Immiticide Injection for Dogs (Melarsomine Dihydrochloride)  

Heartworm disease in dogs, caused by the Dirofilaria immitis parasite, is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. If left untreated, heartworms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage, ultimately leading to death. 

Immiticide (Melarsomine Dihydrochloride) is a highly effective, veterinarian-approved treatment designed to eliminate adult heartworms in dogs with Class 1 to Class 3 heartworm disease. 

This product is important for pet owners seeking to restore their dog’s health and prevent the progression of this potentially fatal disease.

Immiticide works by targeting the adult heartworms residing in the heart and pulmonary arteries. Its active ingredient, Melarsomine Dihydrochloride, delivers potent, targeted therapy that kills the parasites and minimizes the risks associated with their elimination.

Compared to other treatments, Immiticide offers a higher efficacy rate and a lower risk of complications, making it a preferred choice among veterinarians.

• Trusted treatment for 25 years
• The only American Heartworm Society-recommended treatment for canine heartworm disease³
• Backed by numerous safety and efficacy studies

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Please note that the product may arrive in a Hardy Paw Pharmacy vial, manufacturer packaging is shown for reference.

Important Safety Information

IMMITICIDE should not be used in dogs with very severe (Class 4) heartworm disease. IMMITICIDE should be administered by deep intramuscular injection in the lumbar (epaxial) muscles (L3-L5) only. Do not use in any other muscle group. Do not use intravenously. Care should be taken to avoid superficial injection or leakage. Serious adverse reactions may occur in any dog with heartworm disease due to the killing of heartworms in the pulmonary arteries. Reactions may include thromboembolism, dyspnea, coughing, depression, right side heart failure, and death. Dogs should be cage rested following treatment due to possible thromboembolic disease. Post injection site reactions (e.g. pain, swelling) were the most commonly reported adverse events. Click here for full prescribing information for dosing and administration directions prior to each use of IMMITICIDE.

*For more information about staging, see product label.

Benefits of Immiticide Injection

• High Efficacy in Eliminating Adult Heartworms: Proven to kill adult heartworms, reducing the risk of heartworm-related complications.
• Advanced Treatment for Early to Moderate Disease: Ideal for dogs in the early to moderate stages of heartworm disease (Class 1-3), ensuring timely intervention before severe damage occurs.
• Minimizes Post-Treatment Inflammation: Formulated to reduce the inflammatory response associated with heartworm die-off, thus lowering the risk of severe complications.
• Veterinarian-Approved and Widely Trusted: Immiticide is endorsed by veterinarians as a reliable and effective treatment option for heartworm disease.
• Economical 5-Vial Pack: Provides enough medication for multiple dogs or extended treatments, offering significant cost savings.
• Reliable Dosing for Consistent Results: Each 50mg vial ensures precise dosing tailored to the dog’s weight and condition, maximizing treatment outcomes.
• Reduces the Risk of Pulmonary Thromboembolism: Carefully formulated to mitigate the risks of pulmonary thromboembolism, a potential complication when treating heartworm disease.

Ingredients

• Primary Ingredient: Melarsomine Dihydrochloride 50mg
• Secondary Ingredients: Sodium Citrate, Glycine, and Water for Injection

Directions for Use

1. Preparation: Reconstitute the sterile powder with the provided diluent to achieve a final concentration of 50mg/ml.
2. Dosage: The recommended dose is 2.5mg/kg, administered via deep intramuscular injection into the lumbar muscles. Follow a two-dose protocol 24 hours apart for dogs with Class 1-2 heartworm disease. For Class 3, an additional dose 30 days later is advised.
3. Monitoring: Post-treatment, monitor the dog closely for signs of adverse reactions, such as coughing, fever, or lethargy. Ensure the dog remains calm and restrict physical activity to reduce the risk of complications.
4. Veterinary Follow-Up: A follow-up examination is crucial to assess treatment efficacy and address any potential complications.

