Jurox has issued a statement confirming its commitment to those practices who want to use Alfaxan (alfaxalone) following what it describes as the second major shortage of the most widely used veterinary licensed propofol (Inductofol and Vetofol, Norbrook) in 18 months.Jurox has issued a statement confirming its commitment to those practices who want to use Alfaxan (alfaxalone) following what it describes as the second major shortage of the most widely used veterinary licensed propofol (Inductofol and Vetofol, Norbrook) in 18 months.

Alfaxan 10mg/mL solution for injection for dogs and cats is licensed as an induction agent prior to inhalation anaesthesia and as a sole anaesthetic agent for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia for the performance of examination or surgical procedures. Jurox highlights that it has been safely used in patients from 12 weeks of age, for the induction of anaesthesia prior to delivery of puppies by caesarean section and for maintenance anaesthesia in procedures lasting up to an hour.

Jurox offers the following advice: "Part 1 (2) of Schedule 4 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations states that 'if there is no authorised veterinary medicinal product' then the cascade may be followed. Alfaxan is an available and authorised veterinary medicinal product with very similar indications and therefore there is no clinical need to resort to non-licensed formulations of propofol, under cascade, for veterinary intravenous anaesthesia."

The company says that its UK team of veterinary surgeons will again respond proactively to the propofol shortage by delivering educational support to veterinary professionals and assisting them through the change to another veterinary licensed product for the anaesthesia of cats and dogs should they wish.

If you would like to discuss specific cases or need support using Alfaxan for the first time, contact Jurox on 0800 500 3171 or email alfaxan@jurox.co.uk

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