http://www.dolittler.com/index.cfm/2008/6/6/dog.cat.veterinary.veterinarian.ProMeris.Fort.Dodge.flea.preventative.reactionsDolitter Veterinary Blog June 6, 2008
"The short piece (sorry, couldn’t find it online) reports on Fort Dodge’s defense to the Internet hype surrounding its product’s adverse reactions. According to the company, the hype is just that—overblown fear mongering. In their words, it’s all over just ONE complaint.
"On their website in their own words:
(Note--this is no longer on their website.)“"Based on the high number of email forwards and Internet postings, it may appear there are multiple adverse events being reported. However, based on our research, it appears that all of this online activity stems from a single case.”
"Of course that got me to wondering…how can that be? After all, I was treated to at least a dozen personal complaints (some from vets and vet techs) after my post questioning the urban legend status of these reported reactions. And I’m just one lonely voice in the wilderness reaching a few thousand pet owners per post.
"So how is it possible that Fort Dodge is only investigating one case when this appears to be far more than a simple singularity?
Dismayed:
"Given the disconnect between what I’m told by reasonably credible sources and what the company claims, in my estimation that means the reporting system is busted.
"Are we just not making it a priority to call the 1-800 number on the side of the box? Do we assume that others will do this for us? That it’s the purview of the veterinarian or the pet owner (whichever we are not)? That reactions must be obviously life threatening before we should pick up the phone? If so, are we drug company enablers?
"If it’s not our lack of follow-through and the complaints that reached me have already been reported then I’m forced to fear the worst: the ProMeris people are spinning it.
"Having learned to avoid assuming anything based on the mere whiff of a rumor, I thought I’d try and find out for myself. Hmmm…looks like another call to Fort Dodge’s ProMeris help-line is in order.
"The skinny on my call(s) and the real story comes next week…stay tuned."
Searching the blog for Promeris turned up no second entry.
http://www.cafepharma.com/boards/showthread.php?s=25743465b192539bc6bee751f190f789&t=238370CafePharma Veterinary Boards--Fort Dodge
Warning--there's some rough language in this five page thread; not everyone who posts to CafePharma is a pharmaceutical representative--the board is open to one and all. Rarely do people post here as anything but anonymous. What you'll see from this is that as far back as last year, it was known that some PEOPLE applying Promeris were having adverse reactions to it also.
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/ade_web_rpts_AC.pdfFDA/CVM Green Book (Veterinary Drugs)--active ingredient Amitraz
Pages 30-36 list the adverse reactions to the active ingredient in Promeris, amitraz, for dogs, cats and humans, as reported to FDA. This segment of the Green Book was updated July 7, 2008.
