CAUTION ZOETIS
Townsend’s Rimadyl® tragedy led to ongoing service to dog owners. Many will recognize her sig line, thus her caution on Zoetis Agoquel may be prophetic.
Feb 25, 2014
Jean Townsend, DogMeds Reporter
“Always for George - Always for the Rimadyl Dogs”
I would encourage caution in using this relatively new drug. Remember how Pfizer spent $10 million on advertising Rimadyl (carprofen) when it first entered the market in early 1997, and then the deaths of thousands of dogs began. Now Zoetis has taken over Pfizer Animal Health.{1}
Sadly, I learned the hard way how drug companies ruthlessly release new drugs and how veterinarians are "taught" by drug companies to push their pills and caution is thrown to the wind.
If your vet tries to convince you, then do your own research. All drugs have adverse side effects, and in my opinion new drugs have adverse effects that show up after they are approved, and can be severe. I would also refer owners, especially those who have senior dogs or dogs on rimadyl, to: http://srdogs.com/Pages/rimadylfr.html
Readers can also learn more by going to this site or type in the following: https://online.zoetis.com/US/EN/Products/Documents/Apoquel_PI.pdf
The following is taken from the link Zoetis (formerly Pfizer, Inc.) provided - pay close attention to their "Disclosure" "Forward Looking Statements notice:
QUOTE: Zoetis plans to make APOQUEL available to veterinarians by the First Quarter 2014. During the coming months, Zoetis will be educating veterinarians on the new science associated with canine allergic diseases to lay the groundwork for a successful launch. For more information, please visit www.Apoquel.com. As the latest addition to the company’s diverse portfolio of companion animal medicines, this approval signifies an important milestone for this leading animal health company.
“About Zoetis
“Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting customers and businesses focused on raising and caring for livestock and companion animals. Building on a 60-year history as the animal health business of Pfizer, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. The company generated annual revenues of $4.3 billion in 2012. It has more than 9,300 employees worldwide and a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 29 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for livestock and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com or www.zoetisus.com.
“Important Safety Information
“APOQUEL® should not be used in dogs less than 12 months of age or in dogs with serious infections. APOQUEL may increase the susceptibility to infection and demodicosis and may exacerbate neoplastic conditions. APOQUEL has not been evaluated in combination with systemic immunosuppressive agents such as glucocorticoids or cyclosporine. APOQUEL should not be used in breeding dogs, or pregnant or lactating dogs. The most common side effects seen in dogs administered APOQUEL were vomiting and diarrhea. APOQUEL has been safely used in conjunction with other common medications including antibiotics and parasiticides and with vaccinations.
“DISCLOSURE NOTICE
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements address various matters including information about Zoetis products. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others, regulatory actions and timing of any new product launches; competitive pressures, environmental trends and conditions; and the risks identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2012, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2013, as well as the other information we file with the SEC. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. You are encouraged to read our filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this document, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of these statements. Our business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.”
Editor’s Note: Promoted for allergies and itching, we predict most veterinarians will be pushing this product instead of advice on diet and environmental flea control. Please note safety warning in puppies, breeding stock, Information as provided on Zoetis website:
Also noted; AKC and Pfizer, Inc. became partners in 2012 after AKC introduced pet insurance in 2006.
as 2013 death toll rises, CVM weighs in on Rimadyl and other dangerous pain medications.
2014 Update: over 167,000 Adverse Reaction incidents reported in veterinary medications.