PRODUCT NEWS: New Flea and Tick Preventive Granted FDA Approval

Credelio (lotilaner), a new monthly oral flea and tick treatment for dogs, has just been approved by the FDA. Marketed by Elanco Animal Health, the product kills adult fleas and treats flea infestations, and treats and controls infestations with several common tick species (lone star tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, and brown dog tick).

What’s different about this product is its patented active ingredient, lotilaner, which targets the nervous system receptors of ticks and fleas.

"When choosing pet medications, veterinarians and pet owners are most concerned with safety for the pet as well as efficacy of the product,” said Tony Rumschlag, DVM, director of regional consulting for Elanco Animal Health. “Lotilaner, the active ingredient in Credelio, was selected from hundreds of candidate molecules with this in mind.”

According to clinical studies, Credelio:

• Starts killing ticks and fleas in just 4 hours
• Kills 100% of fleas within 12 hours for an entire month
• Reaches peak blood levels within 2 hours of dosing when given with food

This beef-flavored chewable will be available in 4 tablet strengths for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 4.4 lb. Credelio is given once a month either with food or within 30 minutes after feeding.

Studies have also shown that Credelio is well accepted by a broad range of dog breeds—including Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers. In one study, 100% of Credelio tablets were administered successfully, with 94% of dogs accepting Credelio when offered by hand, in an empty bowl, or with food.

"This new tasty chewable is fast-acting and effective against ticks and fleas, while being easy on dogs and puppies,” Dr. Rumschalg said. “Credelio rounds out the Elanco portfolio of companion animal parasiticides to allow a very broad set of options to best meet the needs of pet owners and their pets."

Weight loss, elevated blood urea nitrogen, excessive urination, and diarrhea are the most frequently reported adverse reactions.

The company has not announced when Credelio will be available to consumers. For more information, visit Credelio.com.