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AstraZeneca

Trifexis
spinosad, milbemycin oxime

19

authorised

no

Medicinal


Medicinal product no longer authorised

PACKAGE LEAFLET FOR:

Trifexis 270 mg/4.5 mg chewable tablets for dogs Trifexis 425 mg/7.1 mg chewable tablets for dogs Trifexis 665 mg/11.1 mg chewable tablets for dogs Trifexis 1040 mg/17.4 mg chewable tablets for dogs Trifexis 1620 mg/27 mg chewable tablets for dogs


  1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER AND OF THE MANUFACTURING AUTHORISATION HOLDER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE, IF DIFFERENT


    Marketing authorisation holder: Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Elanco Animal Health

    Priestley Road Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 9NL

    UNITED KINGDOM


    Manufacturer responsible for batch release: Eli Lilly and Company Ltd

    Speke Operations Fleming Road

    Liverpool

    L24 9LN

    UNITED KINGDOM


  2. NAME OF THE VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT


    image

    Trifexis 270 mg/4.5 mg chewable tablets for dogs (3.9 – 6.0 kg) Trifexis 425 mg/7.1 mg chewable tablets for dogs (6.1 – 9.4 kg) Trifexis 665 mg/11.1 mg chewable tablets for dogs (9.5 – 14.7 kg) Trifexis 1040 mg/17.4 mg chewable tablets for dogs (14.8 – 23.1 kg) Trifexis 1620 mg/27 mg chewable tablets for dogs (23.2 – 36.0 kg)


    spinosad / milbemycin oxime


  3. STATEMENT OF THE ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) AND OTHER INGREDIENT(S)


    Active substances:

    Each tablet contains:


    Trifexis 270 mg/4.5 mg spinosad 270 mg/milbemycin oxime 4.5 mg

    Trifexis 425 mg/7.1 mg spinosad 425 mg/milbemycin oxime 7.1 mg Trifexis 665 mg/11.1 mg spinosad 665 mg/milbemycin oxime 11.1 mg Trifexis 1040 mg/17.4 mg spinosad 1040 mg/milbemycin oxime 17.4 mg Trifexis 1620 mg/27 mg spinosad 1620 mg/milbemycin oxime 27.0 mg


    The tablets are a mottled tan to brown colour, and are round and chewable. The following list shows the code and the number of dimples marked on each strength of tablet:


    Trifexis 270 mg/4.5 mg tablets: 4333 and 2 dimples

    Trifexis 425 mg/7.1 mg tablets: 4346 and 3 dimples

    Trifexis 665 mg/11.1 mg tablets: 4347 and no dimples

    Medicinal product no longer authorised

    Trifexis 1040 mg/17.4 mg tablets: 4349 and 4 dimples

    Trifexis 1620 mg/27 mg tablets: 4336 and 5 dimples


  4. INDICATION(S)


    For the treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestations in dogs where one or more of the following indications are required concurrently:

    • prevention of heartworm disease (L3, L4 Dirofilaria immitis),

    • prevention of angiostrongylosis by reducing the level of infection with immature adult (L5)

      Angiostrongylus vasorum,

    • treatment of gastrointestinal nematode infections caused by hookworm (L4, immature adult (L5) and adult Ancylostoma caninum), roundworms (immature adult L5, and adult Toxocara canis and adult Toxascaris leonina) and whipworm (adult Trichuris vulpis).


    The flea preventive effect against re-infestations is a result of the adulticidal activity and the reduction in egg production and persists for up to 4 weeks after a single administration of this product.


    The veterinary medicinal product can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).


  5. CONTRAINDICATIONS


    Do not use in dogs under 14 weeks of age.

    Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.


  6. ADVERSE REACTIONS


    A commonly observed adverse reaction is vomiting, which occurs in the first 48 hours after dosing. In the majority of cases, vomiting was transient and mild and did not require symptomatic treatment.


    At doses of 30 to 60 mg spinosad and 0.5 to 1 mg milbemycin oxime per kg bodyweight, lethargy, anorexia/decreased appetite, diarrhoea, pruritus, dermatitis and reddening of the skin and pinna were commonly seen. Hypersalivation, muscle tremors, ataxia and seizures were uncommon. Post- marketing reports for spinosad indicate that in very rare cases, blindness, impaired vision and other eye disorders were observed.


