Some cats and dogs may experience seizures, tremors, and loss of coordination after using four flea and tick products.
Officials from the Food and Drug Administration have received thousands of reports of adverse events linked to three products containing isoxazoline class drugs: Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica. This year, the organization approved Credelio, a fourth product containing a drug from the class.
Neurologic events were observed consistently across the isoxazoline class of products, so the FDA is collaborating with manufacturers of isoxazoline products to add new label information to highlight these events, according to a Sept. 20 announcement states.
Since 2013, the organization has given the go-ahead for all four products to be used in the treatment, prevention, and control of tick and flea infestations. The majority of pets can use them safely and effectively, but veterinarians should consider patient medical histories when determining whether isoxazoline-class medications are necessary, according to the announcement.
According to Siobhan DeLancey, a spokeswoman for the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, the organization has received reports of about 5,400 adverse drug reactions.
According to a statement she gave, when reports of neurologic events are compared to sales data, agency officials observe similar rates across the isoxazoline product class. However, the agency is unable to compare products because it is impossible to determine how many of the sold doses have actually been used.
Some of the neurologic symptoms were observed by researchers conducting preapproval studies, and some product labels already mention this potential, according to DeLancey. Since approval, there have been reports of adverse events, and some animals have experienced seizures for the first time.
The majority of reports involve dogs, but it is unclear whether dogs or cats are at a higher risk. Only one of the products—Bravecto—is approved for use in cats.
There are descriptions of seizures, tremors, ataxia, and lethargy in a small number of dogs and ataxia in a few cats involved in clinical trials in FDA reports that summarize the evidence used to approve the four products. For instance, the outcomes of a Simparica trial involving a small number of 8-week-old puppies showed that those who received higher doses were more likely to exhibit neurologic symptoms.
Mason has consistently used the recommended heartworm medication using ivermectin and pyrantel for six months every year, and he currently appears to be in good health aside from his epilepsy. Please be careful and good luck with your treatments.
I have a 7-year-old boy who started having seizures around 4 years old. Are there any natural flea and tick oils to try? We have always applied flea and tick medication. Now I wonder if there is any correlation.
My Goldendoodle, Mason, had three seizures in a single day about 36 hours after we started taking Advantix 2, so we had to stop using it.
Find out if your Border Collie has the MDR1 Gene mutation by having it tested. This mutation makes Collies and herding dogs more sensitive to chemicals. Knowing whether your dog carries the gene or not is a good thing to share with your veterinarian. It can determine what medications they use on your dogs.
Correct! This product is hazardous and needs to be taken off the market because it caused my dog’s seizures and left him unable to walk. Its so sad!.
K9 Advantix II
Ingredients: Imidacloprid, Permethrin, Pyriproxyfen
Imidacloprid is an insecticide that was made to mimic nicotine. Nicotine is naturally found in many plants, including tobacco, and is toxic to insects. Imidacloprid is used to control sucking insects, termites, some soil insects, and fleas on pets.
Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. Permethrin is used in a number of ways to control insects. Products containing permethrin may be used in public health mosquito control programs. They may be used on food and feed crops, on ornamental lawns, on livestock and pets, in structures and buildings, and on clothing. Permethrin may also be used in places where food is handled, such as restaurants.
Pyriproxyfen mimics a natural hormone in insects and disrupts their growth. It is a type of insect growth regulator that affects mostly young insects and eggs. Pyriproxyfen affects many types of insects, including fleas, cockroaches, ticks, ants, carpet beetles, and mosquitoes.
Frontline Plus
Ingredients: Fipronil, (S)-methoprene
Fipronil is a broad use insecticide that belongs to the phenylpyrazole chemical family. Fipronil is white powder with a moldy odor, used to control ants, beetles, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, termites, mole crickets, thrips, rootworms, weevils, and other insects.
Methoprene is used against insects. It comes in two different forms called s-methoprene and r-methoprene, and s-methoprene is the one that behaves like an important hormone in insects. It can be used against fleas, flies, moths, beetles, and other insects.
FAQ
What are the side effects of Advantix for dogs?
Side Effects: Monitor your dog after application. Even though they are extremely rare, side effects can include discomfort or signs of skin irritation like redness or scratching. Additionally, gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea have been noted.
Does Advantix II cause seizures?
Skin irritation, restlessness or agitation, nausea, tremors, and seizures are examples of side effects.
Is Advantix toxic to dogs?
Advantix is a medication that most veterinarians believe to be safe for dogs, but it is a powerful one that should be used with caution. Imidacloprid and permethrin are the two main active ingredients, and both can be toxic in high doses.
Can advantage for dogs cause seizures?
In pets with seizures, topical flea products are a little bit safer than oral ones. But there will always be a tiny risk with pretty much any product you use. Advantage Multi has the fewest seizures, according to our research.