Important news for Addison's Patients

Recently the most widely used treatment in the UK for canine hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) (fludrocortisone acetate; Florinef) has been taken off the market and will shortly no longer be available.

This will worry many owners who have come to rely on this drug for their pets. A similar, though not identical, generic form of fludrocortisone is available but it is 7 times more expensive and interactions with canine patients biochemistry haven't been evaluated.

Fortunately a drug, which is new to the UK but has been widely used in other countries, is now available through vets and their wholesalers and is authorised for the treatment of canine hypoadrenocorticism (Zycortal; Dechra Ltd). There are no established guidelines for changing dogs from fludrocortisone to Zycortal.

University and referral establishments have been successful in many transitions and we as a practice are in close communication to ensure maximum safety when each individual is transitioned into Zycortal.

For many owners the transition will seem involved, having to resort to more regular blood tests before confirming a stable patient. We ask you to please cooperate and be mindful of the judicious approach.

It is important to monitor sodium and potassium concentrations and adjust the dose according to the information available with the product. It is vital that, when starting Zycortal, an additional prednisolone tablet is administered daily. In the long term, it may be possible to reduce the prednisolone dose, however this will still need to be given every day to supplement a drug that Florinef contained but Zycortal lacks. Do not attempt every other day treatment.
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We hope that this advice is timely and helpful, but if you have any queries please don't hesitate to give us a call and someone will happily answer any questions you may have.

This is handsome Jasper. He is a newly diagnosed Addison patient. He came in this evening for a check up after his first injection of Zycortal on Saturday. His Potassium has dropped from a dangerous 7.0 to 3.9! Glynn, Hazel and Jasper's owners are really pleased with how well he is coping. Jasper will be back in 10 days for another Zycortal injection.