    The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

    • very common (more than 1 in 10 animals displaying adverse reaction(s) during the course of one treatment)

    • common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals)

    • uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals)

    • rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals)

    • very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals, including isolated reports).


    If you notice any serious effects or other effects not mentioned in this package leaflet, please, inform your veterinary surgeon.


  7. TARGET SPECIES


    Dogs.

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  8. DOSAGE FOR EACH SPECIES, ROUTE(S) AND METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION


    For oral use.


    Dosage:

    The veterinary medicinal product should be administered in accordance with the following table to ensure a dose of 45 to 70 mg spinosad and 0.75 to 1.18 mg milbemycin oxime/kg bodyweight.


    Bodyweight (kg) of dog

    Strength and number of tablets to be administered:

    Trifexis 270 mg/4.5mg

    Trifexis 425 mg/7.1 mg

    Trifexis 665 mg/11.1 mg

    Trifexis 1040 mg/17.4 mg

    Trifexis 1620 mg/27 mg

    3.9–6.0

    1

    6.1–9.4

    1

    9.5–14.7

    1

    14.8–23.1

    1

    23.2–36.0

    1

    36.1–50.7

    1

    1

    50.8–72.0

    2


    Method of administration:

    Trifexis tablets should be administered to the dog with its food, or immediately after feeding. Based on the local epidemiological situation and the decision of the prescribing veterinarian, the

    veterinary medicinal product may be given at monthly intervals throughout the season at the

    recommended dose as outlined below. This combination product (Trifexis) must, however, not be given for more than 6 consecutive months in any one year.


    If the dog does not accept the tablet(s) directly in its mouth, then the tablet(s) may be administered with the dog’s food. The duration of efficacy may be reduced if the dose is administered on an empty stomach.


    After administration of the tablet monitor the dog closely. If vomiting occurs within an hour of administration and the tablet is visible, re-dose with another full dose.


    If a dose is missed, administer the veterinary medicinal product with the next offering of food. Then start a new monthly dosing schedule from that day.


    The product can be administered as part of a seasonal prevention strategy when fleas and mosquitoes or snails/slugs are present.


    Dogs living in non-heartworm endemic areas:


    Trifexis can be used as part of the seasonal prevention of fleas (replacing treatment with a monovalent flea product) in dogs with diagnosed concurrent gastrointestinal nematode infections. A single treatment is effective for the treatment of gastrointestinal nematodes. After treatment of the nematode infection, further flea prevention should be continued with a monovalent product.


    Dogs living in heartworm endemic areas:


    Prior to treatment with Trifexis the advice in section 12 should be considered.


    For the prevention of heartworm disease and the concurrent treatment and prevention of flea infestations, the veterinary medicinal product must be given at regular monthly intervals during the time of the year when mosquitoes and fleas are present. The veterinary medicinal product must be

    Medicinal product no longer authorised

    administered 1 month before the expected appearance of mosquitoes. It is recommended that heartworm prevention treatment should be continued at regular monthly intervals until at least 1 month after the last exposure to mosquitoes, but not for more than 6 consecutive months using Trifexis in any one year.


    When Trifexis is used to replace another heartworm preventive product, the first dose of Trifexis must be given within a month of the last dose of the former medication.


    Dogs travelling to a heartworm region should start medication within a month after arrival there. Heartworm prevention treatment should be continued monthly, with the last administration being given one month after the dog has left the region, but not for more than 6 consecutive months using Trifexis in any one year.


    For the prevention of lungworm disease by reducing the level of infection with immature adult (L5) Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae and the concurrent treatment and prevention of flea infestation, the veterinary medicinal product must be given at regular monthly intervals during the time of the year when snails/slugs and fleas are present. It is recommended that lungworm prevention should be continued until at least 1 month after the last exposure to slugs and snails, but not for more than 6 consecutive months using Trifexis in any one year.


    Seek veterinary advice regarding information on the optimal time to start treatment with this veterinary medicinal product.


  9. ADVICE ON CORRECT ADMINISTRATION


    The veterinary medicinal product should be administered with food or immediately after feeding. If the dog does not accept the tablet(s) directly in its mouth then the tablet(s) may be mixed with food. The duration of efficacy may be reduced if the dose is administered on an empty stomach.


