Lawsuit Filed against Manufacturer of ProHeart®6 Heartworm Medication

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Go to the web page for momplete details: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/avictim.htm Lawsuit Filed against Manufacturer of ProHeart®6 Heartworm Medication Death after Proheart 6 shot - testimonials Myra lost a perfectly healthy 6 yr old Shih tzu after Proheart 6 shot (heartworm prevention). He started diarrhea and vomiting within 5 days of the Proheart 6, and over weeks continued digestive problems. Her dog died.Trouble received the ProHeart 6 shot on 8/20/02 in conjunction with other vaccinations. He died on 10/17/02 (58 days) after the shot. He was VERY healthy prior to the shot being given. Danny was a perfectly healthy five-year-old part Golden Retriever mix who was energetic and happy. He died after receiving Proheart 6. Read the full testimonials - Read other testimonials (memorials)Manufacturer's Letter to Veterinarians Warns of Side Effects A letter was sent to veterinarians by Fort Dodge, the manufacturer of ProHeart 6. Amongst other issues, you will see just some of the known side effects of the medication. This is an excerpt of the letter. (I highlighted some sentences to emphasize the adverse reactions) Symptoms of Reactions Fort Dodge Animal Health, Division of Wyeth 9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 1500, Overland Park, KS 66210 Steve Connell, DVM , Director Professional Services, (800) 533-8536 July 22, 2002 Dear Doctor: Thank you for purchasing ProHeart 6 (moxidectin), Fort Dodge Animal Health's innovative product for six-month protection against heartworm infection in dogs. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with some new information regarding a recently approved label indication for ProHeart 6, as well as a review of the adverse events that have been reported for the product during its introduction into the marketplace. This update on the performance of ProHeart 6 reflects our desire to share information that has been learned about the product after its first year on the market. Along with the new indication, a second label change will appear in the "Adverse Reactions" section of the product labeling, and is based on the reporting patterns received from the field. With over six million doses of ProHeart 6 (moxidectin) sold during the first year, we have seen a number of reported reactions that were not seen in pre-approval clinical studies. This is typical in cases of a new product after introduction to a wide population base. Through our work with CVM, a new label statement has been approved for ProHeart 6 describing our post-approval experience. The new statement being added is as follows: Post-Approval Experience: although not all adverse reactions are reported, the following reactions are based on voluntary post-approval drug experience reporting: anaphylaxis/toid reactions, depression/lethargy, urticaria, and head/facial edema. As with anaphylaxis/toid reactions resulting from the use of other injectable products, standard therapeutic intervention should be initiated immediately. Since introduction, we have received and tracked reports from practicing veterinarians regarding adverse events subsequent to the clinical use of Proheart 6. A review of these reports is presented below and includes events observed when ProHeart 6 was administered alone, as well as those observed when given with concurrent medications. The numbers presented are unfiltered, as reported to CVM, which include observations subsequently determined to be unrelated to product administration. During the first twelve months of product use, 105 reports of site reactions post administration (.0016% of doses sold into veterinary clinics) have been received. These events are predominantly swelling, pain, and/or pruritos that are observed post administration. The vast majority are self-limiting in nature, though selected cases have been treated with anti-inflammatories, and in some cases, antibiotics. A total of 946 reports of allergic responses post administration (.015%) have been received. As with vaccines, this category represents the most frequently reported event. Most of these reactions are mild and have responded to standard medical intervention. Some, however, have been more severe, including a small percentage of anaphylaxis cases. The most frequently reported effects have been vomiting and diarrhea, followed by angioedema and/or facial swelling, urticaria and gastrointestinal symptoms. Other less common events include ataxia, weakness, dyspnea, pale mucous membranes, lethargy and fever. A total of 685 reports