Merck Releases 12-Week Flea, Tick Medicine

Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs kill fleas and multiple tick species for 12 weeks in a single dose.

Merck Animal Health today upped the ante in the world of flea and tick preventives with a flavored chew proven to be effective for 12 weeks at a time.

"Bravecto is a breakthrough innovation that offers pet owners and veterinarians something that no other product does—the longest-lasting oral flea and tick prevention currently available," said KJ Varma, senior vice president of research and development at Summit, N.J.-based Merck.

The product is indicated to kill fleas for 12 weeks, the black-legged tick, American dog tick and brown dog tick for 12 weeks, and the Lone Star tick for eight weeks. The 12-week claims do not apply to dogs less than 6 months old.

The active ingredient, fluralaner, is a new ectoparasiticide belonging to the isoxazoline group, Merck noted.

The chew may be given to help control flea allergy dermatitis, the manufacturer added.

Bravecto's five dosages are based on a dog's weight: 4.4 to 9.9 pounds, 9.9 to 22 pounds, 22 to 44 pounds, 44 to 88 pounds and 88 to 123 pounds.

Clinical trials revealed the most common adverse reactions to be vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, polydipsia and flatulence.

Comments
Post a Comment

Comments