DECHRA VETERINARY PRODUCTS EXPANDS EQUINE PORTFOLIO
Dechra Veterinary Products is pleased to announce its exclusive marketing, sales and distribution agreement with Kindred Biosciences. Dechra has licensed the long-term distribution rights for Zimeta® (dipyrone injection), which will further bolster Dechra’s equine product portfolio. Zimeta is the first and only FDA-approved drug for the control of pyrexia in horses.
When administered according to label directions, Zimeta, an intravenous, non-steroidal anti- inflammatory injection, demonstrates rapid and effective control of fever in horses in clinical studies. Dipyrone, the active ingredient in Zimeta, is a member of the pyrazolone class of non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has a centrally acting mechanism of action on the hypothalamus where fever originates and is regulated.
Zimeta is the latest addition to Dechra’s equine portfolio which includes OSPHOS® (clodronate injection), Orthokine®Vet irap, Osteokine® (PRP), Equidone® (domperidone), Vetivex® Fluid Therapy, and Phycox® EQ joint health supplements.
Mike Eldred, President of North American Operations, commented: “We are pleased to have partnered with Kindred Biosciences to add Zimeta to our equine product lines in the US and Canada. Dechra’s Equine sales team is excited to launch Zimeta and provide veterinarians with a novel product to help control fevers in horses.”
The product is now available for veterinarians to purchase through select veterinary distributors.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR HORSES
Zimeta® (dipyrone injection) should not be given more frequently than every 12 hours. For use in horses only. Do not use in horses with a hypersensitivity to dipyrone, horses intended for human consumption or any food producing animals, including lactating dairy animals. Not for use in humans, avoid direct contact with skin and keep out of reach of children. Care should be taken to avoid accidental self-injection and routine precautions should be used when handling and using loaded syringes as dipyrone can cause a deficiency in specific white blood cells in humans. Prior to use, horses should undergo a thorough history and physical examination by a veterinarian. Monitor for signs of abnormal bleeding and use caution in horses at risk for hemorrhage. Concurrent use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids and drugs associated with kidney toxicity, should be avoided. Safety has not been evaluated in horses less than three years of age, horses used for breeding, or in pregnant or lactating mares. As a class, NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver toxicity. The most common adverse reactions observed during clinical trials were elevated glucose conversion en ning of the right dorsal colon, and increased clotting times.