of illness post administration (.011%) have also been received. This category encompasses a wide variety of reports that are received in a broad timeframe (from one day to several months) post administration. There is overlap with the allergic events where both allergy and additional symptoms were recorded. The most frequently reported signs have been vomiting and diarrhea at variable time frames post administration, seizures or other neurological signs and lethargy. Other rare, but more serious reports, include erythema multiforme in 3 cases and autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a low number of patients, most of whom had received vaccines concurrently. Full updated letter available here As is the case when prescribing any medication, careful examination of the dog prior to administration, consideration of appropriate laboratory tests in dogs that may have chronic conditions, and advice to the owner to watch for signs of drug intolerance is good medical practice. If a drug reaction or intolerance is suspected, examine the patient, provide the necessary supportive therapy, and contact Fort Dodge. Animal Health Professional Services veterinarians at 1-800-533-8536. Additional information including a copy of the product labeling ProHeart 6 recall - Fort Dodge to Comply with FDA's Request to Recall ProHeart 6 Injectable Heartworm Product from the Market Due to Serious Health Concerns.ProHeart petitionLawsuit Filed against Manufacturer of ProHeart®6 Heartworm MedicationProHeart Complaint FormMemorialsReport An Adverse Drug Experience Veterinarians and animal owners are encouraged to report adverse experiences and product failures to the government Agency that regulates the product in question.From cbsnewyork.com WBZ's I-Team investigation found that in the past two and a half years the FDA has received more than 4,000 reports of dogs getting sick after getting a shot of ProHeart 6. And more than 400 dogs have died nationwide. A new heartworm medication called ProHeart 6 has been linked to a number of dog deaths, an NBC 5 investigation finds.Proheart in the Media: April 1, 2004 Channel 6 - Orlando, FL "Dog Owners Question Safety of Heartworm Medicine" March 18, 2004 WKRC Cincinnati, OH "Heartworm Medication Investigation" March 6, 2004 Steve Dale Radio Show "Controversy surrounding ProHeart Six" March 2, 2004 CBS 3 Philadelphia, PA "On Your Side: Heartworm Medication" March 2, 2004 KDKA Pennsylvania "Is Vaccine Putting Pets in Danger?" March 2, 2004 CBS New York News/Video March 1, 2004 CBS 4 Boston "Could Your Pet be in Danger?" March 1, 2004 CBS 2 Chicago "For Your Pet's Sake" September 3, 2004 Fort Dodge to Comply with FDA's Request to Recall ProHeart 6 Injectable Heartworm Product from the Market Due to Serious Health Concerns Testimonial from a victim of Proheart6 Dog's recover from Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) Sunday, October 12, 2003 Dave Burrows in Eastbourne, United Kingdom slartibartfast My dog Arnie had been given up on by the vet. He had acute anaemia caused by his white blood cells killing his red ones and quite honestly we were making arrangements for his funeral. After one week on Transfer Factor we noticed a dramatic improvement. Three months later, after finishing the entire course, Arnie is doing so well that he no longer needs Transfer Factor . He now has so much energy on his new diet (James welbeloved) that we have to restrict his intake or we could be pulling him off the ceiling. He is putting on weight steadily as is his partner Heidi, She has been on Transfer Factor also and it has cured her scaly flaky skin condition on her back. Note: AIHA Canine autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a disease characterized by increased destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes) by the dog's own immune system. Dr. Rob Robertson, M.D writes "Nearly everything that goes wrong with us and our pets, with the exception of trauma - i.e. broken bones, etc., can be traced directly to an immune system failure". Pollution, drug overload and nutrient-poor diets compromise our immune health. The key to self-healing is a strong defense system, which protects dogs and cats from everything from the flu germs to cancer cells. More than their mainstream counterparts, holistic veterinarians believe that a weak immune system plays a key role in causing disease. Drugs aren't the answer for immune enhancement. The immune system is not responsive to drugs for healing. Antibiotics fight infection, but they don't affect whatever weakened the immune system in the first place. This is why holistic veterinarians focus