Discontinuation of the sale of Permax (pergolide mesylate)

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the Veterinary Drugs Directorate of Health Canada are aware that veterinarians and horse owners are concerned that as of August 30, 2007 Eli Lilly Canada Inc. has stopped sale of Permax (pergolide mesylate) in Canada. Veterinarians have been prescribing pergolide for horses affected by pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) or equine Cushing's disease.

Although the manufacturer has stopped marketing Permax for human use in Canada, the VDD will work with veterinarians who are interested in obtaining Permax through the EDR Program. For more information, veterinarians should contact the EDR program by phone at (613) 948-2381 or fax at (613) 946-1125.

For further information, please visit the CVMA web site.