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Merck Unveils Topical Parasite Meds for Pets

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Merck Animal Health launched a pair of veterinary-exclusive, topical, ectoparasite treatment and prevention products for pets called Activyl and Activyl Tick Plus, the company reported today.

Both products contain the active ingredient indoxacarb, which kills fleas through a process called bioactivation. Indoxacarb is absorbed by a flea via contact or ingestion and is converted by certain flea enzymes into an insecticidal metabolite, which paralyzes and kills the flea. Indoxacarb also disrupts a flea’s life cycle by inhibiting the development of flea larvae in the pet’s surroundings, Merck reported.

Activyl’s only active ingredient is indoxacarb, making it safe for both cats and dogs, according to the company. Activyl Plus is available exclusively for dogs because it contains both indoxacarb and permethrin, which kills and controls ticks, but is not safe for cats and should not be used on dogs younger than eight weeks or less than four pounds.

Both products require monthly applications and are dispensed in single-application pipettes.

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Merck Unveils Topical Parasite Meds for Pets

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I gave this to my cat last month and assumed she had licked some of it off of her. She was drooling uncontrollably and in so much pain she hid from us. I had assumed it was because I put it too low on her neck and that she had just recently been fixed. Last night I made sure to put it higher and within seconds of administering she began drooling and practically insane. She was in pure pain! It took us everything to hold her down and wash this off without hurting her! I have never seen her act like that and I pray I never will again. Please beware using this product! Melanie, Virginia Beach, VA Posted: 11/12/2012 4:28:50 AM I have used a lot of differant flea treatments and there has been nothing that comes close to working like Activyl. Thanks, my dogs are happy. Jeff, Brunswick, GA Posted: 10/8/2012 2:27:27 PM Activyl Tick Plus contains 42.5% permethrin in dosages that equal or exceed those found in over-the-counter permethrin spot-on products -- products that have a reputation for killing cats and causing life-threatening adverse reactions in dogs. Those products also increase the risk of cancer in children. James, Philadelphia, PA Posted: 6/18/2012 3:22:17 PM 45% permethrin!!!??? Please tell me you will rethink this product. What about the cats and children who will be in contact with this product and be poisoned by it. Hopefully Merial is a responsible enough company to have the "Do Not Use on Cats " label in Clear View !!! Even then I am sure this product will endanger lives! So sad. Karen, New Orleans, LA Posted: 6/17/2012 6:01:00 PM