Using Deramaxx® Safely.

Because of the way Deramaxx® is metabolized by dogs, it accumulates to high levels within the blood of a small number of them. If your dog is in this group, acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

In the adverse event reports for Deramaxx®, there is a mix of responses to the drug. Jeff Levine’s Golden Retriever Rudy died after a single dose. Cheryl Hartman’s Dobie, Silk, had only taken two Deramaxx® when the lining of her stomach became so ulcerated that she was vomiting blood and had blood running from her rectum. In other cases, the dog was on Deramaxx® for almost two weeks before these signs of a problem emerged.

The Problem

Although Deramaxx® has been marketed by Novartis as a “smarter” drug because it is more Cox-2 specific than older non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, the reality is that Cox-2 inhibitors, while generally easier on the gastro-intestinal tract than Cox-1 inhibitors, can cause severe renal (kidney), hepatic (liver) and GI tract problems in those dogs whose metabolism raises the drug to toxic levels within their system. Rather than being a “smarter” drug, a Cox-2 inhibitor simply trades off one set of problems for another in those susceptible to an adverse reaction.

Until some method of screening out dogs whose metabolism makes them unsuitable candidates, wise use of Deramaxx® depends upon the owner being alert to signs of a problem and stopping the drug and seeking immediate treatment by a veterinarian.

Too often in the adverse event reports, owners and in some cases veterinarians have taken an approach which is to “wait and see.” It is very clear from talking with hundreds of owners whose dogs have reacted negatively that quick action is required.

 

 

Signs of a problem

The main signs to be vigilant for are:

·         Vomiting

·         Change in bowel movements such as diarrhea or change in stool color

·         Change in drinking or urination

·         Decrease in appetite

·         Lethargy or aggressiveness

All of the above signs could be related to other problems, but they are the first clues of a problem with Deramaxx®. At the first sign of any of these problems, stop administering the drug and contact your veterinarian.

Any degree of severity of the above signs warrants a blood test to determine whether there are signs of kidney, liver or gastro-intestinal impairment followed by appropriate treatment when necessary.

All adverse events should be reported to Novartis at: 1-800-332-2761