Dogs suffering from chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) can continue to benefit from a plant-based oral medication.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the renewal of Canalevia-CA1 (crofelemer delayed-release tablets) for the treatment of CID in dogs. Jaguar Animal Health manufactures the medication as a canine-specific formulation of crofelemer, an active pharmaceutical ingredient isolated and purified from the Croton lechleri tree. It can be given orally twice a day and can be used for home treatment.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports about one in four dogs will develop cancer, with nearly half of dogs over age 10 affected.1 The National Cancer Institute estimates around six million new canine cancer cases annually in the U.S. As chemotherapy becomes more common in veterinary oncology, CID is recognized as a top side effect,2 impacting cancer treatment success.
“Diarrhea is a highly neglected and unmet medical need in dogs and people undergoing cancer treatment,” says Lisa Conte, Jaguar’s president and CEO, noting the company’s commitment to support “the quality of life of people and animals undergoing cancer treatment.”
The FDA conditional approval for Canalevia-CA1 is valid until Dec. 21, 2025. For more information, visit the medication’s website.
References
- “Cancer in Pets.” American Veterinary Medical Association, 2021, https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets
- Mason SL, Grant IA, Elliott J, Cripps P, Blackwood L. Gastrointestinal toxicity after vincristine or cyclophosphamide administered with or without maropitant in dogs: a prospective randomised controlled study. J Small Anim Pract. 2014;55:391-398