AVAILABLE IN SEVERAL SIZE BOTTLES OF ORAL SOLUTION
BACKGROUND
Obesity has become a widespread human health issue in the United States and weight control has received attention not just for its aesthetic results but for its health benefits. The benefits of weight control should not be surprising to anyone but the fact that obesity is an enormous problem for pets may come as news. As with humans, our pets experience joint and respiratory problems as well as a general reduction in mobility as they become obese and weight control is as big an issue for our pets as it is for us.
One might think that since pets do not shop for their food and are not influenced by commercials for snacks, that weight loss would be easier for them. After all, they are 100% dependent on their owners for food and if the owner provides a weight loss diet in the proper amount, the pet should lose the extra weight. Still, what ought to work on paper, sometimes does not work in reality. Many people bond to their pet through feeding treats, some pets simply don’t have a metabolism that works for weight loss diets, some families have multiple pets and cannot control the amount or type of food that one pet eats.
Dirlotapide was developed by Pfizer to assist in canine weight loss. After a four month weight loss program, the average weight loss was 12% of the initial body weight. Special weight loss diets were unnecessary, though would still be a good recommendation in a total weight control program.
Dirlotapide works on an intestinal enzyme called “MTP” (which stands for microsomal triglyceride transfer protein). The fats in the food we eat cannot simply be absorbed into our bloodstreams because fat is not soluble in the water of our blood. Instead, the fats must be combined with protein to form small globules called “chylomicrons.” Chylomicrons are absorbed into special intestinal lymphatic vessels where they ultimately transfer into the bloodstream. From there they seem to go directly to storage areas in our bellies, hips, thighs etc
Dirlotapide inhibits MTP which means fats come into the intestinal cell but they do not leave. One would think this would damage the intestinal cell but before it comes to that, fat accumulation in the intestinal cell triggers a hormonal reaction leading to the release of a substance called “peptide YY.” This peptide and other hormones like it tell the brain that we are full and we should stop eating now. Dirlotapide works not by preventing fat absorption into the body but by fooling the brain into feeling satisfied with a smaller meal.
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Unfortunately, dirlotapide works for dogs only and has no human or even feline applications.
HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED
The dirlotapide program consists of both a weight loss and a weight maintenance phase. A goal weight is determined by the veterinarian and ideally a reducing diet is prescribed in a measured amount, though a successful weight loss can still be achieved on the dog’s regular food. A dosing schedule is calculated at this point but after 2 weeks, the dose is generally doubled. During the weight loss phase, monthly weigh-ins are recommended at the veterinarian’s office. The proper weight loss rate during this phase is 0.1% of initial body weight daily or 3% per month. After the first month, dosing of the medication depends on how the weight loss is going.
After the pet has achieved the desired weight, dirlotapide is continued for at least 3 months. After dirlotapide is discontinued, the pet must rely on the owner’s food choices and activity provided to maintain the proper weight.
Dirlotapide is given once daily by mouth.
SIDE EFFECTS
The most common side effect is upset stomach (vomiting) when the medication is first started (or if the dose is increased). This is a self-limiting problem and should resolve without treatment as the dog gets used to the medication. Other side effects reported have been lethargy, diarrhea, or appetite loss but none of these side effects should persist longer than 2 days. If they do, contact your veterinarian.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
No drug interactions have been reported at this time.
Because dirlotapide alters fat absorption into the body, blood levels of vitamins A, E, and K (the fat soluble vitamins) will be lower than normal during the weight loss phase of treatment. This is insignificant for dogs on normal commercial dog foods but because home-cooked foods often have inadequate vitamin content, especially vitamin E, home-cooked diets are not recommended during dirlotapide use.
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS
Dirlotapide is for dogs only. It is not effective in cats or humans. In the obese cat, dirlotapide increases the risk for the development of hepatic lipidosis.
Dirlotapide is not recommended for dogs with liver disease, uncontrolled Cushing’s disease, or in dogs receiving corticosteroids such as prednisone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone.
Dirlotapide should not be used in young, growing dogs, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or nursing dogs as it has not be adequately tested in these special circumstances.
Do not wash the dosing syringe with water as water can cause color changes and promote bacterial growth in the dirlotapide bottle. The manufacturer recommends simply wiping the dosing syringe with a paper towel or dry cloth.
A pet that is 20% over its ideal weight is considered obese. For more details on pet weight loss, visit:
