| Prescription Drugs Is the drug your giving your pet safe? Get the facts before its to late |
September 2006 -- FDA Issues Extensive New Guidelines for Prescription and Use of
NSAIDs for Dogs
The Food and Drug Administration has issued new guidelines covering the
prescription and use of NSAIDs such as Rimadyl. Please review them, and be certain
your veterinarian has seen them, before administering them to your dog. Also see
"Pain Drugs for Dogs: Be an Informed Pet Owner," an excellent article published by
the FDA.
# Pennsylvania Legislature Considers Law Governing Veterinary Prescription
Medication -- April 2006
The Food and Drug Administration has determined that certain drugs can only be
used safely when patients and owners are provided with critical information on the
safe use of the drug. For humans, this information is provided in the form of a
Medication Guide. The veterinary equivalent is known as the Client Information Sheet.
Owners of pets who have suffered adverse reactions to veterinary drugs have
reported to the FDA that they were not provided Client Information Sheets by their
veterinarians. For the past six years, owners have appealed to no avail to state
veterinary boards to mandate that vets provide this critical information to owners.
Similarly hundreds of complaints have been filed against vets for not providing owners
with Client Information Sheets and not one case has said that this was required.
To remedy this situation in Pennsylvania, Senators Stack, Browne, Fontana, Rafferty,
Boscola, Costa and Ferlo have introduced legislation mandating that veterinarians
provide clients with Client Information Sheets for the drugs that have them.
It is anticipated that similar legislation will be introduced in most other
states over the next few months.
Detailed background on this legislation is available at:
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/04n0559/04N-0559_emc-000003-01.pdf
For complete Information Click Here
How to report to the FDA:
* by telephone at: 1-888-332-8387 (or 1-888-FDA-VETS)
* via the FDA website (http://www.fda.gov/cvm/adetoc.htm)
* or go directly to the form
(http://www.fda.gov/opacom/morechoices/fdaforms/FDA-1932a.pdf)
Once you print out the form, just complete it and mail it. It is postpaid.
NSAIDs for Dogs
The Food and Drug Administration has issued new guidelines covering the
prescription and use of NSAIDs such as Rimadyl. Please review them, and be certain
your veterinarian has seen them, before administering them to your dog. Also see
"Pain Drugs for Dogs: Be an Informed Pet Owner," an excellent article published by
the FDA.
# Pennsylvania Legislature Considers Law Governing Veterinary Prescription
Medication -- April 2006
The Food and Drug Administration has determined that certain drugs can only be
used safely when patients and owners are provided with critical information on the
safe use of the drug. For humans, this information is provided in the form of a
Medication Guide. The veterinary equivalent is known as the Client Information Sheet.
Owners of pets who have suffered adverse reactions to veterinary drugs have
reported to the FDA that they were not provided Client Information Sheets by their
veterinarians. For the past six years, owners have appealed to no avail to state
veterinary boards to mandate that vets provide this critical information to owners.
Similarly hundreds of complaints have been filed against vets for not providing owners
with Client Information Sheets and not one case has said that this was required.
To remedy this situation in Pennsylvania, Senators Stack, Browne, Fontana, Rafferty,
Boscola, Costa and Ferlo have introduced legislation mandating that veterinarians
provide clients with Client Information Sheets for the drugs that have them.
It is anticipated that similar legislation will be introduced in most other
states over the next few months.
Detailed background on this legislation is available at:
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/04n0559/04N-0559_emc-000003-01.pdf
For complete Information Click Here
How to report to the FDA:
* by telephone at: 1-888-332-8387 (or 1-888-FDA-VETS)
* via the FDA website (http://www.fda.gov/cvm/adetoc.htm)
* or go directly to the form
(http://www.fda.gov/opacom/morechoices/fdaforms/FDA-1932a.pdf)
Once you print out the form, just complete it and mail it. It is postpaid.
Warning Concerning Arthritis Medications -- All Non-steroidal
Anti-inflammatory Drugs Can Kill
Notes by Bob Rogers, DVM, Critter Fixer Pet Hospital, Spring, TX
Rimadyl, Etogesic, Dermaxx, Metacam and Zubrin all belong to a class
of drugs called non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The
action of these drugs is similar to aspirin, in that they inhibit
inflammatory substances called prostaglandins (PGEs), which cause
pain, inflammation, and fever. These drugs are safer than aspirin
because they are more selective for the harmful prostaglandins -- COX
2 PGEs -- and spare certain prostaglandins -- COX 1 PGEs -- which
are essential to protect the G.I. tract, kidneys and other organs.
