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There have been changes in drug laws and reclassification. Methimazole has been classified as a hazardous drug. We use this drug to help control hyperthyroidism in cats. The featured image is how methimazole is now sent to us.
So why the change?
The USP – United States Pharmacopeia – is an organization whose mission is to improve global health through public standards and related programs that help ensure the quality, safety, and benefit of medicines and foods.
They have recently classified and changed rules for some drugs.
Classifications
Chemotherapy drugs are Class 1.
Drugs that meet criteria for them to be considered hazardous are Class 2.
Drugs that are hazardous for reproduction are Class 3.
Methimazole
Methimazole is a class 2 drug
This is the warning from the veterinary formulation Felimazole (methimazole)
Human warnings
Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. For use in cats only.
Wash hands with soap and water after administration to avoid exposure to drug.
Do not break or crush tablets. Wear protective gloves to prevent direct contact with litter, feces, urine, or vomit of treated cats, and broken or moistened tablets. Wash hands after contact with the litter of treated cats. Methimazole is a human teratogen and crosses the placenta concentrating in the fetal thyroid gland. There is also a high rate of transfer into breast milk. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should wear gloves when handling tablets, litter or bodily fluids of treated cats. Methimazole may cause vomiting, gastric distress, headache, fever, arthralgia, pruritus, and pancytopenia. In the event of accidental ingestion/overdose, seek medical advice immediately and show the product label to the physician.
Safety Considerations
Methimazole, in any form, should be handled with some caution.
Wash hands with soap and water after handling drug.
Do not break, cut, or crush tablets.
Wear protective gloves when handling litter, feces, urine, or vomit of treated cats.
Wear gloves when handling broken or moistened tablets.
Wash hands after contact with the litter of treated cats.
Weargloves or finger cots when applying transdermal methimazole.
Keep all forms of methimazole out of reach of children.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not handle methimazole, if possible
Changes at NOVA Cat Clinic
We will no longer label methimazole to be broken in half or quarters. For cats that need 2.5 mg, we will dispense 2.5 mg Felimazole. So going forward, we will dispense 5 mg Felimazole since they are coated and decrease exposure risk. For cats that need 1.25 mg, it will need to be compounded
Other options
Hill’s y/d food is another control options and I-131 treatment is a cure option.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. 703 525-1955 or email