Why was interceptor for dogs discontinued?

Interceptor for Dogs, an anthelmintic used to prevent and control worm infestations in dogs, was discontinued in 2018. The product had been on the market since 1997, so why did it get Discontinued?

The main explanation is that the Animal Medicines Regulation of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in the UK enforced a ban on its active ingredient, milbemycin oxime. This ban was due to the fact that there have been multiple reported cases of resistant parasites when it came to this particular product. As a result of this resistance, other products with alternative active ingredients were recommended to be used instead.

In addition to this decision made in regards to its active ingredient, variable formulations due to sudden alterations also led veterinarians to switch from Interceptor for Dogs to alternative products containing more reliable orders from trusted sources. As a result, several other prominent health care options emerged leading clients and their pets away from Interceptor for Dogs until ultimately, it was discontinued altogether.

Though bits and pieces of information can be found regarding why Interceptor for Dogs was discontinued entirely in 2018, the bottom line remains clear – there were multiple factors involved but the general understanding is that forced changes due to various regulations as well as rapid fluctuations in product formulations led many clients and their pet's away from Intercepter for Dogs and into other reliable treatment options thus leading it’s discontinuation altogether.

Interceptor for Dogs was a popular flea and heartworm preventive medication, but it was recently withdrawn from the marketplace to the surprise of many pet owners and veterinarians. The sudden withdrawal was met with confusion and criticism. But what were the reasons behind this dramatic action?

The official answer comes from Elanco Animal Health, the manufacturer of Interceptor Plus. According to their statement, they withdrew the product due to "manufacturing challenges." These difficulties made it difficult for Elanco Animal Health to maintain high quality standards for safety, performance and stability.

It's equally likely that lagging sales may also have been a factor in the decision to recall Interceptor for Dogs. After all, even though it boasted having one of "the fastest-growing heartworm preventives on more than 12 years," sales of the product had leveled off in recent years after competition from rival medications increased significantly. With both sales and production capacity declining, discontinuing Interceptor for Dogs may have been seen as necessary to ensure profitability in Elanco Animal Health's other popular medications.

The fact that Interceptor for Dogs has been pulled from shelves without an apparent substitute is a concerning situation for pet owners and veterinarians alike that had grown accustomed to using this particular flea and heartworm preventive medication over the years. All we know is that manufacturers issued a recall due to manufacturing challenges, not specifying any further details making it hard to know what will happen next or if there will be an adequate substitute released soon. One thing is certain: Hopefully these issues can be solved so pet owners can access an effective medication as soon as possible without risking their pets’ health or lives.

The discontinuation of Interceptor for Dogs has had a massive impact on pet owners. Interceptor, an oral heartworm and flea preventative, was a staple in many households due to its wide-range of protection from parasites. With the announcement that production and sales are to be completely halted by the end of this month, pet owners are scrambling to find a suitable alternative for managing their pet’s health.

The most pressing concern, however, is for those pet owners who rely on Interceptor as protection against heartworm, and specifically for those whose pets have tested positive. The other alternative heartworm products currently on the market require monthly administration, unlike the six-monthly administration of Interceptor that many pet owners found convenient and more affordable overall. This failing isn’t nearly as serious for flea preventatives due to the range of alternative options available to consumers.

Above all else: communication between pet owners and veterinarians is key during this transition period. Veterinarians can suggest appropriate alternatives tailored to the individual needs of each patient; indeed many veterinarians are offering extended passes on heartworm tests while these product changes are taking place. Ultimately, it is best practice to consult with a veterinarian at each product change or when concerns arise regarding flea/tick/heartworm treatment in order to make sure your pet (and wallet) get the best protection possible!

The withdrawal of Interceptor for Dogs from the market has had a number of industry responses that encompass everything from heightening uncertainty about the future of treatments to heightened support and interest in competing brands.

The most immediate impact that the withdrawal had on industry professionals was apprehension and uncertainty. Seeing such a widely used product being negative impacted by a lack of available ingredients gave many veterinarians and pet owners pause when it came to purchasing other flea and tick treatments. What would happen if that active ingredient or another were no longer available in other products?

In response, some manufacturers released reassurances that their formulas are secure and used different active ingredients in order to differentiate their product from the now missing Interceptor for Dogs. This led to increased public awareness for these particular brands which is likely why those same companies reported positive financial results in the period before releases statements on appending their formulas.

Overall, while the withdrawal of Interceptor has certainly had a significant impact on industry professionals, it has also shown how adaptive they can be in order to maintain safe and effective treatments for pet owners. In addition, since many alternatives are available to consumers with Interceptor gone, pet owners have more variety than ever before when it comes purchasing flea and tick medicines for their furry family members.

When it was announced that the popular heartworm prevention medication Interceptor for Dogs was no longer going to be manufactured and would eventually be discontinued, pet owners of the United States panicked. Thankfully, the makers of Interceptor, Elanco Animal Health Care, took the initiative with their website “Interceptor Alternatives” that provided pet parents comprehensive resources to assist them in finding an alternative heartworm medication for their beloved pup.

One piece of advice for those affected by Interceptor’s discontinuation is to consult a veterinary professional. It’s important for pet owners to communicate with their vet in-depth about the exact health needs of their dog and look into all options available before committing to a new heartworm prevention drug. Oftentimes, a vet can make personalized recommendations based on their medical experience and give good advice on what an owner should do moving forward.

Another piece of advice is to compare different medications that can prevent heartworms as well as other intestinal parasites and also protect against fleas and ticks. When researching medications, double-check that it is safe for all dog breeds and ages down to six weeks old; make sure it is easy to administer; and finally, ask if there are any special or discounted programs offering discounts for purchasing multiple applications at once or if there is a smaller pill size available when buying larger quantities at once.

It’s not fun having your go-to medication discontinued without any warning but luckily, with the proper research, attention, and diligence from your vet’s advice, finding an effective replacement solution doesn't have to be too difficult!