Pergolide based products for horses - Minimise the risk of accidental human ingestion
For awareness and action regarding accidental ingestion of pergolide based products.
If you, or someone you know accidentally ingests a pergolide based product then you/they should seek immediate medical advice and assistance. It is recommended that you bring the related product leaflet with you to show the medical professional.
Signs seen with pergolide ingestion can include vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, or a drop in blood pressure, therefore you should not drive yourself, and should have someone accompany you to the hospital. Do not operate machinery following accidental pergolide ingestion.
Report directly to VMD
We strongly encourage anyone who is aware of a human adverse event due to veterinary medicinal products to report directly to us via our online reporting form.
Provide all relevant information, including the batch number.
In addition to continuously monitoring all reports of suspected adverse events in animals, both adverse reactions and lack of efficacy reports, from authorised veterinary medicinal products, we monitor reports of suspected adverse events to human when administering medicines authorised and used in animals, such as those containing pergolide.
The reporting of adverse events is critical to our ongoing monitoring activities in order to protect animal health, public health, and the environment.
Find out more about pharmacovigilance on vmdconnect.uk.
About the products
Pergolide is an ergot derivative commonly used in the treatment of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease in horses. It is mainly seen in tablet form to be administered orally to the affected horse once a day. It may be hidden in a food stuff, such as carrots, apples, treats, to encourage the animal to eat the product, and therefore could pose a risk for accidental ingestion by humans.
This potential risk could be increased by a lapse in time from preparation to administration of the product.
The VMD recommend:
- Treatments are prepared as close to administration as possible, especially limit any time that the medication is concealed as this could increase the risk for accidental human ingestion.
- Ensure medication is properly labelled and stored in the original packaging with the leaflet and is out of immediate reach such as on a high shelf or in a secure cabinet.
- Handle pergolide products with care.