Do not administer at any other site. Usually given twice 24 hours apart for animals with Class 1 or 2 heartworm disease. May need second round of treatment 4 months later depending on repeated test results. Given in a hospital setting to allow for the necessary supervision of the patient. Side Effects May see pain, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site or reluctance to move due to pain at injection site.
Firm nodules can persist indefinitely.
May also see coughing, gagging, depression, lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, lung congestion, and vomiting. Less commonly seen are excessive drooling, panting, diarrhea, coughing up blood, abnormal heart rhythms, and death. Animals with other diseases should be treated only with intense monitoring. Death of the worms may cause coughing, fever, or weakness. Repeat the antigen heartworm test 4 months after treatment.