Subject: Fw: FDA warns makers of hypothyroidism drugs used in dogs
FDA Issues Warning Letters to Manufacturers of Unapproved Levothyroxine Drugs for Hypothyroidism in Dogs
FDA Issues Warning Letters to Manufacturers of Unapproved Levothyroxine Drugs
for Hypothyroidism in Dogs
January 29, 2016
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to six
manufacturers of unapproved levothyroxine sodium drugs for hypothyroidism in
dogs. These unapproved products have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety
and effectiveness.
Thyro-Tabs Canine (levothyroxine sodium tablets), (NADA 141-448) is the only
FDA-approved drug for replacement therapy for diminished thyroid function
(commonly known as hypothyroidism) in dogs.
FDA is concerned about unapproved animal drugs. Animal drugs that have not
been reviewed and approved by FDA may not meet FDA’s strict standards for
safety and effectiveness. They also may not be properly manufactured or labeled.
FDA issued warning letters to manufacturers of the following unapproved
levothyroxine products:
Thyrosyn
Soloxine
Levocrine
Thyromed
Thyroid Chewable Tablets
Thyrokare
Thyroxine L
Thyrovet
Leventa (letter to be posted soon)
If the companies that were issued the warning letters continue to market the
violative products, they may be subject to enforcement action, including
seizure of violative products and/or an injunction.
Shipments of levothyroxine active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) not
referenced in an approved animal drug application or the subject of an index
listing or a valid investigational use exemption and unapproved finished
animal drugs containing levothyroxine offered for import may be subject to
refusal.
Dog owners and veterinarians can report to the FDA any adverse events,
including ineffectiveness, in dogs that received approved or unapproved
hypothyroidism products. Information on reporting adverse events can be found
at:
How to Report Animal Drug Side Effects and Product Problems.
Warning Letters
Neogen Corporation
Quality Animal Care Manufacturing
Virbac Animal Health, Inc.
Dechra Veterinary Products LLC
Diamond Animal Health Inc.
Additional Information
Dear Veterinarian Letter - THYRO-TABS CANINE (levothyroxine sodium tablets)
More information on FDA’s concerns regarding unapproved animal drugs
Information on how to tell if a drug is FDA-approved for animals
From an Idea to the Marketplace: The Journey of an Animal Drug through
the Approval Process
Contact FDA
240-402-7002
240-276-9115 FAX
Issued by: FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine
7519 Standish Place, HFV-1
Rockville, MD 20855
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