FDA greenlights Bravecto Quantum for use in dogs, puppies six months and older

Bravecto Quantum, a product from Merck Animal Health, was approved for use in dogs and puppies six months of age and older for the treatment at control of flea and tick infestations. This subcutaneous injection treats and prevents cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestations and four species of tick infestations.  

The drug is labeled to be administered once every twelve months to protect against the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), and the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), and every eight months to protect against the lone star tick (Amblyoma americanum). 

In the release from the FDA, it notes that the drug “must only be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian because professional expertise is required to properly administer the injection, to monitor for and respond to adverse reactions, to advise dog owners regarding use in breeding dogs and to define the appropriate treatment interval.” 

Since Bravecto Quantum’s active ingredient, Fluralaner, belongs to the isoxazolines class of antiparasitic drugs, it’s important to note that there can be adverse reactions to drugs in that class. The FDA release notes that those adverse reactions can range from “muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats.” 

The FDA also has a fact sheet available about the protentional reactions associated with isoxazoline products.

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