Info on the canine heart worm medication Trifexis

[leftyladyfrommo]

There has been a huge internet storm about Trifexis. I think it started on Facebook and then just took off.

Trifexis is a heartworm medication that also protects against whipworm, roundworm, hookworm and fleas.

The internet info has gotten people all whipped up. It proclaims that the drug is killing dogs, killing puppies and old dogs by causing liver failure, causing seizures and on and on.

And I think it may all be bogus - maybe started on a Facebook page set up by a competitor. You just can't believe everything on the internet or Facebook. You don't know who put the information out there. And the comments are all by unidentified posters - nothing by anyone who would really have correct info.

I checked with my vet clinic - a big clinic that handles thousands of dogs in a year. They have not had one instance of a serious problems with Trifexis. It can cause stomach upset and should always be given with food.

I also checked at another clinic this morning. They said the same thing. They have not had any serious side effects with this products except for stomach upset.

I use this product on both of my dogs. My vet uses it on his dogs. It's a wonderful product.

And, no, I have no connection with the manufacturer of this product.

[hlthe2b]

1. I wish more would question what they read on FACEBOOK and similar...

The full safety profile for this drug is well documented here, including both approval and post approval safety and efficacy trials both here and in Europe.

http://www.drugs.com/vet/trifexis.html

While issues can emerge with any drug/medication/vaccine, to date I have seen nothing confirming these anecdotal and fear-inducing suggestions by lay audiences on FB.

[targetpractice]

2. My prior vet pushed Trifexis hard and stopped carrying Sentinel...

I don't see a reason to give a dog more medicine than it needs. Why give my dog an insecticide every month when she doesn't have fleas.

Seems like Trifexis was created to make things easier for humans.

[hlthe2b]

4. You shouldn't.... I continue to rely on Heartguard because in CO, fleas have not been a big issue..

I think it appropriate to ask your vet why they believe one heartworm preventative is better than another for your dog.

On edit, though I DO check stool samples frequently because of time spent in dog parks and elsewhere... Without the more comprehensive internal parasitic control provided by some of these newer HW preventatives, that may be important, depending on where you spend time with your dog.

And, yes, you are right... these newer drugs are designed to make it easier for the humans. Unfortunately, there are many who simply will not do the more labor intensive flea baths and daily brushing required to control the problem in their dogs (or cats).... In high risk areas of the South, veterinarians not uncommonly see even adult dogs/cats with life threatening anemia from these pests. So in some cases, it may be the more appropriate option.

[leftyladyfrommo]

5. Sentinel has become impossible to get.

That's the reason the vets all had to change over to Trifexis.

[OhioChick]

3. I have a dog that has neurological damage from using Trifexis

She's not old and has never had any health problems prior to this medication.

I had to run her to the vet the day after I initially gave it to her. (This was last year) He had hoped that her condition would improve in time, but unfortunately hasn't.

My vet said that he has seen cases similar to that of my dog's (in otherwise healthy dogs) from the use of Trifexis and he reported his findings to Elanco.

Many vets get kick backs from these companies for pushing their use and "safety."

I asked my vet if he'd take it and he replied with "Hell no, it's a pesticide!"

Trifexis is not only a heartworm med, but also a flea and tick preventative all wrapped into one pill.

[leftyladyfrommo]

6. It's not good against ticks. n/t

[dixiegrrrrl]

7. My vet down here in teh South is pushing a multi-purpose pill

for heartworm and fleas.
My gut said no.
Heartworm meds are necessary in our area, as is flea treatments, but I give them separately 2 weeks apart.
I don't like beta testing new meds on my animals or on me.

[targetpractice]

8. Seems smart... Give their little livers a break between treatments. n/t

[OhioChick]

9. Listen to your gut, I wish that I had

I no longer believe in those multi-purpose pills anymore. They can't be good on a dog's liver, kidneys or entire body for that matter all at once.

When it came to Heartworm meds, Interceptor worked great for mine. Then, Novartis closed down their manufacturing plant in Nebraska due to violations of some sort and you can't get them anymore. I've since had to go with Heartguard.

As for fleas, the vet told me to spray the backyard where the dogs run around with Dawn dishwashing liquid once or twice a week. Seems to kill off the flea population.