less on things that cause diseases and more on those that affect the body's defenses" Learn how to boost your pets' immune system naturally Dr. Jeffrey Levy. DVM - Heartworm parasite is a source of great anxiety among dog caretakers. Thanks in large part to the scare tactics of many veterinarians in promoting preventive drugs, many people believe that contracting heartworms is the equivalent of a death sentence for their dogs. This is not true. learn why Learn about natural approach to worms and parasites Warning on ProHeart 6 website Lawsuit Filed against Manufacturer of ProHeart®6 Heartworm Medication Complaint Alleges Fort Dodge Animal Health, a Division of Wyeth, Failed to Warn Consumers of Possible Serious Adverse Reactions, including Death, to Dogs from Sustained-Release Preventative Shot. On September 3, 2004, the FDA recalled ProHeart®6. This recall received extensive media coverage. Fort Dodge, at the request of the FDA, is also ceasing production while continuing to conduct research to determine the cause of related adverse reactions. Dennis Dill, an attorney with Chris Harper, Inc., a multi-practice law firm in Edmond, Oklahoma filed a lawsuit against American Home Products, Wyeth and Fort Dodge Animal Health in Tulsa, Oklahoma District Court on September 22, 2004. more Reports of some of the most widely used canine drugs by veterinarians listing the known symptoms/conditions caused by and/or associated with the administration of same as reported to the FDA/CVM on the ADE [adverse drug event] reports. Each drug symptom/condition listing is in alphabetical order with medical terminology definitions provided. NSAIDs [non steroid anti inflammatory drugs]: widely given for pain, arthritis, surgery, etc.: DERAMAXX: (deracoxib) ETOGESIC: (etodolac) METACAM: (meloxicam) RIMADYL: (carprofen) ZUBRIN (tepoxalin) NSAIDS/LAB TESTS ProHEART 6 (heart worm) Insecticides Associated with Bladder Cancer in Dogs - A statistically significant association between exposure to topical flea and tick dips, and the occurrence of bladder cancer in dogs has been found. The risk of bladder cancer was increased further in dogs living in proximity to areas sprayed regularly with insecticides for mosquitoes. An increased rate of bladder cancer in humans has recently been reported (Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 1989(28): 407-414). more Insecticides and Feline hyperthyroidism - Since the early 1980s, increasing numbers of cats have been found with hyperthyroidism, enlarged thyroid glands and high levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. Cats which were regularly treated with flea powders and sprays, and were also exposed to lawn pesticides, have been found more likely to have hyperthyroidism. A higher level of canned cat food in the diet was also an increased risk factor (Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 1988(6): 295-309). Thyroid enlargement has been seen in Great Lakes fish and in rodents fed on these fish. This has been attributed to pesticides and other contaminants in the lake water (Advances in Modern Toxicology, 1992(XXl): 129-145). more Chemical Flea Control Product WARNING for Cat and Dog Households! Learn about safe and effecive flea control and prevention Pets as Sentinels of Pesticide Toxicity Rachel Carson described the detrimental effects of pesticides on animals including robins, caddis fly larvae, quail, salmon, and cats. Silent Spring shows clearly how deeply caring and fiercely protective Rachel Carson was of wildlife. Her concern extended to pet animals as well. Pesticide residues in our food and in the environment reflect years of chemical production and use. We face the continuing problems of the toxic by-products of manufacturing, runoff from outdoor applications, ground water contamination, and finally disposal of unused material as hazardous waste. Pesticides are used in virtually all public buildings, golf courses, schools, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and private homes as well as in agriculture and forestry. Rachel Carson's Silent Spring warned us of the threats to life attending widespread use of chemical pesticides. As a result of her effort the EPA was founded in 1970 and DDT was banned in 1972. Feline hyperthyroidism Frequently Asked Questions, Information About Overactive Thyroid Conditions in Cats. Some practitioners use alternative therapies for cats with mild hyperthyroidism. Because of the potential seriousness of hyperthyroidism, it's recommended that you work with a good holistic veterinarian or naturopath who specializes in pets to determine an effective treatment regimen for your cat.