FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Drugs to Prevent and Treat New World Screwworm in Dogs and Cats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Capstar (nitenpyram) tablets and revised the EUA for Nitenpyram Tablets, the generic version of Capstar, to authorize both products for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that weigh at least two pounds and are at least four weeks old. According to Timothy Schell, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, ‘The FDA is addressing a previously unmet need and giving pet owners and veterinarians important tools to protect dogs and cats from NWS infestations.’ The FDA has concluded that Capstar and Nitenpyram Tablets may be effective in the prevention and treatment of NWS myiasis in certain dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens when used as authorized, and the known and potential benefits of the products outweigh their known and potential risks. Pet owners should carefully review the relevant product’s fact sheet for detailed information on how to use these products, which are available over the counter in two tablet sizes: 11.4 and 57 mg. Dosage is based on a dog’s or cat’s weight, and the products should not be administered to pets less than two pounds or younger than four weeks old.