Iverhart Plus
Frequently Asked Questions
Iverhart Plus is a generic alternative to the prescription medication Heartgard Plus. It contains ivermectin for heartworm prevention plus pyrantel pamoate for the treatment and control of roundworms and hookworms.
Dogs and puppies over 6 weeks of age. Safe for pregnant/breeding females.
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Economical alternative to Heartgard Plus
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Protects against heartworm infection plus intestinal worms
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Pork-liver flavored chewable tablets for easy administration
Some dogs with food allergies, particularly to beef, cannot take certain flavored medications such as Heartgard Plus. Iverhart Plus is preferred by our veterinarians since it is pork-based and perfect for dogs with a sensitivity to beef products. 6 chewable pork-liver flavored tablets per package.
If you would like to save money and/or if your dog has allergies, please ask your veterinarian about this product.
Ivermectin eliminates the larval (immature) form of Dirofilaria immitus. This prevents the development of the adult stage of the heartworm. Ivermectin works by causing paralysis of the parasite which eventually causes its death. Pyrantel pamoate kills adult hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, A. brasiliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala) and roundworms (ascarids - Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina)in the intestine.
Iverhart Plus is the generic equivalent of Heartgard Plus.
Iverhart Plus chewable tablets are given orally and will be equally effective whether chewed or swallowed whole. Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected.
Iverhart Plus must be administered monthly, preferably on the same date each month. It is recommended (and most manufacturer guarantees require) that Iverhart Plus be given year round, although some veterinarians may recommend giving it only during the mosquito season. If given seasonally, the first dose must be given within 30 days of the dog's first exposure to mosquitoes. The last dose must be given within 30 days after the dog's last exposure to mosquitoes. The tablet kills the parasites acquired during the previous month. (The tablet given December 1st treats exposures to heartworm during the month of November.)
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.
Iverhart Plus will kill the immature heartworms the dog was exposed to in the preceding month. It will treat an intestinal infection with adult hookworms and roundworms.
Chewable Tablet
Ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate.
Talk to your veterinarian about the heartworm testing that is recommended before starting your dog on a heartworm prevention program or switching from one preventive to another.
Collies or other herding breeds may have a reaction to ivermectin if given over the recommended heartworm prevention dose. If your dog is one of these breeds, and your veterinarian has prescribed Iverhart Plus, observe your pet for at least 8 hours after giving the medication for weakness, staggering, dilated pupils, trembling, drooling, or pressing the head against a wall. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see these signs.
Some intestinal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms can be spread to people. Talk to your veterinarian about other measures you can take to prevent your pet from being infected with intestinal worms, and protecting yourself.
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your dog is taking, and also if your dog has had any reactions to previous medications.
If a dose is missed and over 30 days have gone by since the last dose, give Iverhart Plus immediately and resume a monthly dosing schedule. Tell your veterinarian that a dose was missed.
If the interval between doses is longer than one month, the efficacy of the drug is reduced.
Do not use in puppies less than 6 weeks of age. Considered to be safe to use in pregnant and lactating animals (female animals nursing their young).
Collies and herding breeds may have a reaction to Iverhart Plus at higher doses.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.
Side effects are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dosage, but may include vomiting and diarrhea. Even more uncommon are incoordination, convulsions, or drooling. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of these side effects.
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication or the dying of parasites, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe diarrhea, vomiting, incoordination, convulsions or drooling, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Although there are no known drug or food interactions with this medication, consult with your veterinarian before using ivermectin with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, since interactions may occur.