Medicines News June 2020
Medicines news
COVID-19-related relaxation of rules around prescribing and supply of veterinary medicines
There are no new changes this month. The temporary relaxations in place because of the need for social distancing continue until at least the end of June. Click here if you want a reminder of the changes.
Newly authorised medicines
The following medicines have been recently been authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. We do not yet know when these will be marketed:
isoflurane inhalational vapour liquid (brand name VetOne Fluriso – Piramal Critical Care Limited) for use in cats, chinchilla, dogs, ferrets, gerbil, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, mice, ornamental birds, rats, reptiles. POM-V.
ciclesonide inhaler for horses (Aservo Equihaler – Boehringer Ingelheim) A metered-dose inhaler for alleviation of the clinical signs of severe asthma. Ciclesonide is a pro-drug of des-ciclesonide, which has glucocorticoid effects. The first veterinary authorised asthma inhaler. POM-V.
Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella typhimurium vaccine suspension for injection for chickens (brand name Nobilis Salenvac ETC – Intevet UK Ltd). POM-V.
Clostridium novyi, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli vaccine suspension for injection for pigs (brand name Suiseng Coli / C – Laboratorios Hipra). POM-V.
Newly marketed medicines
The launch on to the market of the following authorised medicine has been announced:
lactulose syrup for cats and dogs (Laxatract). First authorised May 2019. An osmotic laxative for the treatment of constipation (e.g. due to intestinal atony after surgery, hairballs, massive intestinal contents); and for the symptomatic treatment of disease conditions which require facilitated defecation (e.g. partial obstructions due to for example tumours and fractures, rectal diverticulum, proctitis and poisoning).POM-V.
imidacloprid + moxidectin spot-on for cats, dogs and ferrets (Prinocate). First authorised January 2020. A generic of Advocate spot-on. POM-V.
fipronil + (S) methoprene spot-on for dogs (Itch-flea). For control of infestations with fleas, ticks and biting lice. A generic of Frontline Combo. AVM-GSL.
halofuginone oral solution for newborn calves (Kriptazen) First authorised February 2019. Antiprotozoal drug for prevention of diarrhoea due to diagnosed Cryptosporidium parvum. An addition to two existing brands of halofuginone (Halagon and Halocure). POM-V.
New pack size
fluralaner solution for use in drinking water (Exzolt) for chickens is now available in 50mL bottles (previously only in 1L bottles), which is more suitable for small-scale use, such as the treatment of backyard chickens.
Supply route reclassifications
Vectra-3D spot-on (dinotefuran + permethrin + pyriproxyfen). Change in legal distribution category from POM-V to NFA-VPS.
Changes to product information
MiPet Easecto 10 mg chewable tablets for dogs (sarolaner). The following adverse reactions have been added to the SPC (section 4.6): ‘systemic disorders such as lethargy, anorexia/inappetence may occur in very rare cases’.
Previcox chewable tablets for dogs (firocoxib) The adverse effects section of the SPC has been updated to include “Emesis and diarrhoea have occasionally been reported. These reactions are generally of a transitory nature and are reversible when the treatment is stopped. Renal and/or hepatic disorders have been reported in very rare cases in dogs administered the recommended treatment dose. Rarely, nervous system disorders have been reported in treated dogs. If adverse reactions like vomiting, repeated diarrhoea, faecal occult blood, sudden weight loss, anorexia, lethargy, degradation of renal or hepatic biochemistry parameters occur, use of the product should be stopped and the advice of a veterinarian should be sought. As with other NSAIDs, serious adverse effects can occur and, in very rare cases, may be fatal.”
Rimadyl Palatable for dogs (carprofen). The adverse effects section of the SPC has been updated as follows: “Typical undesirable effects associated with NSAIDs, such as vomiting, soft faeces/diarrhoea, faecal occult blood, loss of appetite and lethargy have been reported. These adverse reactions generally occur within the first treatment week and are in most cases transient and disappear following termination of the treatment but in very rare cases may be serious or fatal. If adverse reactions occur, use of the product should be stopped and the advice of a veterinarian should be sought. As with other NSAIDs there is a risk of rare renal or idiosyncratic hepatic adverse events.”
Scalibor Protectorband collar for dogs (deltamethrin). The adverse effects section of the SPC has been updated: “Local skin reactions (e.g. pruritus/scratching, erythema/rash, hair loss) involving the neck or the skin in general have been observed which might indicate a local or general hypersensitivity reaction in rare cases. Altered behaviour (e.g. lethargy or hyperactivity) often associated with skin irritation has been reported in very rare cases Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and hypersalivation have been observed in very rare cases. Neurological problems such as ataxia and muscle tremor have been observed in very rare cases. The symptoms usually subside within 48 hours after removal of the collar. If any of these symptoms occur, the collar should be removed. Treatment should be symptomatic as no specific antidote is known.
Prid Delta vaginal delivery system for cattle (progesterone). The adverse effects section of the SPC has been updated: “During the course of the seven day treatment, the device may induce a mild local reaction (i.e. inflammation of the vaginal wall). A clinical study carried out with 319 cows and heifers has demonstrated that 25% of animals presented ropy or cloudy vulvar secretions at the device removal. This local reaction disappears rapidly without any treatment between removal and insemination and does not affect fertility at inseminations nor pregnancy rates.”
You can view the summary of product charactersitics (SPC) for any of these products via the VMD’s product information database.
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