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April 29, 2015
Exposure to Flurbiprofen, an NSAID, Can Be
Dangerous for Pets

Washington, D.C.—Snuggling with Whiskers or Fluffy isn’t a good idea for patients using topical pain medications containing the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) flurbiprofen, according to a new drug safety alert.

The FDA is cautioning pharmacists, pet owners, veterinarians, and other healthcare providers that pets are at risk of illness and death when exposed to those topical products.

“People using these medications should use care when applying them in a household with pets, as even very small amounts could be dangerous to these animals,” the FDA warns.

The alert was issued after FDA received reports of cats in two households that became ill or died after their owners used topical medications containing flurbiprofen to treat muscle, joint, or other pain. It is not known how the cats became exposed to the medication, as the pet owners had applied the cream or lotion to their own necks or feet, and not directly to the pet.

The FDA said the products contained the NSAID flurbiprofen and the muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine, as well as other varying active ingredients, including baclofen, gabapentin, lidocaine, or prilocaine.

According to the agency, two cats in one household developed kidney failure but recovered with veterinary care. Two cats in a second household died, however, after developing symptoms that included reluctance to eat, lethargy, vomiting, melena, anemia, and dilute urine. A third cat in the second household also died, even though the owner had stopped using the medication.

When veterinarians performed necropsies on the three cats that died, they found evidence in the kidneys and intestines that were consistent with NSAID toxicity.

Patients using topical medications containing flurbiprofen are urged to be careful to prevent pet exposure, even in ways that may seem unlikely to cause problems. That advice should be reiterated by pharmacists and prescribers, the FDA said.
U.S. Pharmacist Social Connect