Shivering after Ivermectin + Pyrantel (Heartgard Plus) in dogs

83 reports to the FDA describe shivering in dogs given Ivermectin + Pyrantel. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

83Reports
49%Marked serious
34%Recovered
8.4%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
18 36%
1–2 days
10 20%
3–7 days
2 4.0%
1–4 weeks
9 18%
Over a month
11 22%

How the animals did

Recovered
28 34%
Still unwell when reported
12 14%
Euthanised
7 8.4%
Not known
36 43%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
12
1–3 years
24
4–7 years
25
8–11 years
12
12+ years
7

About this medicine

Ivermectin prevents heartworm disease (monthly). Pyrantel treats roundworms and hookworms.

Products with this combination include Heartgard Plus, Tri-Heart Plus, Iverhart Plus. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Some herding breeds (for example Collies) carry the MDR1 gene variant and can be more sensitive to this drug class at high doses.

Questions owners ask

Can Ivermectin + Pyrantel cause shivering in dogs?
83 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 2 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Shivering with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Ivermectin + Pyrantel in dogs · Medicines most reported with shivering