FDA extends expiration date for solution to induce vomiting in dogs

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The FDA announced it has approved a 3-year expiration date for ropinirole ophthalmic solution (Clevor; Vetoquinol), when stored in its original packaging. The approved extension will increase the product previous expiration date by 12 months to 36 months from the date of manufacture.

“Similar to morphine, [ropinirole ophthalmic solution] does have ability for reversal [with] just a dose of metoclopramide. And luckily, you get them to stop vomiting because oftentimes the next treatment is activated charcoal. Giving a patient who’s already vomiting activated charcoal can sometimes be difficult, so it’s important to be able to get them to stop vomiting as quickly as you get them to start,” Erik Zager, DVM, DACVECC explained on a previous episode of dvm360 Live!™ .²

Ropinirole ophthalmic solution is indicated to induce vomiting in canine patients and is the first, and currently only, FDA-approved product for emesis induction in dogs. According to a release from Vetoquinol, the ocular administration of the project is unique and makes the induction process easier and injection free. This can result in a less stressful process for veterinary professionals, dogs, and patients.

Ropinirole ophthalmic solution comes in little individual packets and to use them, veterinary professionals can open them and use the provided little eye dropper. Each packet tells you have many drops go in and whether to split between 2 the eyes, patient depending. The vomiting will usually happen within 20-30 minutes. If vomiting does not start, veterinary professionals could administer the dose a second time. However, the drug works quick and efficacious to get them to vomit.

This new extension was granted to ropinirole ophthalmic solution based on the completion of an extensive product stability testing and there has been no change to the formulation. Any veterinary clinics currently in possession of Clevor lot number EM099 now has an additional 12 months of expiration.

“We’re past syrup of ipecac at this point. We got into apomorphine, [but] having an FDA-approved drug [now] is great. Sometimes it’s a little difficult to get [away from] what you’re used to, but veterinary medicine is about making sure you’re up to date, embracing new products, and advancing your practice every day,” Zager said in his interview.²

Reference

1. FDA Approves Extended Expiration Date for Clevor (ropinirole ophthalmic solution). News release. Vetoquinol. July 30, 2024. Accessed July 30, 2024.
2. Alaburda B. Get the drop on toxicology emergencies. www.dvm360.com. July 4, 2022. Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/get-the-drop-on-toxicology-emergencies