I can't understand why this is not talked about more - it seems that ever so quietly Novartis Animal Health brands including Interceptor Flavor Tabs, Sentinel Flavor Tabs, Clomicalm, Program Tablets and Suspension, and Milbemite have suspended production.
Over the past month Novartis closed an important manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska in response to consumer complaints it has received regarding a number of its leading human consumer medications.
The FDA issued a highly critical report of that plant (see here) after an inspection in June of last year. On January 8th, Novartis announced in a press release that it was voluntarily recalling a number of its leading human products produced at the plant including Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin and Gas-X while it strengthens quality standards.
On January 5th, Novartis sent a letter to veterinarians informing them that it was suspending production and shipments of the following Novartis Animal Health brands including Interceptor Flavor Tabs, Sentinel Flavor Tabs, Clomicalm, Program Tablets and Suspension, and Milbemite. The letter also noted that production of Deramaxx which was just recently moved to the Lincoln plant will also be affected although the company will continue to ship that product from existing inventory.
What the heck? Yes, there was a press release. But how many of you have heard about this! Why aren't consumers being proactively notified? Well, I suppose I am now doing just that.
The production suspension is leaving pet owners looking for these products subject to the inventory on hand with their local veterinarian. As those supplies are exhausted, veterinarians will be obligated to prescribe competing substitutes such as Heartgard, Trifexis, Iverhart Max, and Rimadyl, and many other options are available. After learning about the situation, some consumers are asking for alternatives even when stocks are on hand.
I definitely advise - NEVER make a decision on a drug or flea or tick preventative without consulting your veterinarian. That product is best purchased with veterinary input....veterinary professionals understand the available options and best choice for your pets' lifestyles.
Novartis has offered no indication of when production might resume however they have stated that the recent actions were coordinated with the involvement of health authorities. With the FDA’s involvement, there is the possibility that the closure could be lengthy if it reaches the level of problems recently experienced at facilities owned by Johnson & Johnson, Genzyme, and Hospira. What's going on? In human and animal health, not getting drugs manufactured correctly and then distributed appears to be an epidemic.
Filed under: cats, dogs, pets, veterinary health
Tags: Advantage Multi, Buferin, Clomicalm, Deramaxx, Excedrin, Gas-X, Heartgard, Interceptro, No Doz, Norvartis, Novartis Animal Health, Novartis recall, pet drugs host production, pet drugs recalled, Program, Rimadyl, Sentinal Flavor tabs, Steve Dale archives, Trifexis
Thanks for posting this!! Not being able to get Interceptor is going to be a HUGE problem this summer. My collies absolutely cannot take Heartguard - ivermectin is toxic to that breed!! I guess I will have to take my chances with heartworm if there is no safe alternative to Heartguard and Interceptor is unavailable.
I have 2 border collie mix. My vet recommended Trifexis. It's more expensive than Interceptor but, since it also kills fleas, I won't have to buy the flea preventative every month. So, it works out almost even.
Trifexis is great for many reasons - a triple treat, heartworm, fleas and intestinal parasites.....no matter, always and always talk to your veterinarian about the right product for your pet(s).
yes -harpercollie - I understand. Of course, the summer is still say's off - but then not a bad idea to plan. I'm not sure about what you said about Heartgard, my understanding is that collies can be sensitive if they badly overdose....and in theory, we're supposed to be taking the heartworm prevention year round - talk to your veterinarian, there are alternatives.
Here's a link to a good article re: collies and ivermectin risk
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/announcements/ivermectin/
(quote from the article)
"The phenomenon of ivermectin toxicity in Collies was first described in 1983. Ivermectin causes neurologic toxicity in some, but not all Collies, at doses that are 1/200th of the dose required to cause toxicity in other dogs. Neurologic manifestations of ivermectin in susceptible dogs include, hypersalivation, ataxia, blindness, coma, respiratory compromise, and death."
My vet recommends heartworm meds ONLY from June - Dec because that's when my collies are at risk here in the Midwest.
There is a new test available to determine if the dog has the gene responsible for ivermectin sensitivity. If Interceptor goes off the market, I will get my collies tested and go from there.
Re: Trifexis ...I won't give any of the "combo" types of drugs because I think it's too easy to dose the dogs with pesticides that they might not even need. I realize some people are busy and the "one pill for everything" is cheaper and quicker for them. Guess I just prefer a more natural and holistic approach whenever possible.
I understand - I don't argue any decision you make with your veterinarian
I know. I've always had collies and am so tuned in to all their health issues. Heartguard vs. Interceptor has always been kind of a sore spot when dealing w/collie breeders and vets - so this Novartis supply problem is disturbing. I don't really want to give a "triple treat" pill like Trifexis, but maybe it'll be o.k. We'll see what happens.
I don't see the combo pills as just a convenience. Both my dogs are outside dogs. I know they need heartworm prevention (year round as recommended by my vet), I know they need flea prevention and I know they need intestinal parasite protection. They are 12 and 15 years old and in excellent health. Neither of them has ever had to go to the vet except for their annual vaccinations. My vet recommended Trifexis and I feel this is the best thing for my dogs. And, ultimately, we must each do what we feel is in the best interests of our animals and that is what I try to do. I lost a dog to heartworms many years ago. It was horrible and I never want another animal to have to go through that. I do hope you are able to find a suitable med for your dogs. It's tough to know what is best all the time. I do wish you the best of luck.
My case is complicated because of that collie sensitivity to ivermectin (and a couple of other drugs). I'm sorry for your loss. Sounds like your dogs are doing great right now and that's encouraging! Luckily we don't have to start heartworm meds until June or July, so there's time to more in-depth investigating. Maybe Trifexis will be just fine for us.
Steve, I'm not seeing a press release about the pet products on the Novartis web site, or on their petwellness.com site. Do you have a link? I always like to hear these things from the horse's mouth, if possible. Thanks!
Debbie - I can't explain why this is being kept a secret of sorts, that's my complain but I do verify what I write....
Here's are 2 sources:
http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=20998
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/blog/Novartis-Canine-Heartworm-Medication-Shortages-20448-1.html
I am sure a quick Google search will also confirm. Yes, i do hear from the horse's mouth -
Wasn't doubting you, Steve! I'd seen this a couple of days ago from yet another source and also had some confirmation from vet tech friend that the products were on back order. Was just curious if I'd missed something.