Zorbium Safety and Testing Concerns

In Elanco's Technical Bulletin, the safety precautions and limitations surrounding the use of Zorbium are outlined. According to the bulletin, Zorbium's safe use has not been evaluated in a range of feline conditions and circumstances, including debilitated cats, those with renal, hepatic, cardiac, or respiratory diseases, pregnant or lactating cats, breeding cats, as well as cats younger than four months or older than 5 years old, or weighing less than 2.6 lbs or more than 16.5 lbs.

This statement highlights the significant gaps in Zorbium's testing and evaluation process. By focusing primarily on young and healthy cats without pre-existing conditions, the efficacy and safety of Zorbium in real-world scenarios remain uncertain.  It is also worth noting that the majority of deceased cats who received Zorbium were not healthy, highlighting a critical oversight in its administration to cats with pre-existing conditions. 

The exclusion of cats with debilitating conditions from clinical trials raises concerns about the drug's suitability for a broad range of feline patients. Cat owners and veterinarians must be aware of these testing limitations and exercise caution when considering Zorbium for pain management in cats. It is essential to explore alternative options and advocate for comprehensive testing to ensure the safety and well-being of feline companions. Additionally, alternative pain management options have existed prior to the introduction of Zorbium and have demonstrated greater safety for both cats and humans.