Patent up on Fipronil used in Frontline

[shelly]

I was  just reading my Consumers magazine for August and noticed a cute little Golden on the cover (actually that is what actually prompted me to read further).   The article said that the patent for fipronil - the chemical used to kill fleas and ticks - used in Frontline products was expiring on August 3rd.  According to reports I tried to find on-line, there are 'cases' pending on it's use. ???, However, I can't seem to find what they are planning to use instead, or IF they will extend their patent.   I don't use it because Tori is so sensitive to everything, but I did use it on our golden retriever and he developed cancer early (NOT that I feel that was the reason, but when you read these reports out there...)  What do you think?  Do the benefits outweigh the "dangers".  (My mother would tell me to 'stay off the internet and stop reading! lol)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Shelly, I'm not sure but my understanding is that when a patent expires it just means that the company with the patent no longer has exclusive use of the product (in this case, chemical formula). So once the patent expires, other companies can use the formula too. So you may actually be seeing MORE of it around but maybe under different names.

 

I'm with you as far as not using chemicals on Tara but I know that in some areas of the country there is a much greater risk of infestation. And if you have to bomb your house, car, yard with chemicals you have kind of lost the advantage of not using preventatives and everyone, including the people are getting a huge dose of chemicals. So in those areas I don't think it is wise to do NOTHING.

 

I believe there are effective non-toxic flea prevention and treatments available but the problem is that the chemical companies have the money and therefore the corner on the "market". There is no big money to be made with natural items as opposed to chemical formulas that they can acquire patents on and therefore have exclusive use of it. Unless, one works with a holistic minded veterinarian, they will be handed all the information about chemical means to treat pests and NO information about any alternatives even being available. Most people completely trust their vets and don't look any further or question what they may be doing to their animals by regularly dosing them with chemicals. That is up until the day their pet dies or becomes extremely ill from a "treatment".

 

ALSO, there is a question in my mind about the long term affects of these treatments even though one may not be seeing any kind of immediate reaction.

 

Keep reading, girl!! LOL!  Knowledge is power!

[shelly]

WOW!  Thanks Ricki!  We do have ticks (dog) here, and I have to say, when I saw one on Tori this spring - I FREAKED out.  Seriously contemplated going out and buying Frontline and 'taking my chances' with her... but I took a step back and waited (and got her hair cut short).  then I said... I treat my yard and call and get it sprayed....DH said to wait it out and the ticks would probably subside, I called around and asked about the 'stuff' they used...and when he said take all toys in and wash off swingsets, etc and don't let pets out for a while, I worried again (because - that's what i do!)  We haven't sprayed, still thinking I should have by now, but I still don't want tori in the grass.  I do wipe her down with a natural spray and I am hoping this helps.  I do know there are also lots of homemade sprays you can make.....I'm going to read more now.

[F, Calla & Luca]

They cannot extend a patent when it runs out. This means that generic equivalents can be made and for Frontline, the generics are already out. There was a reecent discussion on Frontline.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/why-i-will-no-longer-be-using

I'm not happy about using it but I am still using it.

[shelly]

I did see that, and I guess that's why this article caught my eye... I wonder why, though that if something or someone has a patent does it only last for a predetermined amount of time.  what about manufactured goods and the like?  Hmm... I guess that's why we often call tissues - KLEENEX and zippered plastic bags, ZIPLOC.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

There was a discussion on the main forum about Walmart selling generic Frontline Plus

 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/walmart-is-selling-generic