Many of us at MSD Animal Health are pet owners. The science of healthier animals drives everything we do – helping to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet is our top priority.
We have recently received questions about misleading information in social media regarding BRAVECTO®, our flea and tick medication. This site is dedicated to correcting such misinformation and giving you the accurate facts about BRAVECTO®. We know how important it is to make sure you have accurate information about our products in order to feel comfortable and confident about the medications you are giving to your pet. We encourage you to speak with your veterinarian to discuss what’s best for you.
Get the Facts
Correcting Social Media Myths with BRAVECTO® Facts
It’s easy to find all sorts of information about veterinary medicines across the internet — especially on social media. Unfortunately, much of the information shared on social media is simply inaccurate. You deserve the facts — the complete facts — on BRAVECTO®.
Myth
BRAVECTO® has not been properly or adequately tested.
Fact
All of our drugs — including BRAVECTO® — go through a rigorous regulatory approval process. In fact, 85 countries around the world have reviewed the BRAVECTO® research data from over 170 clinical research studies and have on that basis determined that it is safe and approved it for use consistent with the label.
Myth
MSD Animal Health hides the “true facts” about BRAVECTO® safety.
Fact
As required by law, adverse events involving BRAVECTO® are reported to regulatory agencies. All adverse events must be reported to the governing regulatory agency — even if no causal relationship is suspected. A report does not mean the product caused the adverse reaction.
Myth
Negative incidents using BRAVECTO® are increasing.
Fact
This is simply not the case. Based on the most recent Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR), which was assessed by the European Medicines Agency (the EU equivalent to the FDA), the incidence of all adverse events remains categorised as “rare.” That means adverse events are reported in between 1/10,000 (0.01%) and 1/1,000 (0.1%) dispensed doses. The most common reported events are mild and transient gastrointestinal upset, which are noted on the product label. The EMA also documents the occurrence of “Serious Adverse Events”. For BRAVECTO®, the occurrence of Serious Adverse Events is in the most rare category available to EMA, which is “very rare”. This means they are being reported in less than 1/10,000 (less than 0.01%) dispensed doses. Furthermore, an adverse event report does not mean causation. In today’s digital age, social media can present a misleading picture.
We recommend you consult your veterinarian to gain the fullest, most accurate picture of your pet’s health.
Myth
BRAVECTO® is not safe for use with other medications.
Fact
BRAVECTO® has been tested for use with other medications. In a recent field study, BRAVECTO® was used at the same time with other medications, such as vaccines, heartworm preventives, antibiotics and steroids. No adverse reactions were observed.1
Myth
BRAVECTO® causes serious health issues – including cancer and organ failure.
Fact
Clinical research data and analysis of all adverse events to date do not demonstrate a causal relationship between BRAVECTO® and liver or kidney issues or cancer.
Myth
Holistic medicine provides a more effective alternative to flea and tick medication.
Fact
Fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance, they also pose significant health risks, as they can transmit diseases (including Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis and others). Alternative methods for treating fleas and ticks are available. However, unlike holistic treatments, BRAVECTO® has undergone the stringent testing and trials needed for global regulatory approvals, and is monitored by regulatory agencies across the globe.
MSD Animal Health Facts
Our top priority is the health of your pet.
In fact, our employees share the common goal of working together to ensure your pets are there to comfort you and be an important part of families for years to come.
We are serious about improving the health of animals around the world.
This is why we are committed to investing in the research, development and manufacturing of some of the most innovative veterinary medicines in the world. We are committed to improving the lives of animals in more than 150 countries and counting.
Our company is driven by simple core values.
We strive to be visionary, collaborative, dynamic and responsible. Whether working with veterinarians or their patients around the world, healthy pets mean happy families.
Since our early days, we have grown to become a leader whose work in animal health is unparalleled.
For more than 60 years, vaccines that protect pets from dangerous diseases, medicines to treat chronic diseases and effective parasite controls have been part of our mission to protect the health and well-being of pets.
We continue to develop innovative solutions to find new and better ways to keep pets safe and healthy.
At MSD Animal Health, our veterinarians, scientists and industry experts work together in teams centered around entire diseases affecting pets, not just single products.
Involved in global initiatives
In addition to all the great work our employees are doing to support you and your veterinarian, MSD Animal Health is involved with global initiatives such as Afya and Mission Rabies – both organizations working in Africa and India to eradicate the globe of rabies in the next 15 years.
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We know that protecting your pet’s health can be emotional. After all, many of us at MSD Animal Health have our own fur babies who are true members of our families. However, don’t let hearsay, conjecture and opinion be a substitute for truth — get the facts and discuss your questions with your trusted veterinary professional.
This information is provided in response to public discussions on BRAVECTO® and is based on the right to receive and impart information and to freedom of expression. It is not intended as promotion for the product but contains product specific information. If you would like more information please consult a trusted veterinary professional, or contact us at Animal-Health-Communications@msd.com. For information on risks and side-effects please read the package insert. Please refer to the product label approved for your country. Note, labels may differ country by country.
MSD Animal Health.
1 All data on file. MSD Animal Health.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Commonly observed adverse reactions in clinical trials (1.6% of treated dogs) were mild and transient gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhoea, vomiting, inappetence, and drooling.