First, Rimadyl's manufacturer, Pfizer, has taken a great leap forward by being the first animal health company to provide Owner Information Sheets for Rimadyl Caplets and Rimadyl Chewable Tablets. The sheets tell, in fairly plain English, what to expect from Rimadyl, what to discuss with your veterinarian before giving Rimadyl, and possible side effects, which include typical side effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDS), plus death.

The company worked with the FDA in developing the Owner Information Sheets, which are patterned after the Patient Prescribing Information which accompanies prescription medicines for people. Pfizer will be introducing the sheets for its other animal health pharmaceuticals in the near future.

Improvements incorporated in the Owner Information Sheets were suggested by members of B.A.R.K.S. (Be Aware of Rimadyl's Known Side Effects) at a meeting with Pfizer in June, 1999.

"People are taking a hands-on approach to their own -- and their pets' -- medical conditions," notes Ed Kanara, veterinarian and Director of Technical Services for Pfizer's Companion Animal Division. "Pfizer's Owner Information Sheets will help to educate conscientious pet owners by providing them with the product usage information they need to get the most benefit from the product and to ensure the best possible health care for their pets."

While some B.A.R.K.S. members told Good Dog! that the Sheets don't go far enough in discussing potential hazards of Rimadyl use, it's certainly a major step toward providing more complete information to consumers, and to veterinarians (who have shown a remarkable lack of knowledge of the problems with the drug). We at Good Dog! commend Pfizer for this move, and encourage other drug manufacturers to follow suit.

Meanwhile, there's a new educational video about Rimadyl from B.A.R.K.S. It tells the complete Rimadyl story from its beginning through March, 2000. To order a tape, send a check for $4 (payable to Jane Sinclair) to: Cheryl Watton, Advance Multimedia, 26600 Telegraph Road, Southfield, MI 48034.

One more note: The Owner Information Sheet for Rimadyl Chewables says "Rimadyl Chewable Tablets are designed to taste good to animals. Keep Rimadyl Chewable Tablest in a secured storage area out of the reach of your dog and other pets." That's a reference to the problem of dogs stealing the chewables, then getting sick from overdosing.