|
Pfizer
Makes a Giant Step for Canine-Kind
Pfizer
Animal Health is taking the lead in the animal health industry
by providing complete product information with pet prescription
medications.
Exton,
Pa. (April 18, 2000) - A trip to the veterinarian just
became more like a visit to the neighborhood pharmacy. Pfizer
Animal Health is leading the industry as the first animal
health company to provide pet owners with easy-to-read pet
medication information sheets. The Owner Information Sheets
(OIS), containing important medical information about veterinary
prescriptions in a reader-friendly, question-and-answer format,
will debut this month with prescriptions of Rimadyl (carprofen)
Caplets and Rimadyl Chewable tablets. Rimadyl is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves osteoarthritis
pain and inflammation in dogs.
Pfizer
plans to add Owner Information Sheets to other major animal
pharmaceuticals in the future.
"People
are taking a hands-on approach to their own - and their pets'
- medical conditions," notes Ed Kanara, veterinarian and Director
of Technical Services for Pfizer's Companion Animal Division.
"Pfizer's Owner Information Sheets will help to educate conscientious
pet owners by providing them with the product usage information
they need to get the most benefit from the product and to
ensure the best possible health care for their pets."
Kanara
says the Rimadyl OIS is similar to Patient Information sheets
commonly distributed with human pharmacy prescriptions. Included
are a clear explanation of what the medication treats, how
it should be given, common side effects and what to do if
they occur, when to call the veterinarian and where to find
more information. Pfizer has been working with U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) to develop the new information sheets.
Veterinarians
agree that the user-friendly information is a benefit to dog
owners and veterinarians alike. "Dog owners will take the
five minutes needed to review this important information because
it is so easy to read and understand," says Dr. Bernadine
Cruz, veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital inLaguna
Hills, Calif. "It's similar to a responsible mother reading
the pain reliever dosage instructions and side effects to
watch for before giving it to her child." The OIS also opens
the door for meaningful , two-way discussions between veterinarians
and dog owners about their decision to use a medication, and
their dog's overall health, according to Dr. Cruz.
New Pfizer
packaging is also designed for convenience, safety and clarity.
"Pfizer encourages the dispensing of prescription products
in manufacturer's approved child resistant packaging, providing
complete prescribing and owner information, and maintaining
quality assurance," says Kanara. Thus, he says, Rimadyl Caplets
will be available in seven-day and one- and three-month bottles,
like packaging currently available for Rimadyl Chewble tablets.
"The convenient
seven-day and one- and three- month packaging and new information
sheets are all part of Pfizer's continued commitment to provide
complete information about the safe an effective use of our
products," says Kanara. "Through these and other upcoming
initiatives, we will continue to provide pet owners with the
information they need to make responsible, informed choices
for their pets."
About
Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer
Animal Health is a world leader in animal health, committed
to providing high-quality, innovative health products, including
pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and feed additives for livestock
and companion animals.
Pfizer
Animal Health is a business unit Pfizer Inc., a research-based
pharmaceutical company with global operations. For 1999, Pfizer
reported revenues of over $16.2 billion an expects to invest
about $3.2 billion on research and development in 2000.
|
www.dogandkennel.com
