By BOB BAMBERG / For The Sun Chronicle
Jul 23, 2017

If you use the topical cancer medication Fluorouracil Cream USP 5%, also marketed under the brand names Carac, Effudex and Fluoroplex, be aware that the substance can be deadly to pets. The Food and Drug Administration received reports of five dog deaths as a result of ingesting the medication.

In one case, two dogs played with a tube of Fluorouracil and one punctured the tube before their owner could take it away from them. Within two hours, the dog that punctured the tube began vomiting, experienced seizures, and died 12 hours later.

In a separate case, a dog ingested the contents of a tube of Fluorouracil. The owner rushed him to the veterinarian, who attempted treatment, but the dog’s condition declined over three days and he was ultimately euthanized.

To date, the FDA hasn’t received any reports involving cats, but officials believe that they would also be very sensitive to the substance.

Since the medication is applied topically, there’s ample opportunity for pets to ingest it, and the FDA says that even small amounts can be dangerous to pets. Dogs will give you kisses and cats will groom you.

Not only that, but if residue from applying the medication remains on your hands, and you pat your dog or cat, they can ingest it during self-grooming. The FDA website, www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/newsevents/cvmupdates/ucm537434.htm, offers these tips:

• Store all medications safely out of the reach of pets.

• Safely discard or clean any cloth or applicator that may retain medication and avoid leaving any residues of the medication on hands, clothing, carpeting or furniture.

• Consult your health care provider on whether it is appropriate to cover the treated area.

• If you are using topical medications containing Fluorouracil and your pet becomes exposed, consult a veterinarian immediately.

• If your pet shows signs such as vomiting, seizing or other illness, seek immediate veterinary care for your pet and be sure to provide the details of the exposure.

While we’re on the subject of medicine safety, many folks keep medications in their bathroom medicine cabinet. That’s not a good idea because the heat and humidity that occur in the room can affect the efficacy of the medicines.

Pharmacy professionals also point out that medicines kept on counters or shelves can be exposed to sunlight, which could alter the properties of some medicines. They’re better off in a dresser drawer.

We should also be careful about disposing of unused or expired medications. Improperly discarded medications can ultimately end up getting introduced back into the environment. And they shouldn’t be flushed down a toilet because they could impact a community’s water supply.

Registered pharmacist Lisa Penny, director or pharmacy at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests folks check with their community’s health department to see if they, any health care providers, or any local agencies have “take-back” programs where unused medications can be brought for proper disposal.

In an article in the April, 2017 edition of CatWatch, Penny says, “Remember, what you put in the environment eventually goes back into your body, so take the proper precautions.”

 

Bob Bamberg has been selling pet products and writing about pets, livestock and wildlife for three decades. He can be reached at petsap@comcast.net.