Is the tick and flea drug "Ad Tab" safe?

April 15, 2024

For several weeks now, the tick and flea treatment "Ad Tab" has been advertised on television. This tick and flea "medicine" is sold in the form of a tablet. Previously, advertising for these products on TV was not permitted in the EU, but due to relaxation of regulations within the EU, the way has now unfortunately been cleared for this. Now the drug can be sold via the internet and through pet shops without the supervision of a veterinarian who can determine any side effects.

Toxin related to the controversial tick and flea drug Bravecto

The tick and flea product "Ad Tab", produced by pharmaceutical company Elanco, contains the active neurotoxin 'lotilaner'. This toxin is closely related to the active toxin 'fluralaner' in the controversial tick and flea treatment Bravecto, and belongs to the same group of toxins called "isoxazole derivatives". This group of toxins are neurotoxic toxins, which act on the central nervous system of the tick and flea. With Bravecto (containing the toxin fluralaner), it has now been confirmed that the neurotoxic effect also has serious consequences in dogs and cats (epileptic attacks, convulsions and other neurological abnormalities have been reported).

Direct blood contact

When the tick or flea bites the dog or cat that has been treated with "Ad Tab" and then ingests the poisoned blood, the tick or flea dies within a few hours from the poisoned blood. Because there is direct blood contact with the host (dog or cat), the manufacturer cannot guarantee that the host cannot become infected with pathogens. But isn't that exactly what this is all about?!

Product features quote:

1. Parasites must start feeding on the host to be exposed to lotilaner; the risk of transmission of parasite-borne infectious diseases cannot therefore be completely excluded.

    2. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals:

        Wash hands after handling the veterinary medicinal product.

        In case of "accidental ingestion" (accidentally swallowing the chewable tablet) a doctor should be consulted immediately."

       (end of quote)