Frequency

• Administer 2.5mg/kg of body weight via deep intramuscular injection into the lumbar muscles.
• For Class 1-2 heartworm disease, two injections 24 hours apart are recommended.
• For Class 3, an additional dose 30 days later may be required.

Consistency

• Maintain a consistent dosing schedule as prescribed by your veterinarian to ensure the treatment's effectiveness. Deviations from the recommended protocol can reduce efficacy and increase the risk of complications.

Immiticide Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Mild swelling and pain at the injection site, fever, and lethargy. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
• Serious Side Effects: In rare cases, pulmonary thromboembolism may occur, presenting as severe coughing, difficulty breathing, or sudden collapse.

Precautions

• Ensure your dog is properly diagnosed with Class 1-3 heartworm disease before starting treatment.
• Avoid strenuous activity in your dog post-treatment to reduce the risk of complications.

Warnings

• IMMITICIDE should not be used in dogs with very severe (Class 4) heartworm disease. IMMITICIDE should be administered by deep intramuscular injection in the lumbar (epaxial) muscles (L3-L5) only.
• Do not use it in any other muscle group. 
• Do not use intravenously. 
• Care should be taken to avoid superficial injection or leakage. 
• Serious adverse reactions may occur in any dog with heartworm disease due to the killing of heartworms in the pulmonary arteries. 
• Reactions may include thromboembolism, dyspnea, coughing, depression, right-side heart failure, and death. 
• Dogs should be cage-rested following treatment due to possible thromboembolic disease. 
• Post-injection site reactions (e.g. pain, swelling) were the most commonly reported adverse events.
• For more information about staging, see the product label.

Storage

• Store the product at controlled room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C).
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Shipping & Returns 

Shipping Policy: We offer all types of shipping options (Ground, Express, Priority, International) depending on the urgency of the product requirements. To know about our shipping policy in detail, click here.

Refund policy: If you face any issue with our product and want to return it, read our refund policy carefully.

FAQs - Immiticide Injection

Q: How does Immiticide compare to other heartworm treatments?

A: Immiticide is designed to eliminate adult heartworms with a higher efficacy rate. It is often chosen for its targeted action and lower risk of complications, making it the preferred choice for treating dogs with Class 1-3 heartworm disease.

Q: Can Immiticide be used alongside other heartworm preventatives?

A: Yes, but always consult your veterinarian before combining treatments. Heartworm preventatives are usually prescribed after the Immiticide treatment to prevent reinfection.

Q: What are the signs that Immiticide is working?

A: Improvement in symptoms like coughing and lethargy indicates the treatment is working. A follow-up test several months post-treatment is essential to confirm the elimination of heartworms.

Q: Is it safe to give my dog pain medication after the injection?

A: Pain management should be discussed with your veterinarian. They can recommend appropriate pain relief that will not interfere with the treatment.

Q: What should I do if I miss a scheduled injection?

A: Contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Missing a dose can affect the treatment’s effectiveness and increase the risk of complications.

Q: Can Immiticide be used in pregnant dogs?

A: Immiticide is not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating dogs. Consult with your veterinarian for safe treatment options.

Q: How long does it take for my dog to recover after treatment?

A: Recovery time varies, but most dogs should show improvement within a few weeks. Activity restriction for at least 4-6 weeks post-treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

Q: Can Immiticide be used in dogs with other health conditions?

A: Dogs with certain health conditions may require special considerations before starting treatment. Always discuss your dog’s full medical history with your veterinarian.

Q: What is the shelf life of reconstituted Immiticide?

A: Reconstituted Immiticide should be used within 24 hours. Any unused portion should be discarded after this time.

Q: Are there any dietary restrictions during treatment?

A: Generally, no specific dietary restrictions are required, but it’s advisable to maintain a balanced diet. Consult with your veterinarian for any special dietary needs.

Clinical Research

• https://www.dvm360.com/view/immiticide-melarsomine-dihydrochloride-sterile-powder-approved-by-the-fda-as-a-canine-heartworm-treatment
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jvim.12092