There is risk of liver failure with all NSAIDs. Liver necrosis in Labrador
Retrievers caused by Rimadyl have been reported in the largest
numbers. The manufacturer of Rimadyl alleges these reactions are
attributed to the fact that Labs are the most common breed, and
Rimadyl was the first and most commonly prescribed NSAID. Rimadyl
may be getting a bad rap. Until more information is available, however,
the staff of Critter Fixer Pet Hospital prefers to exercise caution, and not
to use this drug. All NSAIDs have the potential to cause liver failure.
Blood tests before administration of NSAIDs cannot predict this liver
reaction. The risk of this reaction is small (1:10,000 with Rimadyl).
NSAIDs are relatively new to veterinary medicine. Veterinarians have
little clinical experience with these drugs. Although every manufacturer
has data that alleges their drug is safer than the others, no credible
non-manufacturer-sponsored data exists which accurately compares
these drugs.
NSAIDs Dos and Don'ts
Do Ask your Vet for a written warning about side effects, and read this
warning. Ask to see the manufacturer's package insert.
Do Test your pet for kidney problems before starting NSAIDs. This is
especially important in older pets, who are prone to kidney failure. A
urinalysis and blood test (BUN, Creatinine) are essential.
Do Monitor kidney and liver function if your pet is on these drugs for a
prolonged period of time. Monitoring is recommended whenever the
dosage is increased.
Do Give Zantac or other antacid medication daily to prevent duodenal
ulcers, a common side effect of all NSAIDs. Unfortunately this will not
prevent gastric ulcers.
Do Give polysulfated glucosamines (PSGAs -- Adequan, Glycoflex, or
Cosequin) with prolonged use of NSAIDs for arthritis and degenerative
joint disease. NSAIDs relieve pain, but unfortunately over a long period
of time NSAIDs can contribute to cartilage degeneration. PSGAs help
cartilage to heal. NSAIDs can cause G.I. ulceration. PSGAs are part of
the protectant lining of the G.I. tract. NSAIDs are better tolerated with
PSGAs. PSGAs also protect the kidney.
Do Stop the medication at the first signs of gastric upset, nausea, lack
of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea.
Don'ts
Do not mix NSAIDs.
Do not give NSAIDs with steroids like dexamethazone, prednisolone,
Vetalog or Depomedrol. Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding can
result. A 3-to-5 day withdrawal period is necessary if you switch from
one drug to another.
Do not give NSAIDs in patients with known impaired gastrointestinal,
kidney, cardiovascular, or coagulation functions. If liver enzymes are
elevated, use only at a lowered dose, and with liver treatment
medication (i.e., SAM - E)
Do not give NSAIDs with Enalapril or other ACE inhibitors, Lasix, or with
nephrotoxic drugs like aminoglycoside antibiotics or psychotropic drugs
(Prozac, Clomiclam).
Do not give NSAIDs in dogs with Cushing's disease or other diseases
where the patient is predisposed to thromboembolisms (blood clots).
Do not use NSAIDs in trauma patients or critical care patients due to
potential clotting problems and nephrotoxicity.
A Final Note:
Relief from pain by NSAIDs is an individual response. If your pet does
not get adequate relief from pain and return to normal function with one
NSAID, it is worth trying a different NSAID.
Reactions to NSAIDs are comparable. If your pet has an adverse
reaction to one NSAID, another NSAID should not be used. Another
cClass of pain reliever drugs should be used.
Please research all medications prescribed for your pet before
administering them. Today researching is so easy with the click of your
computer mouse. If you need help finding information feel free to email
me and I will help you in your research.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs Can Kill
Notes by Bob Rogers, DVM, Critter Fixer Pet Hospital, Spring, TX
Rimadyl, Etogesic, Dermaxx, Metacam and Zubrin all belong to a class
of drugs called non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The
action of these drugs is similar to aspirin, in that they inhibit
inflammatory substances called prostaglandins (PGEs), which cause
pain, inflammation, and fever. These drugs are safer than aspirin
because they are more selective for the harmful prostaglandins -- COX
2 PGEs -- and spare certain prostaglandins -- COX 1 PGEs -- which
are essential to protect the G.I. tract, kidneys and other organs.
There is risk of liver failure with all NSAIDs. Liver necrosis in Labrador
Retrievers caused by Rimadyl have been reported in the largest
numbers. The manufacturer of Rimadyl alleges these reactions are
attributed to the fact that Labs are the most common breed, and
Rimadyl was the first and most commonly prescribed NSAID. Rimadyl
may be getting a bad rap. Until more information is available, however,
the staff of Critter Fixer Pet Hospital prefers to exercise caution, and not
to use this drug. All NSAIDs have the potential to cause liver failure.
