GREENFIELD, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comfortis® (spinosad), the month-long flavored tablet that has been protecting dogs from fleas since 2007 has now been approved for use in cats and smaller dogs. As a result of the recent FDA approval, Comfortis can now be used in cats and kittens greater than 2 lbs and 14 weeks and older. In addition, our new 90 mg tablet will allow veterinarians to prescribe Comfortis for smaller dogs 3.3-4.9 lbs and 14 weeks and older.
“Veterinarians have been requesting that Comfortis be approved in cats and smaller dogs since it launched,” said Dr. Stephen Connell, director, technical, academic and consumer services at Elanco Companion Animal Health. “We listened. We expect veterinarians as well as cat and small dog owners around the country will be pleased since Comfortis, with its excellent efficacy, can now be used in a larger number of patients.”
Comfortis:
• Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes
• Kills fleas before they lay eggs
• Lasts a full month
• Can’t be washed, rubbed or groomed off
“Comfortis is ideal for pet owners who have an immediate need for flea control due to its fast speed of kill,” Connell added. “It is also a solution for pet owners who are concerned about their children or other pets being exposed to topicals, have pets that are bathed or groomed frequently, or are concerned about topicals rubbing off on furniture and carpeting.”
In addition to providing effective flea control, Comfortis features product tracking, designed to help keep Comfortis within the context of the veterinary/client/patient relationship. Every box and carton of Comfortis can be tracked from manufacturer to distributor to clinic. Even more, Elanco proactively purchases products found in non-veterinary channels and investigates the source of diverted products; monitors abnormal clinic purchasing activity; and constantly evaluates new ways to identify and stop diverters. More than 400 veterinarians have been permanently banned from purchasing Elanco companion animal products as a result of being caught diverting products.
With this FDA approval, Comfortis is labeled for use in both cats and dogs. The new 90 mg tablet for cats (2-4 lbs) and dogs (3.3-4.9 lbs) is now available to veterinarians. Veterinarians seeking more information about Comfortis may contact their Elanco representative, distributor representative, or call 888-545-5973.
Important Safety Information
For cats: The most common adverse reaction recorded in clinical trials was vomiting. Other adverse reactions were: lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea. Use with caution with concomitant extra-label use of ivermectin.
For dogs: The most common adverse reaction reported is vomiting. Other adverse reactions reported in decreasing order of frequency are: depression/lethargy, decreased appetite, incoordination, diarrhea, itching, trembling, excessive salivation and seizures. Following concomitant extra-label use of ivermectin with Comfortis, some dogs have experienced the following clinical signs: trembling/twitching, salivation/drooling, seizures, ataxia, mydriasis, blindness and disorientation. Post-approval experience continues to support the safety of Comfortis when used concurrently with heartworm preventatives according to label directions.
For product label, including complete safety information see attached PDF or visit comfortis.com.
About Elanco
Elanco is a global, innovation-driven company that develops and markets products to improve animal health production in more than 75 countries. Elanco Companion Animal Health enables veterinarians to help pets live longer, healthier, higher-quality lives through innovative, safe and effective products; product, technical and case management support; economic value; and support of the important bond between humans, pets and their veterinarians. More information is available at elanco.com and comfortis.com.
©2012 Elanco CF00892
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