Dog Owner Continue To Cite Problems With Deramaxx

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Brian Maass
Reporting

(CBS4) DENVER The popular dog drug Deramaxx continues to generate controversy in Colorado and across the country four years after its introduction. Some dog owners are saying the drug has frightening side effects.

Deramaxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug designed to help with osteoarthritis and other chronic pains in dogs. Many veterinarians have sworn by the drug since its introduction four years ago, despite some potentially fatal side effects.

Many dog owners say they were not properly informed of the negative effects associated with administering Deramaxx to their pets until after they noticed behavioral changes.

Tina Maly of Littleton started giving her dog, Baxter, Deramaxx after the dog developed a limp in his left front leg two years ago. She says the drug had immediate side effects.

"I guess the aggression was the scariest part for me because he had never shown any signs of aggression," Maly said.

Baxter is not alone. As of last month, the Food and Drug Administration concluded that another 3,600 dogs have experienced adverse reactions to the drug, ranging from vomiting to partial blindness.

Many veterinarians, like Dr. Tony Henderson of Lakewood, say if the drug is used properly with dogs that have been appropriately screened, it can be a "go to" drug.

"It is a great drug," Henderson said. "It alleviates pain. I"m very happy. My clients and my patients are extremely happy with it."

Henderson does warn, however, that patients should talk with their veterinarians before giving a dog Deramaxx.

"Anybody that"s considering putting their dog on Deramaxx should be closely in tune with their veterinarian because blood monitoring is so important," he said.

Many dog owners like Maly say their pets were prescribed Deramaxx without being screened and with little follow up by their veterinarians.

In recent months, the FDA published an extensive letter, rendering advice to veterinarians on how to use Deramaxx safely and how to avoid the kinds of side effects that Baxter and thousands of other dogs experienced.

Maly says dog owners can also take some extra precautions to ensure the safety of their pets.

"I think people need to educate themselves by asking the right questions," Maly said. "If there isn"t any information, don"t give it to them."

Novartis, the manufacturer of Deramaxx, said in a statement, "Deramaxx has been used safely and effectively on more than a million dogs. Pet owners should get a client information sheet from their vet when Deramaxx is prescribed."

The FDA has reprimanded Novartis before for exaggerating claims about Deramaxx and for being slow in reporting problems with Deramaxx to the FDA.

Tips:

Advice for dog owners whose pets take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)

Watch for these side effects:

• Decrease or Increase in appetite
• Vomiting
• Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea and/or black, tarry or bloody stools)
• Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression)
• Yellowing of gums, skin or whites of the eyes
• Change in drinking habits
• Change in urination habits

If you notice any of these possible side effects, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian.

If you or your veterinarian suspect potential reaction associated with the use of Deramaxx or another NSAID, report it to the pharmaceutical company. All NSAIDs approved for use in dogs have a toll free number on their labels to which a suspected reaction can be reported.

Additional Resources

Questions about adverse event reporting can be directed to: 1-888-FDA-VETS