IVOMEC (IVERMECTIN)

Ivomec Description

Ivomec is an antiparasitic solution administered by injection to cattle, swine, and sheep to treat and prevent infections or infestations of a range of parasites. These include gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, sucking lice, and grubs to name a few. As Ivomec 1% is a prescription medicine, you must see your veterinarian for the Rx.

The active ingredient of Ivomec is Ivermectin, an endectocide used globally for controlling nematodes and arthropods that affect livestock. Your animal health professional can instruct you on the proper way to administer an Ivomec injection which is given just under the animals’ skin, called sub-q for subcutaneous. If you are uncomfortable doing the injections yourself, most large animal veterinarians will carry out the treatment wherever the animals are housed.

How Ivomec Works on the Parasite’s Nervous System

Once administered, Ivomec enters the bloodstream and is transported everywhere as it stimulates an excessive release of neurotransmitters in the parasite’s peripheral nervous system. This action blocks the transmission of neural signals of the parasites and induces paralysis and eventual death of the parasites. After Ivomec has been administered, the effects are longer lasting than most anthelmintics because it becomes stored in the animals’ body fat and reintroduced back into their bloodstream progressively during several weeks. This ensures any new hatches will also be affected.

Conditions Treated by Ivomec

In cattle, Ivomec is for treating and controlling harmful species of gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, lice, and mange mites. For sheep parasites- Ivomec works for gastrointestinal roundworms, nasal bots, and mange mites. Pigs are treated for mange mites, hog lice, lungworms, and gastrointestinal roundworms. Withdrawal times may vary depending on whether it is cattle, sheep, or pigs, what they have been treated for, and which country you are living in before you are allowed to sell as meat.

Before Administering Ivomec

You should not administer Ivomec to female dairy cattle of breeding age, usually between 13 months and up to 4 years old, as the withdrawal time for milk has not been established. Do not treat calves that are to be processed as veal. Ivomec 1% solution is only to be given sub-q. Be certain you are fully instructed on using Ivomec or are under the supervision of an animal health professional.

Ivomec Precautions

Ivomec 1% injectible is not for use in humans. After treatment, watch for any cattle with injection site reactions as it may be due to muscle necrosis and/or soft-tissue infection called clostridial infection. Injections for cattle can be divided and administered between two areas to lower the risk of site reaction or discomfort. Do not administer an Ivomec injection into your household pets as it is difficult to gauge a safe dosage and the ingredients could be toxic for them.

Possible Side Effects of Ivomec

• Swelling at injection site
• Infected injection site from unclean needles