The only pour-on NSAID for cattle is now approved to control fever due to mastitis.

February 16, 2023

2 Min Read
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Merck Animal Health has received approval from the FDA for expanded indication for Banamine Transdermal (flunixin transdermal solution). The new indication is for the control of pyrexia (fever) due to acute mastitis with a short milk withhold of 48 hours.

“This new indication means Banamine Transdermal can be given with confidence to lactating cows,” said Scott Nordstrom, D.V.M., director of livestock innovation and discovery for Merck Animal Health. “With simple, pour-on administration along the animal’s back, Banamine Transdermal saves time and labor costs while getting cows back into the milking string fast.”

In a multi-site field study, 95% of dairy cows with acute mastitis had a reduction in fever of 2° F or more six hours after treatment with Banamine Transdermal. That compared to 35% of untreated controls.

“Studies also show that a single dose of Banamine Transdermal is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes and has a long duration of activity at the site of inflammation,” said Nordstrom. “This gives cattle the best opportunity to recover quickly and return to productivity.”

Introduced in 2018, Banamine Transdermal is the first and only FDA-approved product for pain control in a food-producing animal, and the first and only non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory (NSAID) cattle product available as a pour-on. It is a prescription product labeled for control of fever associated with bovine respiratory disease and acute mastitis, and for control of pain associated with foot rot. 

Banamine Transdermal is easy to administer, and it eliminates the time-consuming and stressful treatment process associated with intravenous (IV) administration, which is the administration route of previous NSAIDs.

Workers can easily administer Banamine Transdermal without extensive training. The pre-calibrated packaging and red-colored solution help ensure the correct dose is given every time. The unique bottle design makes it simple to apply topically on dry skin in a narrow strip down the animal’s midline from the withers to the tail head.

“Caregivers can see visible results from relieving pain and fever symptoms in animals,” said Nordstrom. “This additional FDA claim for Banamine Transdermal is the latest example of the commitment from Merck Animal Health to improving animal care and providing dairy producers’ with options through innovation.”

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