FDA Okays weight loss drug for obese dogs
By Ben Wasserman - foodconsumer.org
Questions and Answers about Slentrol
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday announced its approval of an anti-obesity medication, Slentrol (dirlotapide) for the management of canine obesity, making it the first and only veterinary-approved obesity drug for dogs in the United States. The drug is made by Pfizer.
What is Slentrol?
"Slentrol is a new chemical entity, called a selective microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, which blocks the assembly and release of lipoproteins into the bloodstream," the FDA says in a statement. Slentrol is indicated for weight management in obese or overweight dogs only.
How is Slentrol used to treat obese dogs?
“The drug is given to the dog in varying amounts over the course of the treatment. The dog is given an initial dose for the first 14 days. After that, the veterinarian will assess the dog's progress at monthly intervals, adjusting the dose depending on the dog's weight loss. After the dog has achieved the goal weight, the drug's manufacturer recommends continued use of the drug during a three-month period, while the veterinarian and dog owner establish the optimal level of food intake and physical activity needed to maintain the dog's weight,” the FDA says.
How is Slentrol administered?
Slentrol in solution is administered orally either directly into the mouth or with a small amount of food, according to Pfizer Animal Health.
How effective and safe is it to use Slentrol?
In clinical trials, Slentrol was shown to be safe and effective producing consistent results in a range of dog breeds, according to Pfizer.
Slentrol is well-tolerated and considered to be safe. But it does cause side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or anorexia. Dog owners need to call their veterinarian if side effects last for two days.
How does Slentrol work to manage dogs' obesity?
The exact mechanism remains unknown, the FDA says. But it is believed that it helps weight loss by suppressing appetite, which prevents dogs from eating too much, and inhibiting fat absorption in dogs.
How many dogs may benefit from Slentrol?
In the United States, an estimated 40 percent of dogs or 17 million are considered overweight (5 percent to 20 percent over ideal weight) or obese (20 percent or more over ideal weight), according to 2002 data from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
How can so many dogs become obese or overweight?
Dogs are like humans. They become obese or overweight because they eat too much and do little exercise, said Claudia A. Kirk, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Nutrition, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee.
She said "In today's hectic world, it's a challenge for many dog owners to find time to ensure their pets get adequate exercise. And in our culture, we often equate food with love - without being aware of potential adverse health consequences. For both pet owners and veterinarians trying to manage a dog's weight, these habits can be a source of genuine frustration."
Is canine obesity serious?
Just like humans, obese dogs may have to face a series of health problems. Research shows that being overweight or obese predisposes dogs to or exacerbates potentially serious diseases. “Being overweight or obese has been associated with increased risk of serious diseases in dogs such as arthritis, heart disease, respiratory conditions and cancer,” Pfizer Animal health states in a news release.
Is Slentrol absolutely necessary for the management of dogs’ obesity?
Diet control and plenty of exercise can often effectively help weight loss in dogs. But dog owners often do not have enough time to exercise their dogs and have difficulty restricting food and treats for their dogs. Slentrol helps owners better manage weight in their dogs.
How do I know whether my dog needs Slentrol?
It is not easy for owners to know whether their dogs are obese or overweight. Talk to a veterinarian and he will determine whether your dog should be treated, based on the dog's weight and general health.
How and where can I buy Slentrol?
Slentrol is a prescription medication for obese or overweight dogs. Slentrol will be available only through veterinarians starting this spring, according to Pfizer.
Can other pets use Slentrol?
Slentrol is indicated for use in certain breeds of dogs only. Talk to a veterinarian to see if your dog can be treated with Slentrol.
Slentrol should not be used in cats, dogs receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy or dogs with liver disease, according to Pfizer.
Can Slentrol be used in humans also?
Under no circumstances, should Slentrol be used in humans for any purpose, the FDA says.
“To discourage human use, the label of Slentrol includes the standard warning, "Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children," and cites adverse reactions associated with human use, including abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting,” the FDA states.
How much would it cost to use Slentrol?
Dog owners may need to pay $1 to $2 a day to treat one dog with Slentrol, according to news reports.
For more information on Slentrol, please see
www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/2006-141-260-fois001.pdf and
www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/E6-22542.htm .