    After administration of the tablet monitor the dog closely. If vomiting occurs within an hour of administration and the tablet is visible, re-dose with another full dose.


    If a dose is missed, administer the product with the next offering of food. Then start a new monthly dosing schedule from that day.


  10. WITHDRAWAL PERIOD


    Not applicable.


  11. SPECIAL STORAGE PRECAUTIONS


    Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

    Do not use this veterinary medicinal product after the expiry date which is stated on the blister after EXP.

    This veterinary medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.


  12. SPECIAL WARNING(S)


    Special precautions for each target species:

    Trifexis tablets should only be used when the veterinarian has confirmed diagnosis of mixed infection (or risk of infection, where prevention applies) at the same time (see section 4).

    Medicinal product no longer authorised

    All dogs within the household should be treated. Cats in the household should be treated with a product authorised for use in that species.


    Fleas from pets often infest the animal’s basket, bedding and regular resting areas such as carpets and soft furnishings. In case of a massive flea infestation, and at the beginning of the control measures, these areas should be treated with a suitable insecticide and then vacuumed regularly.


    Fleas may be observed for a period of time after administration of the product due to the emergence of adult fleas from pupae already present in the environment. Regular monthly treatments with the insecticidal active substance in this product (spinosad) break the fleas’ life cycle and may be used to control the flea population in contaminated households.


    Parasite resistance to any particular class of anthelmintic may develop following the frequent, repeated use of an anthelmintic of that class. Therefore, the use of this product should be based on the assessment of each individual case and on local epidemiological information about the current susceptibility of the target species in order to limit the possibility of a future selection for resistance.


    Maintenance of the efficacy of macrocyclic lactones is critical for Dirofilaria immitis control, therefore, to minimise the risk of resistance selection, it is recommended that dogs should be checked for both circulating antigens and blood microfilariae at the beginning of each season prior to starting monthly preventive treatments.


    Special precautions for use in animals:

    Use with caution in dogs with pre-existing epilepsy.


    No studies have been performed in sick or convalescent dogs, therefore the product should only be used based on a benefit-risk assessment of the responsible veterinarian.


    The safety of this product in avermectin sensitive dogs/dogs with an MDR-1 mutation has not been sufficiently demonstrated. These dogs may be at a higher risk for adverse effects when treated with it and should therefore be treated with special caution.


    Accurate dosing is not possible in dogs weighing less than 3.9 kg. The use of the product in such dogs is therefore not recommended.


    The recommended dosage regimen must be followed but not exceeded.


    The safe use of the maximum recommended dose (70mg/kg spinosad and 1.18mg/kg milbemycin oxime) given as capsules has been demonstrated for 12 months. A slight increase in plasma liver enzymes and haemoglobin distribution width (HDW) was observed during the study but no clinically relevant signs was attributed to these changes. Safe use in overdose situations up to 3.6 times the recommended dose has been demonstrated following 6 monthly administrations


    Prior to first use of this product, dogs in heartworm endemic areas or who have visited heartworm endemic areas must be tested for existing heartworm infection. At the discretion of the veterinarian, infected dogs must be treated with an adulticide to remove adult heartworms.


    It is recommended to observe the treated dog up to 24 hours post-administration of the product for possible adverse reactions (see section 6). In case of adverse reactions consult your veterinarian.


    Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals:

    Wash hands after use.

    Accidental ingestion may cause adverse reactions.

    In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.

    Medicinal product no longer authorised

    Children must not come into contact with the veterinary medicinal product. Accidental ingestion may cause adverse reactions.


    Pregnancy and lactation:

    Laboratory studies (in rats and rabbits) on the effect of spinosad and milbemycin oxime have neither produced any evidence of teratogenic, foetotoxic or maternotoxic effects, nor any effect on the reproductive capacity in males and females.


    In pregnant and lactating dogs (bitches), the safety of this veterinary medicinal product has not been sufficiently established. Spinosad is excreted in the colostrum and milk of lactating bitches. The excretion of milbemycin oxime in lactating dogs (bitches) has not been tested and the safety for suckling puppies has not been established. This product should therefore only be used during pregnancy and lactation according to the benefit-risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.


