Didn't prevent heartworm after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

22 reports to the FDA describe didn't prevent heartworm in dogs given Pimobendan. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 13% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

22Reports

55%Marked serious

4.5%Recovered

9.1%Died or euthanised

–Typical onset

How the animals did

Recovered with lasting effects

1 4.5%

Still unwell when reported

11 50%

Died

1 4.5%

Euthanised

1 4.5%

Not known

8 36%

Problems reported at the same time

Death

2 9.1%

Underdose

2 9.1%

Didn't work as expected

2 9.1%

Congestive heart failure

2 9.1%

Drug dose administration interval too short

2 9.1%

Medication error

2 9.1%

Coughing up blood

1 4.5%

Overdose

1 4.5%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Pimobendan treats heart failure and some heart disease.

Products with this ingredient include Vetmedin. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Pimobendan cause didn't prevent heartworm in dogs?: 22 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.
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).

All reported side effects of Pimobendan in dogs · Medicines most reported with didn't prevent heartworm