The U.S. Food & Drug Administration will soon announce its approval of Eli Lilly & Co.'s Reconcile (fluoxetine hydrochloride), perhaps as soon as Monday. The tablets are for use in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older and 8.8 pounds or heavier, according to FDA-established guidelines. The flavored, chewable drug will be approved "for the treatment of canine separation anxiety in conjunction with a behavior modification plan." The drug, based on the active ingredient in Prozac, is not for use in people. Behavior modification uses could include counseling, such as rewards for good behavior, and training for a dog to be content alone, according to the drug’s prescribing information. Reconcile will not be the first anxiety medication for dogs on the market. Clomicalm was approved by the FDA in 1999. Reconcile will, however, be Lily's first drug approved for its new companion animal business. Reconcile is expected to be available within the next several weeks.
