Class Calls Flea & Tick Product Dangerous

NEWARK (CN) - Dogs and cats have suffered paralysis and other serious injuries from "ProMeris" flea and tick topical treatment, which contains the toxic insecticide metaflumizone, a class action claims in Federal Court. Wyeth and Animal Health International are the defendants.

One named plaintiff claims metaflumizone gave her dog "agitation, hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, impaired ability to ambulate, and eventual immobility," People who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors also are put at risk by handling ProMeris, according to the complaint.

"Metaflumizone is a neurologically-targeted paralytic that operates on the nervous

system by blocking voltage dependent sodium channels found along presynaptic and

postsynaptic nerves. By blocking the flow of sodium, metaflumizone prevents the transmission of impulses along the nerve thereby resulting in paralysis and death," the complaint states.

It continues: "ProMeris for dogs also contains the active ingredient amitraz, another

neurologically-targeted paralytic that disrupts normal nerve function thereby also resulting in paralysis and eventual death. According to Wyeth, '(A)mitraz is an inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is responsible for degrading the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin."

"Accordingly, people taking MAO inhibitors such as anti-depressants must take

particular care and safety measures when handling ProMeris. The packaging for ProMeris fails to provide any warning for pet owners and others who take MAO inhibitors."

Plaintiffs' lead counsel is Scott Alan George with Seeger Weiss.

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