Blood tests before administration of NSAIDs cannot predict this liver
reaction. The risk of this reaction is small (1:10,000 with Rimadyl).
NSAIDs are relatively new to veterinary medicine. Veterinarians have
little clinical experience with these drugs. Although every manufacturer
has data that alleges their drug is safer than the others, no credible
non-manufacturer-sponsored data exists which accurately compares
these drugs.
NSAIDs Dos and Don'ts
Do Ask your Vet for a written warning about side effects, and read this
warning. Ask to see the manufacturer's package insert.
Do Test your pet for kidney problems before starting NSAIDs. This is
especially important in older pets, who are prone to kidney failure. A
urinalysis and blood test (BUN, Creatinine) are essential.
Do Monitor kidney and liver function if your pet is on these drugs for a
prolonged period of time. Monitoring is recommended whenever the
dosage is increased.
Do Give Zantac or other antacid medication daily to prevent duodenal
ulcers, a common side effect of all NSAIDs. Unfortunately this will not
prevent gastric ulcers.
Do Give polysulfated glucosamines (PSGAs -- Adequan, Glycoflex, or
Cosequin) with prolonged use of NSAIDs for arthritis and degenerative
joint disease. NSAIDs relieve pain, but unfortunately over a long period
of time NSAIDs can contribute to cartilage degeneration. PSGAs help
cartilage to heal. NSAIDs can cause G.I. ulceration. PSGAs are part of
the protectant lining of the G.I. tract. NSAIDs are better tolerated with
PSGAs. PSGAs also protect the kidney.
Do Stop the medication at the first signs of gastric upset, nausea, lack
of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea.
Don'ts
Do not mix NSAIDs.
Do not give NSAIDs with steroids like dexamethazone, prednisolone,
Vetalog or Depomedrol. Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding can
result. A 3-to-5 day withdrawal period is necessary if you switch from
one drug to another.
Do not give NSAIDs in patients with known impaired gastrointestinal,
kidney, cardiovascular, or coagulation functions. If liver enzymes are
elevated, use only at a lowered dose, and with liver treatment
medication (i.e., SAM - E)
Do not give NSAIDs with Enalapril or other ACE inhibitors, Lasix, or with
nephrotoxic drugs like aminoglycoside antibiotics or psychotropic drugs
(Prozac, Clomiclam).
Do not give NSAIDs in dogs with Cushing's disease or other diseases
where the patient is predisposed to thromboembolisms (blood clots).
Do not use NSAIDs in trauma patients or critical care patients due to
potential clotting problems and nephrotoxicity.
A Final Note:
Relief from pain by NSAIDs is an individual response. If your pet does
not get adequate relief from pain and return to normal function with one
NSAID, it is worth trying a different NSAID.
Reactions to NSAIDs are comparable. If your pet has an adverse
reaction to one NSAID, another NSAID should not be used. Another
cClass of pain reliever drugs should be used.
Please research all medications prescribed for your pet before
administering them. Today researching is so easy with the click of your
computer mouse. If you need help finding information feel free to email
me and I will help you in your research.
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Incidents of ADEs to Rimadyl.....By Breed
The following was prepared by Jane and Bob Sinclair,
bjsinclair@earthlink.net:
Reports of the adverse effects of Rimadyl can be found at numerous Internet
websites. Our sample of 115 recent U.S. dog-owner reports available at
various websites shows that 36 breeds and a variety of mixes have been
known to experience adverse effects from Rimadyl. Analysis of the data has
yielded the following information:
* A dog died or was euthanized in 54% of the cases in this sample.
* The ages of the dogs ranged from 15 months to16 years.
* Dosage durations ranged from one day to one year.
* Symptoms reported: Inappetance, Vomiting, Lethargy, Depression,
Withdrawal, Balance Problems, Stumbling, Staggering, Falling, Collapsing,
Circling, Aimless Crawling, Vestibular Signs, Loss of Motor Control, Panting,
Diarrhea, Incontinence, Urinary Problems, seizures and others.
* Inappetance and Vomiting were reported in 33% and 32% of the reports,
respectively.
* Lethargy, Depression, or Withdrawal were reported in 24% of the reports.
* The remaining symptoms listed above appeared in 1017% of the reports.
