Merck Animal Health has been hit with a class action lawsuit by consumers who claim that their dog and cat drug Bravecto contains a pesticide that is harmful to pets.
Bravecto tablets and topical medications are used on both cats and dogs, and are marketed as a way to prevent ticks and fleas for up to three months.
Plaintiff Valerie Palmieri says she paid just under $50 for one Bravecto chewable tablet to treat her 78 pound German Shepherd Jake for fleas and ticks.
After taking the pill, Jake started to vomit, did not eat, and began to show symptoms of lethargy, according to the Bravecto class action lawsuit. The plaintiff reportedly took Jake to the emergency animal clinic after the dog was no longer able to walk.
Palmieri claims that she contacted Merck to talk about Jake’s possible adverse reaction to taking the drug. The company allegedly denied that that Jake’s sickness was caused by Bravecto but offered to pay for the emergency room visit.
However, the company would only pay if she signed an agreement which would release any claims against the company, according to the Bravecto class action lawsuit.
The plaintiff states that she refused to release her claims as she wasn’t sure if Jake’s symptoms would be long-term and was still not sure if her dog’s symptoms were caused by the drug.
After more tests and a trip to a neurologist, the plaintiff’s veterinarian allegedly told her that he “presumed” that Jake’s diagnosis of meningitis was a result of “Bravecto toxicity,” which was contrary to what she was told by the defendant.
Since he ingested the drug, Jake has continued to have neurological episodes, according to the Bravecto class action lawsuit. In September of this year, he reportedly fell down a flight of stairs and broke his leg. The plaintiff claims that she has spent “tens of thousands of dollars” treating Jake after he ingested Bravecto.
Palmieri says that when she purchased the tablet, the packaging and materials enclosed therein did not state that neurological adverse reactions were possible when taking the pill. In addition, the defendant allegedly did not tell veterinarians about the possible safety issues that the drug posed to pets.
“Because Defendant failed to disclose the risks of Bravecto to consumers and misrepresented the safety of Bravecto, consumers would be reasonable in purchasing Bravecto to treat their pets in a safe manner,” the class action lawsuit notes.
The Bravecto class action lawsuit also states that in September 2018, the FDA issued an alert about the possible neurological events that are associated with medicines like Bravecto to treat fleas and ticks.
The FDA has subsequently asked manufacturers to change their labels to “highlight neurological events because these events were seen consistently across the isoxazoline class of products” and “to provide veterinarians and pet owners with the information they need to make treatment decisions for each pet on an individual basis,” according to the Bravecto class action lawsuit.
The plaintiff states that the defendant now discloses that there may be some neurological reactions to taking Bravecto, including tremors, ataxia, and seizures.
“Every consumer who purchased Bravecto without being informed of the true facts about its health and safety risks prior to purchase was injured at the point of sale when, instead of obtaining a safe flea and tick medication, they obtained Defendant’s unreasonably dangerous and defective product,” the Bravecto class action lawsuit states.
Did you purchase Bravecto for your pet? Leave a message in the comments section below.
The plaintiff is represented by Mark A. Dicello, Adam J. Levitt, and Amy E. Keller of DiCello Levitt and Gutzler LLC and Jessica J. Sleater and Ralph N. Sianni of Andersen Sleater Sianni LLC.
The Bravecto Class Action Lawsuit is Valerie Palmieri v. Intervet Inc., et. al, Case No. 2:19-cv-22024, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
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1,807 thoughts onBravecto Class Action Says Meds Aren’t Safe For Pets
My pomeranian had two seizures after taking brave to.
One week ago my 7 year old golden retriever died. She had her annual checkup, with blood work, in August and I was told all tests were normal. On October 1 at 8:30pm she had a seizure. As she was coming out of it, she had another one. I rushed her to an “emergency” vet that I knew was close and open late. They recommended leaving her there overnight so they could observe her and stabilize her. She had two more seizures that night while in their care. The next day I was advised she had no more seizures and I could bring her home. I picked her up about 5pm and took her home with a prescription for an anti-seizure med.
