Potential Neurologic Adverse Events Associated with Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products
Dear pet parents:
We wanted to notify you about some information recently distributed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about potential neurologic side effects of a particular class of flea and tick control medications.
We utilize three of these medications, Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica, in our animal hospitals.
While we don’t want to alarm any of you because the potential for a pet having a problem in association with any of these medications is quite low, we felt it was important for you to be informed.
Please review the FDA information below, and do not hesitate to contact us regarding any questions and concerns.
Fast Facts for Pet Owners about Potential Adverse Events Associated with Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products
- The FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinarians of the potential for neurologic adverse events in dogs and cats when treated with drugs that are in the isoxazoline class.
- The FDA-approved drugs in this class are Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard and Simparica. These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations.
- Although these products can and have been safely used in the majority of dogs and cats, pet owners should consult with their veterinarian to review their patients’ medical histories and determine whether a product in the isoxazoline class is appropriate for their pet.
What you should know:
- The FDA considers products in the isoxazoline class to be safe and effective for dogs and cats but is providing this information so that pet owners and veterinarians can take it into consideration when choosing flea and tick products for their pets.
- Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats;
- Although most dogs and cats haven’t had neurologic adverse reactions, seizures may occur in animals without a prior history;
- Many products are available for prevention and control of flea and tick infestations. You can discuss all options with your veterinarian to choose the right product for your pet.
What products are in the isoxazoline class?
The FDA-approved drugs in this class are:
- Bravecto
- Credelio
- Nexgard
- Simparica
These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations.
What should I do if my pet has an adverse drug event while using an isoxazoline product?
- If your dog or cat experiences any adverse event while using an isoxazoline product, first consult your veterinarian.
- The FDA continues to monitor adverse drug event reports for these products and encourages pet owners and veterinarians to report adverse drug events. You can do this by reporting to the drugs’ manufacturers, who are required to report this information to the FDA, or by submitting a report directly to the FDA.
- To report suspected adverse drug events for these products and/or obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or for technical assistance, contact the appropriate manufacturers at the following phone numbers:
• Merck Animal Health (Bravecto): 800-224-5318
• Elanco Animal Health (Credelio): 888-545-5973
• Merial (Nexgard): 888-637-4251
• Zoetis (Simparica): 888-963-8471
If you prefer to report directly to the FDA, or want additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, see How to Report Animal Drug Side Effects and Product Problems.
Pet owners who have additional questions can contact AskCVM@fda.hhs.gov or call 240-402-7002.
In conclusion
We have also received the following information from Merck Animal Health, the manufacturer of Bravecto:
- After over three years of surveillance of more than 80 million Bravecto doses distributed in 85 countries, the overall worldwide reporting rate for neurological signs, including seizures, remains classified as very rare.
- Very rare is defined by international regulatory authorities as less than 1 in 10,000 reported adverse events.
We don’t have specific information on the other isoxazoline flea and tick products, Credelio, Nexgard and Simparica, but it is reasonable to assume that the neurologic adverse event rates are also quite low for these products.
Unless your pet has a history of neurologic signs or ongoing neurologic disease that might warrant avoiding parasite control medications with a neurologic adverse event association, there is no need to change the parasite control medications for your pet.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
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