Longisil Recalled After Allergic Reaction in Cats and Dogs

Ottawa, ON – The Breeds & Industry Division of Equine Canada would like to inform all stakeholders that Health Canada is warning veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that one lot of the prescription veterinary drug Longisil is being recalled due to an unusually high number of adverse reactions in animals treated with this lot.

The recalled lot comes packaged in three different vial sizes:

•        Lot #9224 (9224-01) – 100 ml vial

•        Lot #9224 (9224-02) – 250 ml vial

•        Lot #9224 (9224-03) – 500 ml vial

Longisil is a form of penicillin that is administered by injection and used to treat various infections. While mainly used to treat large animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, this drug is also sometimes used in cats and dogs. Longisil is available only by prescription from a veterinarian. It is distributed in Canada by Vétoquinol N.-A. Inc.

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Vétoquinol N.-A. Inc. is recalling Lot # 9224 after receiving an abnormally high number of reports of allergic reactions in animals following use of product from this lot. The reports involved 14 dogs and possibly one cat that developed swelling and hives within minutes or hours of receiving an injection. All animals were treated immediately and fully recovered.

Livestock producers and pet owners whose animals are being treated with Longisil should contact their veterinarian immediately if they notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction following use of this drug. Symptoms of an allergic reaction range from mild to serious and can include skin rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing and/or swallowing.

Health Canada encourages veterinarians to report any adverse events involving Longisil to Vétoquinol N.-A. by calling 1-800-363-1700. They can also be reported directly to Health Canada toll free at 1-877-838-7322, by fax at (613) 947-1125 or by mail at the following address:

Pharmacovigilance Unit, Veterinary Drugs Directorate

Health Canada

Ground Floor, Suite 14

11 Holland Avenue, Holland Cross Complex

Ottawa, ON A.L. 3000A

K1A 0K9

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada’s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.