    Fertility:

    As the safety of this veterinary medicinal product in male dogs used for breeding has not been determined, it should only be used according to the benefit-risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian


    Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction:

    Spinosad and milbemycin oxime have been shown to be substrates for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and therefore could interact with other P-gp substrates (for example, digoxin, doxorubicin) or other macrocyclic lactones. Therefore, concomitant treatment with other P-gp substrates could lead to enhanced toxicity.


    Post-marketing reports: following the concomitant use of spinosad with ivermectin indicate that dogs have experienced trembling/twitching, salivation/drooling, seizures, ataxia, mydriasis, blindness and disorientation.


    Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes):

    The oral administration of spinosad and milbemycin oxime combination tablets at mean cumulative monthly doses up to 255mg spinosad and 4.2 mg milbemycin oxime per kg body weight (up to

    3.6 times the recommended treatment dose) for 6 consecutive dosing periods in young dogs was well tolerated. Vomiting was seen in both treated and control dogs with similar frequencies. Adverse reactions seen during the course of this study included vomiting, diarrhoea, skin lesions, salivation, tremors, decreased activity, coughing and vocalization.


    At acute overdoses corresponding to 1.5 times the maximum recommended dose, vomiting occurred in 17% of the dogs, and hypersalivation occurred in 8% of the dogs. At acute overdoses corresponding to 3 times the maximum recommended dose, vomiting occurred in half of the animals, sometimes repeatedly. At three times the maximum recommended dose adverse events of potentially neurological origin e.g. decreased activity (8%), hypersalivation (17%) or stumbling (8%) were observed. Decreased activity was seen at the same frequency in both control and dogs treated with 3 times the maximum recommended dose. All adverse events were transient and did not require treatment.


    After spinosad administration, the incidence of vomiting on the day of, or the day after dosing has been observed to increase as a function of the dose. Vomiting is most likely caused by a local effect on the small intestine. At doses in excess of the recommended dose, vomiting becomes a very common event.


    Neurotoxicity characterised by transient mild depression, ataxia, trembling, mydriasis, and excessive salivation has been observed in dogs given higher dose multiples of milbemycin oxime alone (5 to 10 mg/kg).


    There is no antidote available. In case of adverse clinical signs, treat symptomatically.

    Medicinal product no longer authorised

  13. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF UNUSED PRODUCT OR WASTE MATERIALS, IF ANY


    Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.

    Ask your veterinary surgeon how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures should help to protect the environment.


  14. DATE ON WHICH THE PACKAGE LEAFLET WAS LAST APPROVED


    Detailed information on this product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency (/).


  15. OTHER INFORMATION


Further information for the prescribing veterinarian:


Spinosad comprises spinosyn A and spinosyn D. The insecticidal activity of spinosad is characterised by nervous excitation leading to muscle contractions and tremors, prostration, paralysis and rapid death of the flea. These effects are caused primarily by activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). It does not interact with known binding sites of other nicotinic or GABAergic insecticides such as neonicotinides (imidacloprid or nitenpyram), fiproles (fipronil), milbemycins, avermectins

(e.g. selamectin) or cyclodienes but through a novel insecticidal mechanism. Spinosad therefore has a different mode of action to other flea control or insect control products. Spinosad starts killing fleas 30 minutes after administration; 100% of fleas are dead/moribund within 4 hours post-treatment.


Milbemycin oxime is an antiparasitic endectocide belonging to the macrocyclic lactones. Milbemycin oxime is isolated from the fermentation of Streptomyces hygroscopicus var. aureolacrimosus. It is active against mites, larval and adult stages of nematodes as well as larvae of Dirofilaria immitis. The activity of milbemycin oxime is related to its action on invertebrate neurotransmission. Milbemycin oxime, like avermectins and other milbemycins, increases nematode and insect membrane permeability to chloride ions via glutamate-gated chloride ion channels (related to vertebrate GABA and glycine receptors). This leads to hyperpolarisation of the neuromuscular membrane and flaccid paralysis and death of the parasite.


Approximately 90% of spinosad is comprised of spinosyns A and D. Of that 90%, the ratio of spinosyn A to A+D is 0.85 when calculated as spinosyn A/spinosyn A+D. The consistency of this figure in pharmacokinetic and other studies indicates comparability in the absorption, metabolism and elimination of the two major spinosyns.


