Why Was Activyl for Cats Discontinued?

Author Adele Gillet

Posted Sep 21, 2022

Reads 89

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The parasiticide activyl was discontinued for sale in the U.S. market in August, 2016. The manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), made the decision to discontinue the product due to declining sales. This decrease in sales was likely due to the availability of newer, more effective products on the market. In addition, the company likely considered the fact that activyl is a topical parasiticide, which means it is applied to the skin of the animal, and therefore has the potential to be toxic to humans if not used properly.

BIVI made the decision to discontinue activyl after an extenisive review of the product's declining sales and the competitive landscape. The company consulted with key opinion leaders in the veterinary community and conducted market research to better understand why activyl sales were declining. The primary reasons for the decline in sales were found to be the availability of more effective products and the potential for human toxicity.

In terms of competition, there are several products on the market that are similar to activyl, including Frontline Plus, Advantage II, and Revolution. These products are all topical parasiticides that are applied to the animal's skin. They are all effective in killing fleas and protecting against flea infestations. However, they also share the potential for human toxicity if not used properly.

The decision to discontinue activyl was likely a difficult one for BIVI. The company had to weigh the declining sales of the product against the potential risks associated with its continued sale. Ultimately, BIVI made the decision to discontinue the product in the interest of public safety.

What are the consequences of discontinuing activyl for cats?

As the cat population continues to grow, so does the market for products that protect them from parasites. Activyl is a topical spot-on treatment for Flea and Intestinal Worm parasites in cats. It is safe and effective when used as directed, but discontinuing use can have consequences for both cats and their owners.

Cats that have been on Activyl for an extended period of time may be at risk for reinfestation if they are no longer treated. This is because their bodies have become accustomed to the presence of the medication and may not be able to fight off a new infestation as effectively. For this reason, it is important to continue treatment for at least a few weeks after all parasites have been eliminated to prevent them from coming back.

Cats that have been treated with Activyl may also be more susceptible to other infections. This is because the medication kills not only parasites, but also good bacteria that live on the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria help to keep the skin and gut healthy, and without them, cats may be more likely to develop skin infections or gastrointestinal problems.

Finally, discontinuing use of Activyl may cause increased stress levels in both cats and their owners. This is because the medication is often used to treat cats that are already dealing with the stress of living in a home with other animals or humans. Without the medication, they may be more likely to experience anxiety or behavioral problems.

While discontinuing use of Activyl may have some consequences, it is important to remember that these are typically minor and can be easily managed with proper medical care. If you are concerned about your cat's health after discontinuing treatment, be sure to speak with your veterinarian.

How will the discontinuation of activyl for cats affect cat owners?

The discontinuation of activyl for cats will have a significant impact on cat owners. Many cat owners rely on activyl to keep their cats healthy and to prevent them from contracting diseases. Without activyl, cats will be more susceptible to diseases and may even die. This will not only be devastating for the cat owners, but also for the cats themselves. Cats are unique and important animals, and their loss will be felt by many people.

How will the discontinuation of activyl for cats affect the pet industry?

The pet industry is a huge business, and it's estimated that there are over 86 million pet cats in the United States alone. So when the news broke that the popular flea and tick treatment, Activyl, was being discontinued for cats, there was a lot of speculation about how this would affect the pet industry.

Activyl was first introduced in 2009, and quickly became one of the most popular flea and tick treatments on the market. It was especially popular among cat owners because it was one of the few products that was effective against both fleas and ticks.

Now that Activyl is being discontinued, pet owners will have to find a new product to protect their cats from fleas and ticks. There are a few other products on the market that are similar to Activyl, but they are not as effective and may be more expensive. This could lead to a decrease in sales for the pet industry as a whole.

However, it's important to remember that the pet industry is a very resilient business. There will always be a demand for products that keep our beloved pets safe and healthy. So while the discontinuation of Activyl may be a setback, it's unlikely to have a significant impact on the industry in the long run.

What alternatives are available for cat owners now that activyl for cats has been discontinued?

As of July 1, 2018, the Merck Animal Health division of Merck & Co., Inc. has discontinued manufacture and sales of ACTIVYL® (indoxacarb) Topical Solution for Cats. This decision was made as part of the regular business practice of continuously evaluating the Merck Animal Health portfolio and allocating resources to those products that best fit the company's long-term strategic objectives.

While ACTIVYL was a popular product, there are many other great options available for cat owners looking for a topical solution to protect their feline friend from fleas and ticks. Some of these alternatives include:

BRAVECTO® Topical Solution for Cats:

BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats provides 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks in a single, easy-to-apply dose. That means no more monthly treatments, and no more worrying about your cat bringing fleas and ticks into the home.

