Medicines News May 2020
Medicines news
COVID-19-related relaxation of rules around prescribing and supply of veterinary medicines
There are no new changes this month. The existing relaxations in place because of the need for social distancing continue until at least the end of May. Click here if you want a reminder of the changes that are in place.
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.:
enrofloxacin 25mg/mL beef-flavoured oral suspension for cats (Enrocat Flavour – Livisto International). This is the first oral suspension form of enrofloxacin authorised for cats. POM-V
etamsylate 125mg/mL solution for injection for cats, dogs, cattle, goats, horses, pigs, sheep (Haemosilate – Bimeda). For the prevention and treatment of surgical, post traumatic, obstetric and gynecological haemorrhages. This is the first veterinary authorised form of etamsylate, a haemostatic drug. POM-V
Bordetella bronchiseptica plus Canine parainfluenza virus intranasal vaccine for dogs (Versican Plus BbPi IN Nasal Drops – Zoetis). There are two other intranasal Bordatella plus CPI vaccines available (Canigen KC and Nobivac KC). Versican Plus BbPi IN Nasal Drops will be be marketed in the UK probably later this year. POM-V
gonadorelin 50micrograms/mL solution for injection for cattle (Prolusyn – Cyton AH). POM-V
Infectious bronchitis virus (Avishield IB GI-13) Lyophilisate for Oculonasal Suspension/Use in Drinking Water for Chickens. POM-V
tulathromycin 100mg/mL solution for injection cattle, pigs and sheep (Tulieve – Norbrook). POM-V
Newly marketed medicines
The launch on to the market of the following authorised medicine has been announced:
omeprazole granules for horses (Equizol - Animalcare). Apple-flavoured granules that can be added to dry feed, for the treatment of gastric ulcers. There are three existing brands of omeprazole for horses (Gastrogard, Peptizole, Ulcergold) - all oral pastes. This product, which was authorised in July 2018 is now available. POM-V
vitamins A,D and E solution for injection for cattle, dogs, horses, pigs (Belavit – distributor Bimeda). This product, which was authorised in July 2019 is now available. POM-V
myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (live) vaccine (Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS Lyophilisate and Solvent – MSD Animal Health). For active immunisation of rabbits from 5 weeks of age onwards to reduce mortality and clinical signs of myxomatosis and to prevent mortality due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) caused by RHDV1 and RHDV2 virus strains. This product (which was authorised in December 2019) is now available. It replaces Nobivac Myxo-RHD. POM-V
Changes to prescribing information
Ataxxa Spot-on solution for dogs (imidacloprid plus permethrin). The following text has been added to indications section of the SPC: “The product has persistent acaricidal efficacy against tick infestations (Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes ricinus for four weeks, and Dermacentor reticulatus for three weeks). Ticks already on the dog may not be killed within two days after treatment and may remain attached and visible. Therefore the removal of ticks already on the dog at the time of treatment is recommended, in order to prevent them from attaching and having a blood meal.”
Seresto collar for cats and dogs (imidacloprid plus flumethrin). The following information has been added to the adverse reactions section of the SPC: “The following additional rare behavioural disorders at the application site have been added; hiding, vocalisation, hyperactivity, excessive licking and/or grooming.” Addition of the sentence “Aggression after collar application was reported in very rare cases.” In addition, the following application site reaction has been added; haemorrhage.
Vanguard 7 (canine distemper virus; canine adenovirus; canine parainfluenza virus; canine parvovirus; leptospira canicola; leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae). The SPC (sections 4.8 and 4.9) have been updated to incorporate information about use with Versiguard Rabies
Rabitec oral suspension for foxes and racoon dogs (Rabies virus). The duration of immunity has been extended to 12 months.
Reclassifications
Frontline Plus Spot-on cat and dog (fipronil plus S-methoprene). The legal distribution category has changed from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL. It can now be sold in any retail outlet.
You can find the full prescribing information (SPC) for any of these medicines in the VMD product information database.
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