Fungitraxx

Fungitraxx is a veterinary medicine that contains the active substance itraconazole. It is available as a solution to be given by mouth.

Fungitraxx is used to treat ornamental birds with two types of fungal infections of the respiratory tract (aspergillosis and candidiasis). It can be used to treat aspergillosis in cockatoos, parrots, parakeets, budgerigars, falcons, hawks, owls and swans, and also to treat candidiasis in cockatoos, parrots, parakeets and budgerigars. It is given by mouth at a dose of 5 to 10 mg itraconazole per kg bodyweight each day for 8 weeks for aspergillosis, and 10 mg per kg daily for 2 weeks for candidiasis.

Itraconazole is an antifungal medicine. It works by blocking the production of a compound in the fungus called ergosterol which is an important part of fungal cell membranes. By blocking production of this compound, itraconazole leads to the breakdown of the fungal cells, killing the fungus or preventing it from spreading.

A field study was performed with 62 birds with aspergillosis (cockatoos, parrots, parakeets, budgerigars, falcons, hawks, owls and swans) and 18 birds with candidiasis (cockatoos, parrots, parakeets and budgerigars). For aspergillosis, birds were included if the presence of Aspergillus fungi in air sacs was confirmed and, for candidiasis, birds were included if clinical signs of candidiasis were present and infection was confirmed. The measure of effectiveness was disappearance of sleepiness, reduced appetite and loss of bodyweight and disappearance of aspergillosis or candidiasis.

The field study showed that Fungitraxx is effective in treating aspergillosis (with 56 out of 62 birds successfully treated) and candidiasis (with all birds successfully treated).

Fungitraxx must not be used in birds intended for human consumption.

Vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss are common in treated birds (seen in up to 1 in 10 birds). These effects are usually mild and related to the dose, and can be managed by reducing the dose or if necessary stopping treatment.

Hands and exposed skin should be washed after using Fungitraxx. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, they should be rinsed thoroughly with water.

In the case of accidental ingestion the mouth should be rinsed, medical advice sought immediately and the package leaflet or label shown to the doctor.

Some fungal infections of birds can also infect humans. When handling birds infected with aspergillosis, latex gloves and a mask should be worn to prevent the disease being transmitted to the handler. If suspected signs of disease (such as lumps or red pimples on the skin, or symptoms such as coughing or wheezing) appear in people a doctor should be consulted.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) concluded that the benefits of Fungitraxx exceed the risks for the approved indications and recommended that Fungitraxx be given a marketing authorisation. The benefit-risk balance may be found in the scientific discussion module of this EPAR.

The European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union, for Fungitraxx on 12/03/2014. Information on the prescription status of this product may be found on the label/outer package.