SENTINEL® Flavor Tabs®:

SENTINEL Flavor Tabs are a monthly oral flea and heartworm prevention medication for dogs and puppies that also protect cats and kittens from fleas. One tablet, given once a month, protects your pet from fleas and heartworm disease. And because it's flavored, most pets love the taste.

COMFORTIS®:

COMFORTIS is a monthly, beef-flavored chewable tablet that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes and prevents reinfestation for a full month. It's safe for use in dogs and puppies 14 weeks of age and older, and cats and kittens 16 weeks of age and older.

TRIFEXIS®:

TRIFEXIS is a monthly, beef-flavored chewable tablet for dogs that kills fleas, prevents heartworm disease, and prevents parasites that can cause intestinal illness. It's safe for use in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, and is the only oral flea and tick preventative that also protects against heartworm disease.

These are just a few of the many options available for cat owners looking for an alternative to ACTIVYL. Talk to your veterinarian about which option may be best for your cat.

How effective was activyl for cats in preventing and treating flea infestations?

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Why did some cat owners choose not to use activyl for cats?

There are several reasons that some cat owners choose not to use activyl for cats. The main reason is activyl is a relatively new product and many people are not familiar with it. In addition, some people believe that it is not as effective as other products on the market. Finally, some people are concerned about the potential side effects of using activyl on their cats.

What side effects were associated with activyl for cats?

There are a number of potential side effects associated with using Activyl for cats. These include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and increased thirst. In some cases, cats may also experience seizures or other neurological problems. If your cat experiences any of these side effects, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

What impact will the discontinuation of activyl for cats have on the environment?

The manufacturers of the flea treatment Activyl have announced they will be discontinuing production of the product for cats. This decision will have a significant impact on the environment, as Activyl was one of the most popular and effective treatments for flea infestations in cats.

When used as directed, Activyl for cats was highly effective at preventing and treating flea infestations. The active ingredient in the product, imidacloprid, worked by killing fleas on contact. This meant that fleas were quickly and effectively controlled, preventing them from reproducing and spreading their infestation.

The discontinuation of Activyl for cats will have a number of impacts on the environment. First, without an effective treatment like Activyl, flea infestations in cats will become more common. This will lead to increased use of other, more harmful products to control fleas, including those that contain toxic chemicals.

Second, the increase in flea infestations will also impact wildlife. Fleas can spread disease to wild animals, and their increased population will likely lead to more animals being affected. This could potentially have a serious impact on local ecosystems.

Third, the discontinuation of Activyl will likely lead to an increase in the number of abandoned and feral cats. Flea infestations are a major reason why people surrender cats to shelters, and without an effective way to treat them, more cats will be left behind. This will put a strain on shelters and rescue groups, and could result in more cats being euthanized.

Fourth, the discontinuation of Activyl will have an economic impact on the pet care industry. Flea treatment is a big business, and the loss of one of the most popular products will undoubtedly have an impact. This could lead to higher prices for other flea treatments, or a decrease in the quality of products available.

Finally, the discontinuation of Activyl will impact the environment in a more general sense. The manufacture and use of the product released a number of harmful chemicals into the environment, and with it gone, there will be one less source of pollution.

The impact of the discontinuation of Activyl for cats on the environment will be significant. Without an effective treatment for flea infestations, cats will suffer, wildlife will be impacted, and the environment will be polluted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Activyl work for cats?

Activyl works by targeting the flea's nervous system, leading to paralysis and eventual death.

How long does it take for Activyl to kill fleas?

It takes Activyl 12 hours to kill adult fleas and 8-12 hours to kill newly arriving fleas.

What is the active ingredient in Activyl?

The active ingredient in Activyl is indoxacarb. Indoxacarb works by bioactivation – enzymes inside the flea activate indoxacarb and release its full flea-killing power. There is no known flea resistance to indoxacarb. Activyl stops flea feeding, followed by paralysis and death after exposure to product.

Is bioactivation safe for kittens?

It is well tolerated by cats and kittens. It is approved for use on cats and kittens over 2 lb from 8 weeks of age. Bioactivation occurs when the cat eats the product or gets it in their system through exposure to the environment. The highly efficacious indoxacarb agent kills pests on contact, meaning that even if petted or grooming pets bring indoor areas infected with spider mites into contact with Activyl, the active ingredients will kill them.

What is the active ingredient in Activyl for cats?

The active ingredient in Activyl for cats is indoxacarb.

Adele Gillet

Adele Gillet

Writer at Nahf

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Adele Gillet is an avid writer who has always had a passion for storytelling. She loves to write about her experiences and share them with others, whether it's through her blog, social media platforms or books. Adele is also a keen traveler and enjoys exploring new places, meeting new people and trying new foods.

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