* Here are the breeds mentioned:
Airedale
Akita
American Pointer/English Setter Mix
American Standard Pit Bull
Beagle
Bichon Frise
Chow Chow
Cocker Spaniel
Collie Mix
Collie/Beagle
Dalmatian
Doberman
Dobie Mix
English Bulldog
English Setter
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Greyhound
Irish Setter
Lab/Chow
Lab/Hound Mix
Lab/Shepherd Mix
Labrador
Labrador Mix
Lhasa Apso
Mastiff
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Schnauzer
Minpin
Norwegian Elkhound
Old English Sheepdog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pug
Rottweiller
Samoyed
Schipperke
Schnauzer
Sheltie
Shepherd Mix
Shepherd/Husky
Shepherd/Malmutte
Shih Tzu
Siberian Husky
Springer Mix
Springer Spaniel
St.Bernard
Terrier/Poodle
Westie
In early July 2007 one of my female pugs didn't look like she felt
good; I found her shaking and shivering so I rushed her to my vets
office. After they took her temp; checked for pain (no blood work or x
rays) it was told to me she had a Herniated disc. Now I am not a vet
but even I know you would need x rays and/or MRI to diagnose a
herniated disc. I was given Rimadyl; I asked what the side effects
were and was told non; that the drug was very successful in pain
relief. When I arrived home the first thing I did was research
Rimadyl and found several articles on severe side effects. I found
even the makers Pfizer admits to harmful side effects. The downside
to this drug made my skin crawl and finding out how many vets do
not inform you before giving you the drug made me sick. I notified
my vet with the information I found only to hear him claim he never
heard of any side effects. I recommended he do his research before
giving this drug to his clients pets and let him know I was tossing the
Rimadyl in the garbage. Needless to say my little girl did NOT have a
herniated disc; she had only an upset tummy and recovered a few
short hours after we came home.
If I hadn't did my research before giving my girl the Rimadyl only
God knows what could have happen to her or if she would be here
with me today.
More information on Rimadyl
The following was prepared by Jane and Bob Sinclair,
bjsinclair@earthlink.net:
Reports of the adverse effects of Rimadyl can be found at numerous Internet
websites. Our sample of 115 recent U.S. dog-owner reports available at
various websites shows that 36 breeds and a variety of mixes have been
known to experience adverse effects from Rimadyl. Analysis of the data has
yielded the following information:
* A dog died or was euthanized in 54% of the cases in this sample.
* The ages of the dogs ranged from 15 months to16 years.
* Dosage durations ranged from one day to one year.
* Symptoms reported: Inappetance, Vomiting, Lethargy, Depression,
Withdrawal, Balance Problems, Stumbling, Staggering, Falling, Collapsing,
Circling, Aimless Crawling, Vestibular Signs, Loss of Motor Control, Panting,
Diarrhea, Incontinence, Urinary Problems, seizures and others.
* Inappetance and Vomiting were reported in 33% and 32% of the reports,
respectively.
* Lethargy, Depression, or Withdrawal were reported in 24% of the reports.
* The remaining symptoms listed above appeared in 1017% of the reports.
* Here are the breeds mentioned:
Airedale
Akita
American Pointer/English Setter Mix
American Standard Pit Bull
Beagle
Bichon Frise
Chow Chow
Cocker Spaniel
Collie Mix
Collie/Beagle
Dalmatian
Doberman
Dobie Mix
English Bulldog
English Setter
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Greyhound
Irish Setter
Lab/Chow
Lab/Hound Mix
Lab/Shepherd Mix
Labrador
Labrador Mix
Lhasa Apso
Mastiff
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Schnauzer
Minpin
Norwegian Elkhound
Old English Sheepdog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pug
Rottweiller
Samoyed
Schipperke
Schnauzer
Sheltie
Shepherd Mix
Shepherd/Husky
Shepherd/Malmutte
Shih Tzu
Siberian Husky
Springer Mix
Springer Spaniel
St.Bernard
Terrier/Poodle
Westie
In early July 2007 one of my female pugs didn't look like she felt
good; I found her shaking and shivering so I rushed her to my vets
office. After they took her temp; checked for pain (no blood work or x
rays) it was told to me she had a Herniated disc. Now I am not a vet
but even I know you would need x rays and/or MRI to diagnose a
herniated disc. I was given Rimadyl; I asked what the side effects
were and was told non; that the drug was very successful in pain
relief. When I arrived home the first thing I did was research
Rimadyl and found several articles on severe side effects. I found
even the makers Pfizer admits to harmful side effects. The downside
to this drug made my skin crawl and finding out how many vets do
not inform you before giving you the drug made me sick. I notified
my vet with the information I found only to hear him claim he never
heard of any side effects. I recommended he do his research before
giving this drug to his clients pets and let him know I was tossing the
Rimadyl in the garbage. Needless to say my little girl did NOT have a
herniated disc; she had only an upset tummy and recovered a few
short hours after we came home.
If I hadn't did my research before giving my girl the Rimadyl only
God knows what could have happen to her or if she would be here
with me today.
More information on Rimadyl
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