Barbara,
I think you may not understand the difference between the interferon
prescribed for humans, and some of our cats, (Interferon Alpha), and
feline interferon, (Interferon Omega, also talked about as VO, or
Virbagen Omega, its brand name) which is for use in animals only and NOT
approved for use yet in the United States. The Interferon A, (the one
that our vets are allowed by law to give you), is a clear, tasteless
liquid that you give orally. Usually the dose is 1 cc in a pulse
protocol, (meaning that it is given for several days, then not, and then
given again, for the same amount of days). The Interferon Omega is very
fragile and must be given in a Sub Q, (under the skin), injection. It is
very expensive, (around $750 for a minimum order), and takes a long time
to get because your vet must ask our FDA, (food and drug
administration), for special permission to prescribe it, and it must be
ordered from a country that has approved its use.
I don't think that my vet's office would appreciate the packet they've
made up for VETS to help them with the paperwork to the FDA being copied
and circulated to individual pet owners. They were very specific about
having only vets call the office for the information, not the owners. It
won't do you a bit of good without your vet's okay anyway. The FDA will
not work with you without a vet that believes this drug may make a
difference in your particular cat. I'm not positive about this, but I
think in order for the FDA to consider special approval, a vet must
indicate that it is a life or death situation.
The benefit of the Interferon Omega is that it is derived from feline
DNA, not human DNA, and it is therefore thought to have better results
in long-term use for cats, (they may not build immunities to it). I know
that this explanation is simplistic, but many people are confused about
the differences and I'm hoping it will help you, as well as others,
understand what's involved. If you still think that Interferon Omega is
something you'd like to pursue, please have your vet contact my vet
directly.
Nina
Barbara Baass wrote:
*Hideyo, yes, could you please make me a copy and send it or fax it to
me? My number is 512-835-2484.*
*/Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>/* wrote:
Ask your vet to contact Michelle Rose - the number is 805-339-2290
(Nina’s vet) – I also a received a packet, if you want me to make
a copy for you, I can.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of
*Barbara Baass
*Sent:* Friday, June 10, 2005 2:30 PM
*To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
*Subject:* Re: Interferon and seizure meds
