Virbac Animal Health voluntarily recalled one lot of its canine heartworm and internal parasite preventive Iverhart Max Chewable Tablets (ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate, praziquantel) because the ivermectin failed to meet the company’s stability specifications. Some dogs dosed with tablets from the affected lot (#110482 for large dogs, 50.1 to 100 lbs.) may not be protected against heartworm disease, the company said. The lot number is stamped on the side lid or flap of the product’s box in a white text field and on the blister foil of the individual doses. Virbac, of Fort Worth, Texas, sent letters to veterinary distributors instructing them to cease distribution of the affected lot and to advise veterinary clinics in receipt of the recalled product to cease dispensing it. The other active ingredients in Iverhart were not affected, the company said, meaning the tablets should provide protection against other internal parasites. Virbac tested other lots of Iverhart and confirmed only one lot was affected. No heartworm-related adverse events or illnesses had been reported to Virbac as of late March. If veterinarians see a potentially affected dog, they should contact Virbac Technical Services at 1-800-338-3659 x3052) to discuss testing procedures. If a dog taking the product is infected with heartworms, its treatment will be covered under the Iverhart product satisfaction guarantee, the company said. <HOME>