She was very agitated and they also gave me an anti-anxiety med. I was also told she should see a neurologist, which I said I would do. They did not give me any referral info at that time even though I was clear that I wanted to do that.
The following day my dog was getting the anti-seizure meds and still a bit anxious, but not as much as the night before. She seemed to be ok. On Sunday morning she had another series of seizures, so I took her back to the vet. They kept her again overnight and told me she had no more seizures and was stable so I could take her home. This was Monday morning. A friend took the initiative to find an animal hospital with a neurologist and we were told to have the current vet contact the neurologist and refer my dog to them. We were to take her to the neurologist ASAP.
We managed to accomplish that after many phone calls. We left my dog at the Emergency Vet and she was scheduled to get an MRI and other diagnostic tests the next morning. Unfortunately she died that night.
I had my dog on Bravecto for at least a year on the recommendation of more than one vet. My concern is that this may have caused the death of my dog. I am devastated over the loss of my dog.
My perfectly healthy, active and fit Jack Russell terrier suffered multiple seizures in 2016 after being given Bravecto (oral chewable). His whole body would freeze up. I can’t even begin to describe the horror watching him suffer like that. He began to refuse play and developed a cough that caused him to fall over and gasp for his breath. Vet suspected pneumonia but wasn’t certain, as the X-rays showed some “gunk” in the lungs. My dear, happy dog came to an early demise which is beyond upsetting. This horrible product was recommended by the vet whom of course I trusted. My young cattle dog pup developed a permanent skin disorder after taking Bravecto as well. It’s a terrible thing when you realize you’ve poisoned your dogs. :(
I wish I had seem or heard of these concerns sooner. In July my Vet had us give Bravecto to our dogs. One of them is now having serious issues. She originally weighed 21lbs but in two weeks she dropped 4lbs. I took her back to the Vet concerned and the Vet assured me weight loss was not a know reaction. I told her that I have racked my brain trying to figure out what was different in my dogs daily life that she might be having a reaction to and I kept coming back to the Bravecto being the only thing. I told her I did an online search and had found numerous reports of people experiencing this problem. My dog now weighs 13lbs and we fear she may die because of this. I took her back in on October 5th and still nothing. It’s as if her body isn’t absorbing anything. I am even feeding her extra meals and she does not gain.
My bichson Lily. Developed a large mass on back had it drained. Urinary stone operations, numerous accidents in the house, arthritis, bow legged rear tendons deteriorate, weight balloon up to 32 lbs, liver failing unable to climb stairs. Sleeping a lot and prefers cold tile floors Thus was a 7 year 6 month dog! Bravecto user
I have lost an 11 month old male Cane Corso and have his female sibling, now two years old, is having identical seizures. The male died but my female still suffers from cluster seizures due to Bravecto given to them at nine months of age. Their parents are now seven and four and did not experience any neurological issues. My family has been devistated with one loss and don’t look forward to the debilitating seizure that will eventually take another one…
Seizures controlled by medication , extreme anxiety, skin issues, gum issues, all caused by Bravecto Fluralaner. 11 year old Staffie location Newcastle England
I would also like to be added to this! Today in the afternoon The vet prescribed this to m my sweet dog Chewy to help with the fleas that were irritating his skin. Because of this my dog died of seizure the later very same day (today 10/2/2020). He had no previous health conditions and was a healthy young 4 year old Bernese Mountin dog. Clearly the only thing different from his usual was the brevecto given to him. It’s disgusting how they allow and CHARGE people to so casually give what is basically poison to their sweet beloved pets just because they are none the wiser.
My dogs don’t take any flea and tic meds during the cold months. I started this medication during April. I notices My 11 year old Yorkie was losing her hearing. I thought at 11 that might be normal. It decreases so rapidly that It is now late September and she pretty much completely deaf. Could this be caused by the Nexgaurd?
Happened to my dog as well
Your dog also went deaf?
My 13 year old katon to to year bony was put down this previous week….he had been on Bravecto …3 times….his neurologucal functions declined signifucantly..I was never warned or informed….I am devasrated and angry…..