Palladia Treatment
Palladia (toceranib phosphate) tablets
This summary contains important information about Palladia. You should read this information before you start giving your dog Palladia and review it each time the prescription is refilled as there may be new information. This sheet is provided only as a summary and does not take the place of instructions from your veterinarian. Talk with your veterinarian if you do not understand any of this information or if you want to know more about Palladia.
What is Palladia?
Palladia, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a drug used to treat mast cell tumors, a common
form of cancer that affects dogs.
Palladia works in two ways:
• By killing tumor cells.
• By cutting off the blood supply to the tumor.
Your veterinarian has decided to include Palladia as a part of your dog’s treatment plan for mast cell tumor. Other types of treatment, such as surgery, drug treatment and/or radiation may be included in the plan. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about all parts of your dog’s treatment plan.
What do I need to tell my veterinarian about my dog before administering Palladia?
Tell your veterinarian about all other medications your pet is taking, including: prescription drugs; over-the-counter drugs; heartworm, flea & tick medications; vitamins and supplements, including herbal medications.
Tell your veterinarian if your dog is pregnant, nursing puppies, or is intended for breeding purposes.
How do I give Palladia to my dog?
Palladia should be given to your dog by mouth (orally).
Palladia may be hidden inside a treat; be certain your dog swallows the entire tablet(s).
Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for how much and how often to give Palladia.
See the Handling Instructions section below in order to administer Palladia safely to
your dog.
How will Palladia affect my dog?
Palladia may help shrink your dog’s tumor. Like other cancer treatments, it can be
difficult to predict whether your dog’s tumor will respond to Palladia and if it does
respond, how long it will remain responsive to Palladia. Regular check-ups by your
veterinarian are necessary to determine whether your dog is responding as expected,
and to decide whether your dog should continue to receive Palladia.
What are some possible side effects of Palladia?
Like all drugs, Palladia may cause side effects, even at the prescribed dose. Serious
side effects can occur, with or without warning, and may in some situations result in death.
• The most common side effects which may occur with Palladia include diarrhea,
decreased or loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss, and blood in the stool.
Stop Palladia immediately and contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes in your dog:
• Refusal to eat
• Vomiting or watery stools (diarrhea), especially if more frequent than two times in 24 hours
• Black tarry stools
• Bright red blood in vomit or stools
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Or if your dog experiences other changes that concern you
There are other side effects that may occur. For a more complete list, ask your veterinarian.
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
What do I need to know to handle Palladia safely?
Because Palladia is an anti-cancer drug, extra care must be taken when handling the
tablets, giving the drug to your dog, and cleaning up after your dog.
Palladia is not for use in humans.
You should keep Palladia in a secure storage area out of the reach of children. Children should not come in contact with Palladia. Keep children away from feces, urine, or vomit of treated dogs.
If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or planning to become pregnant and you choose to administer Palladia to your dog, you should be particularly careful and follow the handling procedures described below.
Palladia prevents the formation of new blood vessels in tumors. In a similar manner, Palladia may affect blood vessel formation in the developing fetus and may harm an unborn baby (cause birth defects). For pregnant women, accidental ingestion of Palladia may have adverse effects on pregnancy.
If Palladia is accidentally ingested by you or a family member, seek medical advice immediately. It is important to show the treating physician a copy of the package insert or label. In cases of accidental human ingestion of Palladia, you may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting or diarrhea.
The following handling procedures will help to minimize exposure to the active ingredient in Palladia for you and other members of your household:
Anyone who administers Palladia to your dog should wash their hands after handling
tablets.
When you or others are handling the tablets:
• Do not split or break the tablets to avoid disrupting the protective film coating.
• Palladia tablets should be administered to your dog immediately after they are removed from the bottle.
• Protective gloves should be worn if handling broken or moistened tablets. If your dog spits out the Palladia tablet, the tablet will be moistened and should be handled with protective gloves.
• If the Palladia tablet is “hidden” in food, make sure that your dog has eaten the entire dose. This will minimize the potential for exposure to children or other household members.
Cleaning up after your dog:
• Because Palladia is present in the stool, urine, and vomit of dogs under treatment, you must wear protective gloves to clean up after your treated dog.
• While your dog receives Palladia, place the stool, feces, or vomit, and any disposable towels used to clean up in a plastic bag which should be sealed for general household disposal. This will minimize the potential for exposure to people in contact with the trash.
• You should not wash any items soiled with stool, urine, or vomit from your dog with other laundry.
This client information sheet gives the most important information about Palladia. For more information about Palladia, talk with your veterinarian.
To report a suspected adverse reaction call Pfizer Animal Health at 1-800-366-5288.
Made in Italy
Distributed by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company
Division of Pfizer Inc, New York, NY 10017
Issued March 31, 2009