Iverhart Plus® Tablets (Generic)

What is Iverhart Plus?
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.

Who is it for?
Dogs and puppies over 6 weeks of age. Safe for pregnant/breeding females.

What are the benefits?

*	Economical alternative to Heartgard Plus
*	Protects against heartworm infection plus intestinal worms
*	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.

How does Iverhart Plus work?
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.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Iverhart Plus is the generic equivalent of Heartgard Plus.

How is it given?
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. Drs. Foster and Smith recommends (and our guarantee requires) 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.

What results can I expect?
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.

What form(s) does it come in?
Chewable Tablet

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Iverhart Plus

Pronunciation
I-ver-HEART Plus

Common Drug Name
Ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Iverhart Plus?
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.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
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.

What is the most important information I should know?
If the interval between doses is longer than one month, the efficacy of the drug is reduced.

Who should not take it?
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.

What side effects may be seen when taking Iverhart Plus?
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.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
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.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Iverhart Plus?
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.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.	I have been giving my dog Heartgard Plus for years. Will Iverhart Plus provide him with the same protection?

Q.	I have heard that certain dogs have food sensitivities to the beef in some heartworm protection products. How does Iverhart address this issue?

Q.	How is Iverhart Plus different than Iverhart?

Q.	What is heartworm disease and why is it bad for my dog?

Q.	Does my dog need a test before I start giving him Iverhart Plus?

Q.	How often should I give this medication to my dog?

Q.	When should I start giving my dog Iverhart Plus during the year?

Q.	What if I miss a dose?

Q.	I have heard that Collies and other herding breeds have trouble with Ivermectin. What can you tell me about this?

Q.	What if my dog is fussy and won't take a tablet?

Q.	Can I break up a larger tablet into pieces to give my small dog?

Q.	When should I start giving my puppy Iverhart Plus?

Q.	I have been giving my dog Heartgard Plus for years. Will Iverhart Plus provide him with the same protection?
A.	Yes. Iverhart Plus has the same exact active ingredients, Ivermectin and Pyrantel, the same quality, and same strength as the Heartgard Plus brand, but costs less. Iverhart Plus was approved by the FDA in 2001 as a bio-equivalent to Heartgard Plus. It offers the same protection against heartworm disease and against intestinal roundworms and hookworms as does Heartgard Plus.

Q.	I have heard that certain dogs have food sensitivities to the beef in some heartworm protection products. How does Iverhart address this issue?
A.	Over the years, food allergies have become a concern to veterinarians. Iverhart Plus is preferred by our veterinarians not only because it is more economical, but because it is pork-based and perfect for dogs with food allergies especially sensitivity to beef products.

Q.	How is Iverhart Plus different than Iverhart?
A.	Iverhart Plus delivers all of the benefits of Iverhart in addition to eliminating roundworms and hookworms, which can cause intestinal disease. In addition to Ivermectin, Iverhart Plus contains Pyrantel, which has been shown to be effective in the removal of certain intestinal worms.

Q.

What is heartworm disease and why is it bad for my dog?

A.

Adult heartworms lay very tiny larvae called microfilariae, which circulate in the blood. They enter a mosquito when it sucks the blood of an infected animal. They mature in the mosquito and then enter the animal's skin when an infected mosquito bites the animal. When the larvae reach about 3 inches, they migrate to the animal's heart where they grow into adults, sometimes reaching a length of 14 inches.

The adult worms can obstruct the different chambers of the heart and the various large blood vessels leading to and from the heart and lungs. In severe infections, other organs, such as the liver, can also be damaged.

Q.

Does my dog need a test before I start giving him Iverhart Plus?

A.

The American Heartworm Society advises that all adult dogs being started on a heartworm preventative for the first time be tested. The frequency of testing should take into account variables such as:

Prevalence of heartworm disease in the area
Missed or late doses of heartworm preventative
The dog's lifestyle

For instance, in Northern Wisconsin, puppies born in January do not need to be tested. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate testing schedule for your dog.

Q.	How often should I give this medication to my dog?
A.	Iverhart Plus tablets are meant to be given every 30 days. When you start your dog on Iverhart Plus, make sure to give it to him on the same day each month.

Q.	When should I start giving my dog Iverhart Plus during the year?
A.	Remember that Iverhart Plus kills larvae your dog was exposed to in the preceding 30 days, so if you give your dog a preventative seasonally, give it to him a month after the first mosquito appears.

Q.	What if I miss a dose?
A.	If the interval between doses exceeds 30 days, Ivermectin's efficacy can be reduced. Therefore, if you miss a dose, give the Iverhart Plus as soon as you remember that you missed it.

Q.

I have heard that Collies and other herding breeds have trouble with Ivermectin. What can you tell me about this?

A.

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.

Q.	What if my dog is fussy and won't take a tablet?
A.	Iverhart Plus tablets are incredibly palatable to dogs. But, if your dog just won't take a tablet, place it in a sticky treat such as cream cheese or peanut butter.

Q.	Can I break up a larger tablet into pieces to give my small dog?
A.	No. The active ingredient in Iverhart Plus is not uniformly mixed throughout the tablet. The entire, appropriately sized tablet must be given.

Q.	When should I start giving my puppy Iverhart Plus?
A.	You can start giving Iverhart Plus after your puppy reaches 6 weeks of age.

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	Let us do the legwork! We will contact your veterinarian for prescription authorization.
	You already have an existing prescription on file with Drs. Foster and Smith.
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