Tessie

Tessie can only be obtained with a prescription.

The medicine is available as an oral solution containing 0.3 mg/ml tasipimidine. The dose depends on the dog's weight. The dog should not be fed one hour before to one hour after the treatment. The necessity, frequency and dosing of the treatment with Tessie should be evaluated by the prescribing veterinarian. The medicine is for short-term use, for up to nine consecutive days if needed.

For more information about using Tessie, see the package leaflet or contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

The active substance in Tessie, tasipimidine, is an alpha-2A adrenoceptor agonist. It works by preventing the release of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline from nerve cells in the body. A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that nerve cells use to communicate with neighbouring cells. Noradrenaline is involved in causing anxiety and fear in animals in stressful situations, and reducing its release decreases the anxiety and fear.

Noise

In a study conducted on New Year's Eve, 80 dogs were treated with Tessie at the first onset of firework noise or when the dog showed signs of anxiety or fear, and 80 dogs were given placebo (a dummy treatment). The main measure of effectiveness was the owner assessment of the effect of the treatment on the dog's signs of fear and anxiety. Tessie was significantly better at alleviating anxiety and fear associated with noise compared with placebo.

Owner departure

In a five-week field study, 32 dogs were treated at home with Tessie as needed up to three times a day and 34 dogs were treated with placebo. The main measure of effectiveness was the owner assessment of the effect of the treatment on the dog's signs of fear and anxiety related to owner departure. Tessie was significantly better at alleviating anxiety compared with placebo.

The most common side effects with Tessie are tiredness and vomiting (which may affect more than 1 in 10 animals).

Tessie should not be used if the dog has a severe systemic disease such as liver, kidney or cardiovascular (affecting the heart and blood circulation) disease. Tessie should not be used if the dog shows signs of being sedated from previous dosing, such as drowsiness, uncoordinated movements or decreased responsiveness. The medicine should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

For the full list of side effects and restrictions with Tessie, see the package leaflet.

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

Tessie received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU on 16.08.2021.