Elanco's Consumer Advertising Campaign Raises Heartworm Awareness

GREENFIELD, Ind., May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Elanco Companion Animal Health's national consumer advertising campaign for Trifexis® (spinosad + milbemycin oxime) and its first television commercial are generating awareness for heartworm disease in time for increasingly warmer temperatures.

Television advertisements for Trifexis can be seen on national network and cable channels, and print advertisements are in lifestyle and pet enthusiast magazines like People, Good Housekeeping, Fetch and more. Sunday newspaper supplements like Parade and USA Weekend are featuring print advertisements, along with online ads on popular websites including AnimalPlanet.com, Weather.com and PetMD.com.

"Pet owners are increasingly influenced by advertising for pet health information," said Stephen A. Connell, DVM, director of technical, academic and consumer services for Elanco Companion Animal Health. "As warmer weather approaches, the importance of heartworm prevention increases. This campaign allows Elanco to deliver its message directly to pet owners and encourages them to find out more about our products from their veterinarian, their best source for pet health information." 

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)(1) predicts higher-than-average heartworm risk nationwide this spring. The above-normal temperatures and heavy precipitation is a thriving environment for mosquitoes. CAPC recommends pet owners have their pets examined annually by a veterinarian and give their pet preventives that eliminate the risk of infection by heartworms.

The campaign is intended to increase traffic in veterinary clinics, increase product sales and encourage year-round protection for pets. Raising consumer awareness will drive more pet owners to their veterinarians, which helps improve the health of their pets.

In conjunction with the campaign, a rebate offer for $20 off the purchase of a 12-month supply or $10 off a 6‑month supply is available for pet owners. Rebate forms can be downloaded at Trifexis.com and Comfortis.com.

"We couldn't be more excited for the campaign," Connell said. "It is exceeding expectations and pet owners are responding positively."

Important Safety Information for Trifexis

Serious adverse reactions have been reported following concomitant extra-label use of ivermectin with spinosad alone, one of the components of Trifexis chewable tablets. Treatment with fewer than three monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm prevention. Prior to administration of Trifexis, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection. The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials were vomiting, pruritus, lethargy and diarrhea. To ensure heartworm prevention, dogs should be observed for one hour after administration. If vomiting occurs within an hour after administration, redose with another full dose. Puppies less than 14 weeks of age may experience a higher rate of vomiting. For product label, including complete safety information, see next pages or visit trifexis.com.

About Elanco

Elanco is a global, innovation-driven company that develops and markets products to improve animal health production in more than 75 countries. Elanco Companion Animal Health enables veterinarians to help pets live longer, healthier, higher-quality lives through innovative, safe and effective products; product, technical and case management support; economic value; and support of the important bond between humans, pets and their veterinarians. More information is available at elanco.com and trifexis.com.

(1) www.petsandparasites.org

©2012 Elanco CAH875

SOURCE Elanco