Simparica Trio contains sarolaner, a member of the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in dogs with or without a history of neurologic disorders.
That same information showed 720 reported seizures for Bravecto in four years and 557 for Simparica in three years. For Credelio, six seizures were reported in the first six months after its approval. The manufacturers said the risk of side effects is rare, less than one in 10,000 doses sold.
Seizures in dogs are common, but it does appear that the risk increases when using Nexgard, Bravecto and Simparica.
If you give your dog or cat the flea and tick preventatives Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio, the FDA wants you to be aware that these medications may cause neurological issues like stumbling, seizures, and twitching in your pet.
Simparica Trio should be used with caution in dogs with a history of seizures. This is because drugs in the isoxazoline class have been associated with neurologic reactions including seizures, tremors, and ataxia in dogs with or without a history of neurologic disorders.
The cumulative deaths reported to April 2021 ranged from a high of 2,627 (24%) for fluralaner (Bravecto®) to 726 (2.8%) for afoxolaner (NexGard®) and 412 (12.7%) for sarolaner (Simparica®).
Side Effects & Warnings
Simparica is for use only in dogs, 6 months of age and older. Simparica may cause abnormal neurologic signs such as tremors, unsteadiness, and/or seizures.
Additionally, the chemicals in some flea treatments can be irritating to dogs, leading to discomfort and restlessness. Finally, some dogs may experience an allergic reaction to the ingredients in flea medicine, which can also lead to restlessness.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. While Simparica was trialed and not approved, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Abnormal neurologic signs such as tremors, decreased conscious proprioception, ataxia, decreased or absent menace, and/or seizures were reported in dogs receiving SIMPARICA (see Animal Safety).
Bravecto works for three months and has by far the fastest flea-killing time compared to other oral flea products. I know several seizure-prone dogs that have safely taken Bravecto with no side effects. Choose a flea control product you and your veterinarian feel is safe for your dog's needs.
How long does Simparica protection last? Simparica is a monthly chewable that starts protecting in hours* and lasts for 35 days.
The police dog in question who was given Simparica Trio eventually recovered. It is important to help the animal detox, giving a twice-daily dose of 250-500 mg milk thistle for three to four weeks, plus a few drops of fish oil and a teaspoon of coconut oil daily.
Simparica Trio contains sarolaner, a member of the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in dogs with or without a history of neurologic disorders.
Nexgard eliminates 100% existing flea within just 24 hours. On the other hand, Simparica begins to eliminate adult fleas in just 3 hours and ticks in just 8 hours.
Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Prior to administration of SIMPARICA TRIO, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections. Infected dogs should be treated with an adulticide to remove adult heartworms.
Simparica is safe and effective in the treatment and prevention of flea infestations.
Since these products have obtained their respective FDA approvals, data received by the agency as part of its routine post-marketing activities indicates that some animals receiving Bravecto, Nexgard or Simparica have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures.
Simparica Trio Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon but can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and itching or skin irritation. If you notice any of these symptoms it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent any long lasting effects.
Currently, for Simparica, less than 0.01% of dogs taking this medication have experienced any neurologic side effects. The FDA considers this level to be “very rare”. The isoxazoline class of drugs acts at receptors in the central nervous system of invertebrates like fleas and ticks.
In the US field study, one dog with a history of seizures experienced a seizure on the same day after receiving the first dose and on the same day after receiving the second dose of NexGard. This dog experienced a third seizure one week after receiving the third dose.
When treated with concentrated permethrin-containing products labeled for use on dogs, they typically develop muscle tremors, incoordination, seizures, hyperthermia, and death within hours if the toxicity is not treated," the website states.
I have read that Simparica may cause side effects including muscle tremors, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, otitis externa, hyperactivity, neurological side effects, seizures, convulsions, anxiety and skin irritation.
Final Thoughts on Bravecto vs Simparica
Bravecto costs just a little bit more than Simparica but is worth every penny if you value the convenience factor of administering only once every 12 weeks. It's also worth considering that Bravecto will kill any new fleas since administering it.