Re-release of PRO HEART 6. - Page 1

Pro Heart 6 is a heartworm preventitive that was recalled in 2004 due to the fact that many dogs were having severe reactions to the product and died. I personally had experience with this when my best friend's dog died due to this drug. It was a long, drawn out and very painful death for this dog and nothing they did could stop the damage the medication was doing because this drug stays in the dogs system for 6 months.

The FDA asked for a recall of the product until Fort-Dodge could figure out why dogs were having such a reaction to the product. So here we are 4 years later and the nightmare begins again. No changes have been made, it's the same  drug it was before. Only this time, the consumer has to sign a consent form stating they understand the risk involved with the product. Oh great! In other words, it's no safer for your dog then it was in 2004, it's just safer for Fort-Dodge.  How  disgustingly irresponsible is that.

One more note and I'll get off the soap box. Fort-Dodge warns against giving this drug to dogs that are sick, debilitated, underweight, have had a vaccine of any kind in the last month, or have any allergies food or otherwise. This is supposed to be the risk group for a reaction. River did not fit that profile at all. He was healthy, robust, no history of allergies and in the prime of his life. Please don't be mislead that if your dog dosen't fit the high risk profile that this drug is any more safe.

Thank you for taking a moment to read this.

K

So sorry to hear about what your friend had to go through, it sounds like a nightmare.  Fort Dodge has had plenty of problems in the past several years to make me steer clear of anything they produce/distribute.  The thought of injecting a chemical strong enough to last for six months makes me cringe.  The driving "convenience" factor about this is disturbing and I hope people feel that they can remember to give their dog a pill once a month rather than use such a strong drug.

Emily

The following is a link to a letter from Committee on Energy and Commerce:

energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110nr300.shtml

From the letter:

"Earlier this year, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) issued a report resulting from his investigation into charges that ProHeart’s manufacturer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, instigated a retaliatory smear campaign against Dr. Hampshire culminating in a referral for criminal prosecution. As a consequence, FDA managers removed Dr. Hampshire from her duties in connection with ProHeart 6. Grassley requested that Chairmen Dingell and Stupak review the report and assist in his investigation of FDA’s mishandling of an internal investigation of Dr. Hampshire."