FDA warning reminder & Thanks to Ladymom!!

[YorkichonBella]

Thank you Ladymom for this post a while back!
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...tis+ivermectin


I don't know what I'd do if not for the advice on YT. I feel more confident searching here than asking questions to my Vet or should I say more knowledgeable in asking the right questions too, to the Vet. But so disappointed with them not knowing??

If not for Ladymom's post, I could have put my baby's health @risk. I've held off on trying Ivermectin for Bella, but just went this route yesterday. I first questioned the Vet about the use of Comfortis along with Ivermectin because I remembered this post warning. Guess what she said? The Vet said "I have my dog on Comfortis & Heartguard Plus (Ivermectin is an ingredient) & there have been no signs of any problems. I can call the company of Comfortis and inquire, if you like??" I just said "that's ok, I prefer to use another flea med while she's on Ivermectin"!! Why isn't the Vet informed or knowledgeable about this?? I realize the warning is for the larger doses of Ivermectin, but this is an FDA warning on the combinations of meds with serious side effects?? I'm just so thankful I found YT!!

[YorkichonBella]

Well, so far Bella is doing just fine with the first dose of Ivermectin. I decided to wait on flea meds until we see how this goes. The Vet said if she shows signs of improvement, another & final dose in 2 weeks. Has anyone else tried this & if so, did you see improvements? How long did it take?

[YorkichonBella]

Well, sorry that no one has any comments? or maybe the many who read do not have any experience with this drug. There is another post recently concerning Ivermectin & the use of another drug @the same time. Bad reaction!! But thankfully, the little yorkie is going to pull through!!

I haven't decided whether or not to give Bella the second dose?? The Vet said we should see signs of improvement within 4 or 5 days??

[Babz]

Girl, i honestly have no idea what you're talking about but i hope someone who does will reply.

[arv99t]

This may sound like a dumb question but what is ivermectin?

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by arv99t

This may sound like a dumb question but what is ivermectin?

Ivermectin is the main ingredient in Heartguard. The warning is that there may be a reaction if you use Heartguard and the new Comfortis for fleas together.

[YorkichonBella]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Ivermectin is the main ingredient in Heartguard. The warning is that there may be a reaction if you use Heartguard and the new Comfortis for fleas together.

The FDA actually warns that it has received reports of adverse reactions in dogs receiving the drug Comfortis® (spinosad) concurrently with high, extra-label doses of the drug ivermectin. The clinical signs of these adverse reactions are consistent with ivermectin toxicity.
My concerns were with my Vet not knowing about these warnings since Bella was given a single dose of Ivermectin. Ivermectin is used to treat mites or mange. The Vet quoted that the small amount of Ivermectin in Heartguard should not be a problem while using Comfortis. I'm not sure though I would want to chance it?

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by YorkichonBella

The FDA actually warns that it has received reports of adverse reactions in dogs receiving the drug Comfortis® (spinosad) concurrently with high, extra-label doses of the drug ivermectin. The clinical signs of these adverse reactions are consistent with ivermectin toxicity.
My concerns were with my Vet not knowing about these warnings since Bella was given a single dose of Ivermectin. Ivermectin is used to treat mites or mange. The Vet quoted that the small amount of Ivermectin in Heartguard should not be a problem while using Comfortis. I'm not sure though I would want to chance it?

My wonderful vet up in New York said he never prescribed anything when it first came out on the market. He always waited about a year to see if there were any adverse effects.

I personally wouldn't chance it. There are other choices in both heartworm prevention and flea control. Interceptor does not contain ivermectin, for instance. I also prefer to use a topical flea preventative, not one that is processed through the liver.

[LunasMomma]

If all vets were knowledgeable about toy breeds, my Starr would still be alive I'd ask your vet to either get up to speed on smaller dogs or find a new one. It could save their life one day!

[YorkichonBella]

Originally Posted by LunasMomma

If all vets were knowledgeable about toy breeds, my Starr would still be alive I'd ask your vet to either get up to speed on smaller dogs or find a new one. It could save their life one day!

I'm so sorry to hear about yr baby Starr. RIP little one

[LunasMomma]

Aw, thanks, you're sweet It'll be two years on the 19th that she's been gone. It seems like yesterday sometimes Her death did teach me what to look for in a vet, though. I didn't really know any better before that.

[YorkichonBella]

IMPORTANT BUMP!! It's so important to be aware of this! Pls read!

[butterfly]

I know this is not about the same products, but I almost lost my Angel Baby in November when she had her normal yearly shots.

She went in for her normal yearly, and got her booster, the one with the distemper etc, Well, she was almost dead in the morning!! I got up and she was just limp as a rag. It frightened the heck out of me! Had I slept in for another half hour she would surely be dead right now. I got some sugar in her and she started to respond, but she was not well for another 3 days afterward. I did not let them give her the rabies shot, thank goodness, that probably would have done her in for sure. She had not felt well the night before, not wanting to eat and a runny poop. I did get her to drink a little but honestly, (hindsight) I should have gotten her some Karo before bed.

I did mention to the vet when I took my other pup in for her dental. She seemed to not understand why this would have happened. You know you would think they would think before giving a little 2# the dose they give a 10# dog!! I just don't know if I am going to get that shot anymore. I will never do a rabies, it makes no sence for a dog that never leaves my side. What do you think, any suggestions?

[Ladymom]

Why don't you start a new thread in the Health section about your experience? This is an old thread and not the same topic so I'm afraid you may not get many replies.

[babbsiam44]

Originally Posted by butterfly

I know this is not about the same products, but I almost lost my Angel Baby in November when she had her normal yearly shots.

She went in for her normal yearly, and got her booster, the one with the distemper etc, Well, she was almost dead in the morning!! I got up and she was just limp as a rag. It frightened the heck out of me! Had I slept in for another half hour she would surely be dead right now. I got some sugar in her and she started to respond, but she was not well for another 3 days afterward. I did not let them give her the rabies shot, thank goodness, that probably would have done her in for sure. She had not felt well the night before, not wanting to eat and a runny poop. I did get her to drink a little but honestly, (hindsight) I should have gotten her some Karo before bed.

I did mention to the vet when I took my other pup in for her dental. She seemed to not understand why this would have happened. You know you would think they would think before giving a little 2# the dose they give a 10# dog!! I just don't know if I am going to get that shot anymore. I will never do a rabies, it makes no sence for a dog that never leaves my side. What do you think, any suggestions?

I have always wondered about that!!! If she is never around wild animals or any other animals, then why would you get the rabies? But you never know what another animal might have that she could contract.