I called my vet to go pick up another supply of Interceptor and they said there is a “problem” at the factory and they can’t get it and I called Value Vet to pick it up and they don’t have it either-----anyone have any info on this or know where I can get Interceptor? I know, I can get Sentinel but I really wanted Interceptor.
I can’t quite recollect what a sales rep was saying, but the gist was that the company was going under, bankrupt or something like that. Maybe, try calling around to other vets who have it in stock (ours does but that’s in NY). Maybe your vet could do that for you. Good luck.
From the letter that my vet received, the manufacturing plant is shutting down for a few weeks for scheduled maintenance, and will resume normal operations shortly after the shutdown. So, they’re recommended to vets that they only give out Interceptor (and another med) one month at a time in order to preserve their stock.
I had not heard any rumors that the company was going bankrupt.
Here’s the link where I originally received information (and this information was supported by the letter received by my own vet):
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/blog/Novartis-Canine-Heartworm-Medication-Shortages-20448-1.html
From what I heard, Novartis had a problem at their plant where the wrong meds were getting packaged (like Percoset in a Tylenol bottle or something!) so the plant is shut down. We’re switching to Trifexis.
Have you tried Drs. Foster and Smith web site?
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Have you tried Drs. Foster and Smith web site?[/QUOTE]
Production was halted in December. It’s not being made right now.
Ditto what SarahKing said. If you can get any it will be from someone who still has it in stock, since there is no more being made for a while at least.
It was a human medication that there was an issue with, but when the FDA shuts down a plant for any reason they shut down ALL of it. And since the whole plant is shut down, it also affects Sentinel. I would switch to Heartgard or one of the “generic” brands of prevention. It may well also mean that several Novartis products will be in short supply for a while now, so check the manufacturers and stock up if you need to/can.
Katherine
Vet Tech
One of my collie lists noted that the plant mfg. it (I think in Nebraska) has had quality control issues for quite some time and has been forced to close for awhile. We are all hoping Novartis begins to mfg. Interceptor soon because it is one of the safe heartworm preventatives for collies. (some collies have an inherited problem with it and others do not; the MDR1 gene) It affects some other related breeds too, so dogs should be tested for it. Best to see your vet and find out more, altho some vets do not seem to be very up on it. Or perhaps check parent club websites for your breed and study it there.
Interceptor
I ordered it today from 1-800-petmeds and am going to stock up now!
This is correct. Novartis was producing human and animal medicine under one roof at one facility. An error was made on the human medicine side and the plant was shut down until the entire process can be reviewed and corrected to the satisfaction of the FDA.
My clinic has switched to Heartgard until Interceptor is back on track.
YOu can also go to Trifexis, which is essentially Interceptor and Comfortis in one pill. It is made by ELANCO so no issues with it’s production(at least for now!!)
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This is correct. Novartis was producing human and animal medicine under one roof at one facility. An error was made on the human medicine side and the plant was shut down until the entire process can be reviewed and corrected to the satisfaction of the FDA.
My clinic has switched to Heartgard until Interceptor is back on track.[/QUOTE]
Exactly what is happening with me too with Sentinel. Apparently nothing will be available until May time frame?
Everytime I ask my vet about trifexxis, he just looks at me funny???
Just read up on Trifexis-----it is Comfortis and Interceptor all in one tablet. So I wonder if it is available. I asked on the phone with the vet office about Trifexis today and tthe girl----who said she did not know any of the medical stuff------said I should ask the vet about it tomorrow. So I will. Gotta have a heartworm test before 800- can send the Interceptor. Since I use Comfortis, why would I but 2 different meds and cost myself more $$?
Also, can Heartgard Plus by Merial be used for German Shepherds?
Yes, heartgard plus is safe for MOST dogs, with the exception of some collies, shelties, and australian shepherds.
Interceptor is not under patent anymore, so milbamycin is available in other products, made by other companies. This is why trifexis is still available while Interceptor is not.
And did Pet meds say you needed a test or did your vets? If pet-meds is trying to regulate when owners have to have tests done I will be less than thrilled. Thats a decision which should be left to vets and their clients.
Interceptor
My GSD is just now a yr old so she had never been tested, just on Interceptor since she was a baby. So 1-800- called the vet’s office to get the script approved and the vet called me and said I had to have her tested before they would approve it. I wondered if the patent had run out on Interceptor.