After oral administration of 45 mg spinosad and 0.75 mg milbemycin oxime/kg bodyweight to fed dogs, spinosyns A and D are rapidly absorbed and extensively distributed. Plasma protein binding is high (>98%). Bioavailability was shown to be high. The mean Tmax for spinosyns A and D was 4 hours and the mean elimination half-lives ranged between 131 and 135 hours. AUC values increased approximately linearly while Cmax increased slightly less than linearly with increasing dose-rates over the intended therapeutic dose range. In addition, in studies containing only spinosad, AUC and Cmax values were higher in fed than fasted dogs and therefore it is recommended to treat dogs with food as this maximises the opportunity for fleas to ingest lethal amounts of spinosad.


In studies performed with spinosad only, the primary biliary, faecal and urinary metabolites in both rat and dog were identified as the demethylated spinosyns, glutathione conjugates of the parent compounds and N-demethylated spinosyns A and D. Excretion is primarily via the bile and faeces, and to a lesser extent in the urine. Faecal excretion accounted for the vast majority of metabolites in dogs.


Milbemycin oxime is a systemic macrocyclic lactone containing two major factors, A3 and A4 (ratio of A3:A4 is 20:80). Unlike spinosad, the consistent ratio of the individual factors is not maintained in

Medicinal product no longer authorised

pharmacokinetic studies. Milbemycin A4 5-oxime tends to eliminate slower resulting in approximately 10-fold higher exposure than Milbemycin A3 5-oxime. Milbemycin oxime plasma concentrations and some pharmacokinetic parameters are increased in the presence of spinosad. Milbemycin A3 and A4 5-oximes are rapidly absorbed and extensively distributed in dogs after oral administration. Plasma protein binding is high (>96%). Bioavailability was shown to be high. The mean Tmax for milbemycin A3 and A4 5-oximes was typically 4 hours and the mean elimination half-lives were 33.9 and

77.2 hours. AUC values increased approximately linearly while Cmax increased slightly less than linearly with increasing dose-rates over the intended therapeutic dose range.


The primary faecal and urinary metabolites in dog were identified as glucuronide conjugates of milbemycin A3 or A4 5-oximes, dealkylated milbemycin A3 or A4 5-oximes, and hydroxylated milbemycin A4 5-oxime. In rats dosed with milbemycin A4 5-oxime, the main metabolites identified in urine and faeces were mono-, di-, and trihydroxy milbemycin A4 5-oximes. In dogs, hydroxymilbemycin A4 5-oxime was detected only in plasma, but not in urine or faeces, suggesting predominant excretion of conjugated metabolites in the dog. Excretion is primarily via faeces, and also to a lesser extent in the urine. Faecal excretion accounted for the vast majority of metabolites in dogs.


Monthly repeated oral administration of spinosad and milbemycin oxime over six months revealed evidence of spinosad and milbemycin oxime accumulation in juvenile dogs.


In juvenile dogs, repeated oral administration of spinosad and milbemycin oxime over six months resulted in the trough plasma concentrations of spinosad and milbemycin increasing throughout the study. Trough concentrations of spinosad doubled monthly up to month 5. The increase in plasma concentrations was strongly correlated with an increase in terminal elimination half-lives. In another study, after repeated monthly oral administration of 70 mg spinosad and 1.18 mg milbemycin oxime/kg bodyweight to fed juvenile dogs for twelve consecutive months, steady state for systemic exposure (AUC) was reached by month 7. At this time, the systemic exposure (AUC) in juveniles was comparable to adults. Cmax was comparable between juveniles and adults starting at month 1, indicating no increased risk of acute toxicity.


In adult dogs, after repeated oral administration of spinosad and milbemycin oxime for six consecutive months, increases in elimination half-lives were observed up to month 3. In a separate study with three consecutive monthly administrations, no increases in Cmax, AUC, or elimination half-lives were noted when comparing values from the third and first months. In another study, after repeated monthly oral administration of 70 mg spinosad and 1.18 mg milbemycin oxime/kg bodyweight to fed adult dogs for twelve consecutive months, steady state for systemic exposure (AUC) was reached in month 3.

Cartons containing a blister pack with 1, 3 or 6 chewable tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. For any information about this veterinary medicinal product, please contact the local representative of

the marketing authorisation holder.