Executive Product Summary
Trade name: Iverjohn. The active component used is ivermectin. Common tablet strengths supplied include 3 mg, 6 mg and 12 mg.
Iverjohn is an oral antiparasitic agent. It works by interrupting nervous and muscular function in many parasites, which generally results in paralysis and death of the organism. It is not an antibiotic and does not treat bacterial or viral infections.
For comparisons with other treatment options and indicative what are the costs in Australian dollars, see the sections on varied options and prices. For rules on obtaining ivermectin in Australia, see regulatory memos.
Who May Need Ivermectin
Prescribers use Iverjohn for a range of parasitic infections. Standard manifestations include:
- Strongyloides stercoralis intestinal infection
- Onchocerca volvulus infection, commonly called river blindness
- Scabies, including severe crusted scabies where systemic therapy is indicated
- Selected other parasitic problems on specialist advice or when first-line treatments are unsuitable
Iverjohn should only be used for diagnosed parasitic disease and under the supervision of a clinician. It is ineffective for common viral conditions.
Dosing Regimens and Administration
Always follow the dose written on your prescription. The guidance below is general and for information only:
- With a full glass of water, swallow the tablets whole.
- Take on an empty stomach if possible: at least 30 minutes before eating or about 2 hours after a meal, unless instructed otherwise.
- Do not double up doses to make up for missed tablets.
- If multiple doses are required, try to take each dose at a consistent time of day.
Examples of typical regimens (consult your prescriber for your exact schedule):
- Strongyloidiasis: a single dose around a 200 microgram dose per kg body weight is commonly used, with follow up to confirm cure.
- Onchocerciasis: doses often approximate 10.05 mg quantity per kg per treatment, with repeat intervals determined by the treatment plan.
- Scabies: oral dosing at about a dose of 200 micrograms per kg, frequently repeated after 7 to 14 days; concurrent treatment of close contacts is often recommended.
If you need help converting body weight to tablets for 3 mg, 6 mg or 12 mg strengths, ask your pharmacist or prescriber for assistance.
Safety Vital Safety guardrails Before Treatment
Tell your clinician or pharmacist about any of the following prior to starting the procedure Iverjohn:
- A history of liver disease or recent abnormal liver function tests
- Severe respiratory disease, including poorly controlled asthma
- Neurological conditions or a prior history of seizures
- Possible exposure to Loa loa (African eyeworm), especially after travel to or residence in parts of central Africa
- Known hypersensitivity to ivermectin or any tablet excipient
- If you are pregnant, aiming to conceive, or breastfeeding
Pregnancy and lactation care: treatment decisions usually balance potential benefits against risks. Small amounts of ivermectin may pass into breast milk. Go over the options under the advisement of your prescriber.
Effects on driving and machinery: some people experience dizziness or lightheadedness. Check how you feel before driving or operating heavy machinery.
Use is contraindicated in these cases and Allergies
Do not take Iverjohn if you have a known allergy to ivermectin or any ingredient in the tablet. If you are unsure about past allergic reactions, consult your prescriber read before use.
Unwanted adverse effects that are Adverse and Warning Signs
Some lingering reactions are mild and transient, while others require urgent medical attention. Seek emergency care if you develop any severe or life threatening symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath or new wheeze
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat
- Severe or widespread skin peeling, blistering or rash
- Chest pain or marked irregular heartbeat
- Confusion, fainting, collapse, seizures or loss of coordination
- Eye pain, sudden changes in vision, marked eye redness or swelling
- High fever with severe weakness or swelling
Usually mild and common reactions include nausea, chronic headache, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, muscle aches and enlarged or tender lymph nodes. Some symptoms may reflect the body responding to dying parasites rather than a direct toxic effect of the drug.
Drug Interaction Notes
Tell your clinician or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins and herbal products you use. Medicines that can interact include:
- Vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin — extra the act of monitoring of clotting may be advised
- Strong CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein inhibitors, for example clarithromycin, itraconazole or verapamil — these can increase ivermectin exposure
- Other central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness — additive sedation may occur
If you have concerns about social interactions between people can shape outcomes., speak with your pharmacist before treatment initiation.
Missed medication doses and Potential An fatal overdose event
Missed a dose: take the missed tablet as soon as you remember unless the next dose is very close; do not take two doses together to compensate.
Suspected non-fatal overdose: seek immediate medical attention. Overdose risk related signs can include extreme dizziness, numbness, tingling, breathing problems, seizures or loss of coordination.
- In an emergency call 000 located in Australia.
- For specialist poison advice in Australia phone the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Keeping and Disposal
- Keep medicine out of reach of children and pets.
- Store in the original packaging in a cool, dry place below 30 degrees C.
- Do not use after the expiration date has passed. Return unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for proper disposal rather than putting it in household rubbish.
Substitute Medicines and Similar Drugs
Choice of therapy depends on the parasite, patient factors and local sound advice. Alternative agents commonly used include:
- Albendazole - broad spectrum oral anthelmintic for many intestinal worms
- Mebendazole - often chosen for pinworm and some helminth infections
- The medicine Praziquantel - preferred for tapeworm and fluke infections
- Topical permethrin preparations - widely used for scabies and head lice
- Metronidazole or tinidazole - used for some protozoal infections
Which option is most appropriate depends on age, pregnancy status, liver function and local resistance patterns. For price context compare these options in the price quotes subsection.
Estimated consumer prices in Australia
Retail prices vary by brand, pack size, pharmacy and whether the medicine is subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The figures below are approximate non-subsidised retail ranges and may change.
- Iverjohn three milligram tablets, small packs: about AUD 20 to 90
- Iverjohn 6 mg per tablet, small packs: about AUD 25 to 110
- Iverjohn tablets providing a 12 mg dose, small packs: about AUD 30 to 140
Indicative costs for more options: albendazole courses around AUD 15 to 70, mebendazole about AUD 10 to 50, and topical permethrin for scabies about AUD 20 to 60. If your treatment is PBS-listed you may pay a lower out of pocket cost. Additional fees such as telehealth consultations or private clinic charges can increase total expenses.
Australian guidance concerning the legal and regulatory domain issues
- Schedule status: Ivermectin is a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine within the land of Australia. A valid prescription from an authorised prescriber is required to obtain it from a pharmacy.
- Regulation: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates quality, safety and advertising of medicines. Promotion of prescription medicines directly to consumers is restricted.
- Appropriate use: Only use ivermectin for proof of and at doses recommended by your prescriber. Off-label use should be overseen by experienced clinicians.
- Personal importation: The TGA Program for Personal Importation may allow limited import of medications for personal use with a prescription, subject to TGA and Australian Border Force requirements.
- Disposal: Return unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than discarding in household waste.
Commonly Raised Inquiries
Is Iverjohn a bacteria-killing drug?
No. Iverjohn contains ivermectin, an antiparasitic agent. It does not treat bacterial infections.
How soon can you feel the effects?
Speed of response varies by the type of parasitic infection. Some patients notice improvement within days while others require follow up and likely repeat treatment. Follow your prescriber for timing and tracking and monitoring of performance.
Can I take this with meals?
General advice is to take ivermectin on an empty stomach with water: at least 30 minutes before eating or about 2 hours after a meal, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
If someone in my household has scabies, what should we do?
To prevent reinfestation close contacts are often treated at the same time. Discuss combined oral and topical strategies in partnership with your clinician. See topical options under analogous medicines and a different route drugs.
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