FidoPharm® Announces PetTrust™ Plus, the First Prescription Heartworm Preventive Medication Launched for Retail Pharmacies Nationwide(1)

NEW ORLEANS, March 9, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- Today FidoPharm® announced the launch of PetTrust™Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), the first and only generic prescription heartworm preventive medication launched for sale at retail pharmacies nationwide(1).   PETTRUST Plus contains ivermectin and pyrantel, the same active ingredients, in the exact same concentrations, as HEARTGARD Plus, the #1 veterinarian recommended heartworm preventive medication, but costs up to 50 percent less.   PETTRUST Plus prevents heartworms from developing and being able to reach a dog's arteries and heart; it is only available with a prescription from a veterinarian.

Heartworm is a serious, sometimes fatal disease that attacks a dog's arteries and heart and causes significant pain and damage.  A recent survey(1) revealed that, in the past 12 months 36 percent of dog owners who have skipped preventative treatments, have skipped heartworm preventative medications.

"Dogs deserve access to preventive heartworm medicine and their owners deserve choices, without having to sacrifice quality and efficacy," said FidoPharm President Alex Kaufman. "With the introduction of PETTRUST Plus at retail pharmacies nationwide, FidoPharm continues to protect pets and provide pet parents with affordable and accessible pet health care options and we are proud to educate pet owners about the importance of heartworm testing and treatment."

Access and Affordability
Not all pet owners are aware that low-cost generics are widely accessible.  In fact, 61 percent of dog owners are unaware lower cost, generic pet preventive medications exist at their retail pharmacy.  With the launch of PETTRUST Plus, heartworm preventive medication is more affordable and accessible than ever.  Specifically designed to be sold in retail pharmacies, PETTRUST Plus can be purchased with a prescription from a veterinarian, giving dog owners greater, nationwide access to preventive medicine to protect their dogs.

Establishing a "Pet Trust" in New Orleans
FidoPharm is partnering with the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA) to create a "Pet Trust" and provide protection and healthcare to the area's neediest pets. Louisiana has one of the U.S.'s highest prevalence of heartworm cases, nearly three times the national average(2).

Recognizing the area's need, today FidoPharm established a "Pet Trust" of $5,000 at the LA/SPCA to provide protection and healthcare to the area's neediest pets and have committed to providing the next 500 eligible dogs adopted with a six-month supply of PETTRUST Plus. 

To celebrate the "Pet Trust," New Orleans Saints player Mark Ingram and Saints mascot Gumbo the St. Bernard joined FidoPharm at the LA/SPCA's animal rescue and care center in New Orleans to deliver the area's first supplies of PETTRUST Plus.

"Our homeless animals are ready to provide love, support and companionship, but all too often they are victims of this preventable disease," said Ana Zorrilla, CEO of the Louisiana SPCA. "The Louisiana SPCA's new Pet Trust will allow us to provide treatment to those already suffering from heartworm disease and give new pet parents a head start in providing a healthy and long life for their pet."

In addition to supporting the LA/SPCA, PETRUST Plus will be donated for use at the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®)'s Adoption Center in New York City and for ASPCA in-field disaster relief and investigations through the end of the year.

Complete Protection for All Dogs
PETTRUST Plus is the first FDA-approved generic prescription heartworm preventive medication launched at pharmacies nationwide(1). PETTRUST Plus kills roundworms (ascarids) and hookworms in their early stages so they can't harm dogs.  PETTRUST Plus is available for dogs of all sizes at national retail pharmacies, such as Walmart and Sam's Club. For more information on PETRUST Plus and tips on how to discuss heartworm prescriptions with your veterinarian, please visit www.PetTrust.com. 

Prior to starting a preventative program with PETTRUST Plus, a veterinarian must perform a heartworm test to ensure the dog is not already infected. Preventative treatments coupled with regular veterinary check-ups are essential in maintaining a pet's health.

Important Information

• All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection prior to starting a preventive program.
• In a small percentage of treated dogs, digestive and neurological side effects may occur.
• Please see full product insert for more information.

About PetTrust™Plus
PetTrust™Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) is the first and only generic prescription heartworm preventive medication distributed directly to retail pharmacies nationwide. PetTrust™Plus is only available with a prescription from your veterinarian. Prior to receiving a prescription, a veterinarian will likely perform a heartworm test to ensure your dog is not currently infected. Learn more at www.PetTrust.com.

About FidoPharm
FidoPharm is a leading pet health products company committed to providing consumers the most affordable and effective alternative medications to veterinarian-recommended brands. FidoPharm products are available at major retailers nationwide, offering consumers the benefits of convenience and cost savings to ensure the highest quality care for their pets. Learn more at www.PetTrust.com.

About the LA/SPCA

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuses that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of PetTrust via its QuickQuery omnibus product from February 13-15, 2012 among 2,239 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among which 1,186 are dog owners. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Nicole Mayo: [email protected]

PetTrust™Plus is a trademark of FidoPharmBrands, LLC.
HEARTGARD® Plus is the registered trademark of Merial.  HEARTGARD® Plus and Merial are not affiliated with PETTRUST Plus.
* American Heartworm Society 2011 annual report
(1) Survey commissioned by FidoPharm and conducted online by Harris Interactive on February 13-15,2012 among 2,239 U.S. adults.
(2) http://capcvet.org  

CONTACT: Allison Matthews
[email protected] 
212-445-8351

SOURCE FidoPharm