Transdermal solution launched to provide dogs four days of post-operative pain control

Elanco Companion Animal Health released Recuvyra, a transdermal solution that provides post-operative pain control with new transdermal delivery. A single dose (1.2 mg/lb) applied to the dorsal scapular area of dogs prior to surgery is designed to control pain for four days. Elanco says its new-patented drug delivery technology will reduce the need for home administration of analgesics, misuse and abuse of potent drugs and concerns with client compliance.

Recuvyra, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the control of post-operative pain associated with surgical procedures in dogs, contains the active ingredient fentanyl, a Class II controlled substance. In clinical trials, Elanco says in a release that 98.4 percent of dogs treated with Recuvyra received effective pain control in orthopedic and soft tissues surgeries. “Veterinarians won’t need to worry about pet owners administering pain relief medication at home because it will be administered in their offices and provides relief for four days,” Steve Connell, DVM, director of technical, academic and consumer services for Elanco Companion Animal Health, says. “That’s a benefit to veterinarians, pet owners and recovering pets.”

However, Elanco says dogs treated with Recuvyra should be isolated form children for 72 hours from the time of application. If contact occurs, the exposed area of the child’s body should not come in contact with the child’s mouth or eyes and the exposed area should be washed with soap and water. Adults too are advised to avoid contact with the application site for the 72-hour time span. If exposed to Recuvyra, the area should be washed with soap and water.

Since Recuvyra contains fentanyl, a high concentration μ-opioid receptor agonist (50 mg/mL), it has a high potential for abuse and criminal diversion. The drug is distributed under a Risk Management Action Plan (RiskMAP) and its use is limited to certified veterinarians. Certification requires a brief online training program on the proper use and handling of Recuvyra.

Elanco says the use of Recuvyra is not advised for dogs with diseased or injured dorsal scapular epidermis, dogs expected to have mild or absent perioperative pain, dogs with paralytic ileus and dogs with known hypersensitivity to fentanyl. The most common side effects seen following surgery in dogs were frequent or constant sleepiness, diarrhea, vomiting, low body temperature, abnormal heart rhythms, fever and lack of appetite. The most serious, but rare, potential side effect is gastrointestinal stasis with an increased risk of bacterial overgrowth.

For more information about Recuvyra, call 1-888-545-5973.