Medicines news November 2019
Medicines news November 2019
The following medicines have recently been authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. They may not be available immediately:
doxycycline 40mg, 200mg tablets for cats and dogs (brand name Doxycare). For the treatment of bacterial respiratory tract infections in cats and dogs, due to organisms sensitive to doxycycline including: Staphylococcus aureus and other Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Pasteurella spp. And treatment of tick - borne Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs. An addition to two existing brands (Doxybactin and Ronaxan). POM-V
prednisolone 5mg tablets for cats and dogs (Prednizol) For the symptomatic treatment of inflammatory or allergic conditions in dogs and cats. An addition to several existing brands. POM-V
tramadol 50mg tablets for dogs (Tramvetol). For the reduction of acute and chronic mild soft tissue and musculoskeletal pain. As for other brands of tramadol for dogs (Tralieve, Tramadog), the SPC for Tramvetol states that the analgesic effects of tramadol hydrochloride may be variable. This is thought to be due to individual differences in the metabolism of the drug to the primary active metabolite O-desmethyltramadol. In some dogs (non-responders) this may result in the product failing to provide analgesia. POM-V. For more on tramadol see our module.
Changes to product information
Alfaxan 10 mg/ml solution of injection for dogs, cats and pet rabbits (alfaxalone). On adverse effects, the SPC now states: ‘Based on post marketing safety experience, neurological signs (convulsions, myoclonus, tremor, prolonged anaesthesia), cardio-respiratory signs (cardiac arrests, bradycardia, bradypnea) and behavioural signs (hyperactivity, vocalisation) have been reported very rarely.’
Canigen KC (Bordetella bronchiseptica; Canine parainfluenza virus). On adverse effects, the SPC now states: ‘In very rare cases hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Such reactions may evolve to a more severe condition (anaphylaxis), which may be life-threatening. If such reactions occur appropriate treatment is recommended.’
List of veterinary authorised Controlled Drugs updated.
The VMD publishes a list of veterinary authorised CDs online. The resource also tells you whether the drug needs to be kept in the CD cabinet and whether destruction needs to be witnessed. Go to the VMD's CD page (click here) and then click on the link at the bottom of the first section "Currently Authorised Controlled Drugs" to get to the current list. N.B it only includes authorised veterinary medicines, not human medicines like gabapentin and pregabalin.
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