2021 Independence Day Holiday Schedule

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Holly

VetRxDirect will be closed Saturday, July 3rd, 2021 in observance of Independence Day.

Our pharmacy will have abbreviated hours and shipping schedules. While VetRxDirect.com is available 24 hours a day for online order placement, please pay particular attention to our hours and shipping schedule, especially if you rely on our pharmacy for insulin or other temperature-sensitive products.

Thursday, July 1st: Last day to ship temperature-sensitive orders until Tuesday.
Friday, July 2nd: Regular hours. No temperature-sensitive orders will ship. (*Except for Saturday Delivery Service)
Saturday, July 3rd: CLOSED.
Sunday, July 4th: CLOSED.
Monday, July 5th: Regular Hours. No orders will ship.
Tuesday, July 6th: Resume normal hours shipping policies.

*Prescription orders, including temperature-sensitive drugs, can only ship after approval from your veterinarian. Prescription authorization must be obtained before 3 PM CST in order to be shipped out on the same day. Visit our website for more information.

Please feel free to leave a message or send us an email at info@vetrxdirect.com anytime. We’ll return your call or send replies during our next business hours after your message.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Elura Approved for Weight Loss in Cats

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Holly

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Elura (capromorelin oral solution) as the first drug for the management of weight loss in cats with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, is the persistent loss of kidney function over time. Cats with chronic kidney disease may begin to lose weight before getting diagnosed by a veterinarian and typically continue to lose weight as the disease progresses.

Capromorelin, the active ingredient in Elura, provides a novel mechanism of action to address weight loss in cats with CKD. It stimulates appetite and the secretion of growth hormone. Weight gain in cats taking Elura is thought to be due to a combination of increased food intake and metabolic changes.

Capromorelin is also approved as Entyce for appetite stimulation in dogs. Elura is the second product that the FDA has approved for the management of unintended weight loss in cats. The first product, Mirataz, is an appetite stimulant applied topically to the skin. Learn more about the approval of Elura.

Signs of Weight Loss in Cats

It is important to keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits and observe any changes in their body condition while holding or petting them. Report these changes to your veterinarian.

Reduced interest in food
Changes in the amount eaten
An increased amount of time taken to eat
Bony protrusions or ribs
Tender spots
Lumps or bumps

If you are concerned about your cat’s weight loss, speak with your veterinarian about treatment options.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet.