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Pet Medication Home -> Heartgard Plus
Heartgard Plus is The #1
Choice Of Veterinarians For Heartworm Disease Prevention! Heartgard
Plus also Treats and Controls Roundworms and Hookworms.
MERIAL
ANNOUNCES ONE BILLIONTH DOSE of HEARTGARD® (ivermectin) DISPENSED
Monthly Heartworm Preventives Have Delivered 257 Million Heartworm-Free
Years to American Dogs
November 6, 2003
Duluth, GA — Merial, a leading pet health company,
today announced that the one billionth dose of a HEARTGARD®
(ivermectin) brand product has been dispensed by veterinarians -
a significant milestone in the history of the company and in the
heartworm preventive category.
HEARTGARD has been a leader in the heartworm preventive
arena for over 16 years. Marking Merial's entry into the heartworm
preventive market, HEARTGARD has been proven safe and when used
as directed, 100 percent effective in the prevention of heartworm
disease since its launch in 1987. In 1993, Merial introduced HEARTGARD
Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) with the same heartworm prevention capability
plus expanded indications for the treatment and control of roundworm
and hookworm, harmful gastrointestinal parasites that may cause
zoonotic diseases.
(continued below)
The exclusive all-beef chewable formulation makes
HEARTGARD a favorite among dogs and their owners for its ease of
administration and efficacy. Since 1987, dogs have experienced over
257.6 million heartworm-free years of life because of the administration
of heartworm preventives.
According to Dr. Donald Doiron, President of the American
Heartworm Society, "The veterinary community recognizes Merial's
contribution to the industry and to all of the pets who have been
kept protected from heartworm disease. Merial's continuous product
research and development have been integral to how well veterinary
professionals are able to keep pace with the treatment and prevention
of heartworm disease and those diseases caused by harmful parasites."
"Obviously this is a tremendous accomplishment
from a company sales perspective," notes Dr. Zack Mills, Executive
Director of Merial's Veterinary Services, "but the real victory
is in knowing that with HEARTGARD, we're saving pets lives."
What the vet says
Heartgard Plus is an extremely effective drug for the prevention of parasites.
Heartworms are present in most parts of the United States and
in many parts of North America. |
Heartgard Plus Is The #1 Choice Of Veterinarians
For Heartworm Disease Prevention! Only Heartgard Plus Comes In A
Real-beef Chewable That Dogs Love. Heartgard Plus Also Treats And
Controls Roundworms And Hookworms. It Is Approved For Use In Puppies
As Young As 6 Weeks, Small Dogs Regardless Of Weight, Pregnant Or
Breeding Bitches, Stud Dogs, And Collies. Heartgard Plus Is 100%
Effective Against Heartworms, And Treats And Controls Other Dangerous
Parasites. 6 Oral Monthly Doses.
Heartgard Plus FAQ
Generic Name
Ivermectin (eye-ver-mek’-tin) Plus
Brand Name(s)
Heartgard Plus (Merial), Iverhart Plus (Virbac)
What is this medication used for
Heartgard Plus is an anthelminthic (dewormer) used for the prevention
of heartworm disease in dogs. When combined with pyrantel pamoate
it is also used for treating roundworm and hookworm in dogs.
How Heartgard Plus should be used
Heartgard Plus is given once a month year round for the prevention
of heartworm disease. The usual dose of Heartgard Plus in dogs up
to 25 pounds is 68mcg/57mg, for 26-50 pounds is 136mcg/114mg and
for 51-100 pounds is 272mcg/227mg. Dogs over 100 pounds are given
a combination of tablets. The chewable tablets should be chewed.
They are not meant to be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally
swallow treats whole, the tablet can be broken into pieces. As an
alternate to year round dosing, this medication can be given during
the mosquito season and for one month after the season ends.
What are the side effects of Heartgard Plus
The side effects of Heartgard Plus are rare at the recommended heartworm
prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated
pupils, and loss of body weight or death. Side effects in cats include
agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors,
blindness and disorientation.
What special precautions are there
Heartgard Plus should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use
with caution in Collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior
to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Heartgard
Plus for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6
months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result
in a positive test result. Because humans can contract roundworm,
hookworm and tapeworm from animals, it is important to maintain
good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on
the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or
uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of
stools is recommended.
In the event of an overdose
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms
of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination in
dogs.
How should I store this medication
Keep this medication in the original box. Do not remove the tablet
from the wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Store this medicine
at room temperature. Keep this medication out of the reach of children
and pets.
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