Ivermectin

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Ivermectin is used for control of parasites in rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets. It is used for control of roundworms and external parasites such as mites and lice. Ivermectin is also used to prevent heartworm in dogs and occasionally for cats. Your veterinarian will advise a treatment programme for your pet.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Ivermectin is available as chewable tablets and the veterinarian can also administer it by an injection.

Ivermectin is rarely applied as a “spot-on” formulation for dogs and cats in Australia, although formulations are available for production animal species.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- Have a reminder system in place to indicate when the next dose should be given.

- Wash your hands after handling the medication.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store and dispose of this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at less than 25°C. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture. Wrap empty packaging in tissue paper and dispose in your household waste.

Potential side effects

- DO NOT use on other animals. Ivermectin may cause a shock-like reaction (anaphylactic shock) and death in dogs, particularly Collies, Old English Sheepdogs and related breeds. Serious reactions have also been seen in turtles and tortoises.

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet may be pregnant or is nursing young.

- Do not use this medicine on animals less than 16 weeks of age.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.