Econor

Econor is available as a premix for medicated feeding stuff for pigs (10% and 50%) and rabbits (10%), and as an oral powder for pigs (10%). Not all strengths may be available in every country. Econor premix is mixed into pig or rabbit feed by an authorised feed mill and the resulting “medicated feeding stuff” is then distributed to the farmer to treat a large number of pigs or rabbits. The oral powder is mixed into pig feed by the pig owner and is used to treat individual pigs. The dose and length of treatment depend on the condition, the animal for which it is being used and its bodyweight.

Econor can only be obtained with a prescription. For further information about using Econor, see the package leaflet or contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

The active substance of Econor is valnemulin, an antibiotic of the pleuromutilin group. It works by blocking the production of proteins inside the bacteria and thereby stopping their growth. Valnemulin is active against a range of bacteria including those responsible for the diseases listed above.

In studies in the treatment and prevention of swine dysentery, Econor in feed at a dose of 3 to 4 mg valnemulin per kg bodyweight daily (i.e. 75 mg per kg feed) for at least 7 days successfully treated swine dysentery. Econor at a dose of 1 to 1.5 mg valnemulin per kg bodyweight per day (i.e. 25 mg per kg feed) effectively prevented the development of the disease.

In studies in the treatment and prevention of swine enzootic pneumonia, Econor in feed at a dose of 10 to 12 mg valnemulin per kg bodyweight daily (i.e. 200 mg per kg feed) for up to 4 weeks reduced lung lesions, improved clinical signs and pig growth rates compared to untreated pigs. However, infection with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae was not eliminated.

In prevention of porcine colonic spirochaetosis (colitis), Econor in feed at a dose of 1 to 1.5 mg valnemulin per kg bodyweight daily (i.e. 25 mg per kg feed) was effective in controlling the clinical signs and prevented weight loss caused by the disease in untreated pigs.

For treatment of porcine proliferative enteropathy (ileitis), Econor in feed at a dose of 3 to 4 mg valnemulin per kg bodyweight daily (i.e. 75 mg per kg feed) for 10 days improved the clinical condition of the pigs, reduced diarrhoea and reduced weight loss. 

In a study involving 1,152 weaned rabbits, after an outbreak of ERE, treatment with Econor for 21 days reduced mortality during a 4 week period from 23% in untreated rabbits to 11% in those given 20 mg valnemulin per kg of feed, and about 8% in those given 35 mg valnemulin per kg feed. Econor had a positive effect in terms of reducing the severity of disease and improving its outcome.

In pigs, serious adverse drug reactions following the use of Econor are mainly associated with breeds and cross breeds of Danish and/or Swedish Landrace. Extreme care should, therefore, be taken when using Econor in pigs of Scandinavian origin.

The most common side effects in pigs are pyrexia (high temperature) and a lack of appetite; in severe cases, they might become uncoordinated and remain lying down. Some pigs may also suffer oedema (swelling caused by fluid) or erythema (redness) on the hindquarters, and palpebral (eyelid) oedema.

If side effects occur, Econor-containing food should be immediately removed; severely affected pigs should be moved to clean, dry pens and given appropriate treatment.

Tympanism (distension of the abdomen) is more frequent in rabbits treated with Econor than in untreated rabbits.

Rabbits must not be given overdoses of Econor as this may disturb gastrointestinal flora (gut bacteria) leading to the development of enterotoxaemia (infection of the gut).

Gloves should be worn when handling the product. Direct contact with the skin, mouth and nose should be avoided when mixing Econor and handling the final feed containing the medicine.

If Econor is accidentally consumed by a person, medical advice should be sought immediately and the package leaflet or label shown to the doctor. People known to be allergic to valnemulin should use Econor with caution.

The withdrawal period is the time required after administration of the medicine and before the animal can be slaughtered and the meat used for human consumption. The withdrawal period for meat and offal from pigs treated with Econor is one day and for meat and offal from rabbits treated with Econor it is ‘zero’ days, which means that there is no mandatory waiting time.

The European Medicines Agency decided that Econor’s benefits are greater than its risks and it can be authorised for use in the EU.

Econor received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union on 12 March 1999.