There have been recent reports about the safety of Trifexis on social media sites. This is a very commonly used flea/intestinal parasite/heartworm preventative that we use in our practice. Here is some important information.
Since 2003 there have been over 50 million doses sold.
As of April 2013, there were the following reports to the FDA: 2200 reports of vomiting, 600 cases of lethargy, and 31 reports of dog deaths. It’s important to note that any complaint is required to be reported, even if the drug is not proven to be at fault.
At our practice, in the past 2 years we have sold almost 7000 doses (plus medications approved to outside pharmacies). We definitely have noted vomiting. We have had a few cases of lethargy. Because we don’t prescribe this medication with a dog with a history of seizures, we have had no seizure reports, and we have experienced no deaths. If a pet has an adverse reaction, we try a different medication to prevent these parasites.
One report had a pet owner who advocated to pull the drug. I have had not fatalities but I have lost a dear patient to heartworm disease, who would still be alive had she been on it. Reaction to medications can happen, even in the “safest” of drugs as dogs are individuals and can have what are called idiosyncratic reactions. But heartworm is fatal. Intestinal worms are potentially catching to owners. Fleas are a huge nuisance. Having an oral product that kills all of them increases compliance…which saves lives and improves the quality of the lives of pets and their owners.
The company that makes Trifexis, Elanco is aware of these reports and is required by law to report all adverse events to the FDA. I get constant updates from the FDA and AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and I am a member of an international on-line veterinary community. I will be monitoring events closely and if Trifexis or any other medication or diet we use is subject to increased inquiry, I will keep you updated.
I for one, will continue using Trifexis monthly on my own Daisy with full confidence in its safety.
Dr. Horn