HEARTGARD® Chewables for Cats
Heartgard's Generic Name:
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug used monthly in dogs and cats to prevent heartworm infection and for the treatment and control of hookworms and some forms of mange. This medication is available as regular tablets, chewable tablets and also as a topical solution.
- Ivermectin is an anti-parasite drug
- Ivermectin is given by mouth
- For heartworm prevention in dogs and cats
- For treatment and control of adult and immature hookworm infections in cats
- For treatment of some types of mange
- Puppies and kittens less than 6 weeks of age
- Use with caution in Collies, Australian shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, Shelties and any of these crossbreed dogs
- Considered safe for use in young cats at the regular heartworm preventive doses
- Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to ivermectin or like products
Give this medication with or without food. Ivermectin is bitter, so some pets may need the taste masked with food.
Ensure that your pet consumes the entire dose.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is often given seasonally.
As a heartworm preventative, this medication is given once a month, beginning within a month after the pet's first exposure to mosquitoes. The medication kills the parasites acquired during the previous month. The final dose should be given within a month of the last exposure to mosquitoes. Ideally, give the medication on or about the same day each month.
If this product replaces another type of heartworm preventive, the first dose must be given within 30 days after the last dose of the previous product.
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time. If you miss more than 8 weeks in a row, give the drug as soon as you remember, but you should have your pet's blood tested for heartworms within 6 months (as infection may have occurred).
Talk to your veterinarian about:
- When will your pet need to be rechecked
- Whether a blood test will need to be performed prior to treatment with this drug
- Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
- If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
- If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
- If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
- If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
- All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Dispose of this product properly as it is very toxic to fish, turtles and other wildlife.
People should not take this product. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
- Side effects are rare for ivermectin given at heartworm preventive doses
- Considered to be safe in pregnant and nursing animals
- Problems may arise at high doses in some dogs, especially Collies, Australian Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, Shelties and any of these crossbreed dogs. If your dog is one of these breeds, observe your pet for at least 8 hours after treatment for any signs of weakness, staggering, dilated pupils, trembling, etc. Take your pet to your veterinary clinic if s/he exhibits these symptoms.
- When the parasite begin to die off, the animal may experience swelling, irritation and pain at the sites where the parasites are located. Dogs with a large number of heartworm larvae (immature heartworm) may experience a shock-like reaction as the parasites die all at once.
- It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has a medical problem or side effect from this product's therapy
- Yes, when ivermectin is used at heartworm preventive doses, there are no contraindicated drugs. When higher doses are used (ie. for skin mites), interactions may occur with amitraz dips and collars (Mitaban®, Preventic®), spinosad (Comfortis™) or diazepam or related tranquilizers.
- If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet consumes more than the prescribed amount.
Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, ivermectin should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about ivermectin. If you have any questions or concerns about ivermectin or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
