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The FDA released a statement warning that dogs are dying from exposure to fluorouracil, a medical ingredient found in topical creams.
What Is Fluorouracil?
Fluorouracil is an FDA-approved chemotherapy drug that treats a variety of cancers, specifically skin cancer. Additionally, the drug can also treat warts in children.
Also known as “5-FU” or “5-fluorouracil,” fluorouracil is given as a solution for injection. However, it is also available as a topical skin cream. The drug is available under many brand names including Efudex, Carac, Tolak, and Fluoroplex.
How Is Fluorouracil Affecting Dogs?
Alarms are going up about the drug being prescribed without adequate warnings for dog owners, in particular.
Generally, dogs will either chew the bottles containing the cream or will lick affected areas on their parent’s skin. The danger here is that even small amounts of the substance are fatal to pups. According to one reporta dose as small as 56 milligrams can harm a 50-pound dog.
Signs of fluorouracil ingestion can appear in as little as 30 minutes. Symptoms include vomiting, shaking, seizures, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea. Without intervention, death can occur 6 to 12 hours after ingestion.
Interestingly, reports regarding fluorouracil’s effects on other animals besides dogs haven’t been received. Regardless, the FDA is currently advising parents of all pets to be mindful of these medications in their homes.
What Can Dog Parents Do?
If you believe your dog is ingested fluorouracil, contact your vet immediately. Time is essential for treatment and every second can save your dog’s life.
If you use fluorouracil for treatment or have it in your house, the FDA recommends these guidelines for safe storage and use:
- Store the container somewhere your pet cannot reach it.
- Get rid of empty containers in areas that are inaccessible to your pet.
- Talk to your health care provider about covering the treated area with clothing or gauze to prevent your pet from licking your skin.
Finally, the FDA is asking dog parents to report any instances of fluorouracil ingestion to their Center for Veterinary Medicine.