LAVERDIA®-CA1

(verdinexor tablets)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laverdia®-CA1 (verdinexor tablets)?

Laverdia®-CA1 is a conditionally approved cancer drug used to treat lymphoma in dogs. The active ingredient in LAVERDIA®-CA1 is verdinexor, a substance that works by preventing tumor suppressing proteins from leaving the nucleus of cells, resulting in disruption of cancer cell survival and eventual cancer cell death.

For a veterinary drug to receive conditional approval, it must be shown to be safe when used according to the label. It must also demonstrate a “reasonable expectation of effectiveness,” but has not yet proven that it meets the “substantial evidence” standard of effectiveness for full approval. While a drug is conditionally approved it is not to be used for any extra-label species or indications.

What does Laverdia®-CA1 do?

In cancer cells, transport proteins are over produced and work to remove tumor suppressing proteins. Laverdia®-CA1 blocks the transport proteins so the tumor suppressing proteins stay inside the nucleus of the cell and help trigger the cell to die.

 

When might my veterinarian recommend Laverdia®-CA1?

Because Laverdia®-CA1 is conditionally approved, it can only be used for canine lymphoma. However, your veterinarian can prescribe Laverdia®-CA1 for any type or presentation of lymphoma in dogs. They can prescribe it while you wait for referral to an oncologist (we recommend consulting your oncologist about this first). They can also prescribe it after your dog comes out of remission.

How is Laverdia®-CA1 administered?

Laverdia®-CA1 is available in several oral tablet strengths to help provide precise dosing for your dog. Laverdia®-CA1 should be given twice weekly with 72 hours in between dosing. Be sure to give the exact dose your veterinarian recommends. Its also very important that the drug is given with food. If your dog isn’t eating, discuss this with your veterinarian as they may be able to prescribe some additional medicine to help stimulate their appetite.

What are the possible side effects of Laverdia®-CA1?

Laverdia®-CA1 may cause side effects, even at the prescribed dose. Serious side effects can occur, with or without warning.
The most frequent side effects are:

  • Decreased/Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy

There are other side effects that may occur. For more information about side effects ask your veterinarian.

Stop Laverdia®-CA1 immediately and contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes in your dog:

  • Refusal to eat for more than 1 day
  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • If your dog experiences other changes that concern you

How should I handle Laverdia®-CA1?

Because Laverdia®-CA1 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.

  • LAVERDIA®-CA1 is not for use in humans.
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
  • Keep LAVERDIA®-CA1 in a secure storage area:
    • Out of the reach of children. Children should not come in contact with LAVERDIA®-CA1.
    • Out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose.
  • Do not store near food or near a food preparation area, or with medications intended for use in humans.
  • Pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and nursing women should not handle or administer LAVERDIA®-CA1 or come in contact with the feces, urine, vomit, or saliva from LAVERDIA®-CA1 treated dogs.
  • LAVERDIA®-CA1 may harm an unborn baby. For pregnant and nursing women, accidental ingestion of LAVERDIA®-CA1 may have adverse effects on pregnancy or the nursing baby.
  • LAVERDIA®-CA1 may affect female and male fertility.

How should I clean up after my dog during treatment with Laverdia®-CA1?

Because Laverdia®-CA1 is a cancer treatment drug, extra care must be taken when cleaning up after your dog for 3 days after the last treatment with Laverdia®-CA1.

  • Avoid direct contact with feces, urine, vomit, or saliva during treatment and for 3 days after the dog has completed treatment with Laverdia®-CA1.
  • Any skin that comes in contact with feces, urine, vomit, or saliva should be washed immediately with soap and water.
  • When cleaning up feces, urine, vomit, or saliva you should wear protective disposable chemotherapy resistant gloves and collect the contaminated material with disposable absorptive material (such as paper towels) and place them into a plastic bag. Carefully remove the  gloves and place them in the bag and tie or fasten it securely. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
  • You should not wash any items soiled with feces, urine, vomit, or saliva from your dog with other laundry during treatment and for 3 days after the dog has completed treatment.
  • Do not let your dog urinate or defecate in areas where people may come in direct contact with the urine or feces.
  • Children should not come in contact with the feces, urine, vomit, or  saliva of treated dogs.
  • Gloves and waste bags can be discarded with normal household trash.

Important Safety Information:
For use in dogs only. Laverdia®-CA1 (verdinexor tablets) is conditionally approved for the treatment of lymphoma in dogs. NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH LAVERDIA®-CA1. Pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, nursing women and children should not handle or administer Laverdia®-CA1 or come into contact with the feces, urine, saliva, or vomit of treated dogs for 3 days following treatment. LAVERDIA®-CA1 may affect female and male fertility. Wear protective disposable chemotherapy resistant gloves when handling Laverdia®-CA1 to avoid direct exposure to moistened, broken or crushed tablets or feces, urine, saliva or vomit from the treated dog. Do not use in dogs that are pregnant, nursing puppies or intended for breeding. Frequent check-ups by your veterinarian are necessary to determine whether your dog is responding to treatment, and to decide whether your dog should continue treatment with Laverdia®-CA1. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in dogs include decreased/loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive urination, excessive thirst, elevated liver enzymes, and low blood platelet count. Please see Client information Sheet and package insert for full product information.