain and inflammation in dogs undergoing orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery, and reduced the need for rescue treatment in dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery.'
Dorwest herbal medicines (Garlic sugar-coated tablets; Green Releaf tablets; Garlic and Fenugreek sugar coated tablets; Kelp Seaweed sugar coated tablets; Raspberry Leaf tablets: information about reported adverse gastrointestinal effects added to the SPCs.
Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian sugar-coated tablets: information about reported adverse effects added to the SPC: behavioural disorders such as hyperactivity, anxiety have been observed very rarely. On very rare occasion diarrhoea, lethargy and malaise have been reported.
Click here to go to VMD product database for up-to-date SPCs. Search using brand or generic name.
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