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 two dogs have been taking Bravecto for about 2 years. My older dog who is 13 has had a number of health problems during that time (eye and fatty tumors) but he also had what I would describe as a seizure or a stroke after his last dose of Bravecto. He fell down while just walking…couldn’t use his back legs at all…wet himself…and didn’t seem to see me or comprehend what was going on. He stayed in that state for about 5 minutes and then his eyes started focusing again and he got up. But he’s been really slow since and seems confused often. Does this sound like it could be a symptom of the Bravecto. It’s past time to give them their next dose. I’m going to switch to something else.
Yes, exactly what is happening to my sister’s dog right now after he took Bravecto. My dog also had a seizure on it. It’s pure poison being praised by vets. Never ever use it again.
I purchased Bravecto after taking my 9lb Chihuahua to the local animal hospital, where she was seen and the Veterinarian advised me that Bravecto was the BEST option, and that it was TOTALLY SAFE. She also stressed to me that this tablet was as high as it was, ($55 !approximately) because it was the MOST EFFECTIVE drug available on the market at that time. Since then my dog has had trouble with her judgement when it comes to jumping onto things such as furniture, and she has not jumped far enough or hard enough, which has caused her to fall several times, and she still suffers from lethargy to this day and she was given this medication well over 3 years ago.
My dog developed neurological issues, head tremors and backleg paralysis using Brafecto. We saw 2 vets and confirmed no other causes. We stopped using it and the damage is already done.
Please add me- I doff who lost vision in 1 eye suddenly after Bravecto- Susana
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Our dog Cino (Labrador) has for no reason started walking strangely (uncoordinated) then lost control of his limbs, but come right after about 10 minutes. A very active dog, he lately looks as if he is going to faint after walking 2 kms. He is not even 3 years old. I will not be using Brafecto again.
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My GSD is one and a half year old, she was on Bravecto from 5 months old. She had lethargy, ataxia, weight loss, severe suppression of appetite, excessive hair shedding and hair loss. I suspected it was side effects of Bravecto and stopped giving it to her. Her condition has markedly improved.
I’m happy to receive this info. Just ordered Bravecto for the third time. Won’t be using again
I used Bravecto for 3 of my dogs.
Two died—one with heart problems ; he also had strange neurological issues—shaking for no reason; fear of noises and other bizarre behaviors.
The second dog showed the same behaviors and, as well, developed a lung tumor.
The third dog developed severe arthritis, requiring 2 knee surgeries and prolonged physical therapy. I’ve spent thousands of dollars in vet bills, medication and therapies.