Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication used to treat parasitic diseases. It is FDA approved for use in humans to treat a variety of parasitic infections. Ivermectin may also be used as an effective treatment for a wide range of other conditions and as a treatment of onchocerciasis, intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis or river blindness.

The antiviral activity of Ivermectin has been shown against a wide range of RNA and DNA viruses, for example, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and others.

Never take ivermectin in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label.

Take ivermectin on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Ivermectin is usually given as a single dose. Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

To effectively treat your infection, you may need to take ivermectin again several months to a year after your first dose.

If you have a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine), you may need to take more than one dose of ivermectin. Some people who have a weak immune system need to take this medicine on a regular basis. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

To make sure this medicine is working, you may need to provide frequent stool samples.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Since ivermectin is usually given in a single dose, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of ivermectin.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ivermectin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Eye pain or redness, puffy eyes, problems with your vision.
• Severe skin rash, itching, or rash with pus.
• Confusion, change in your mental status, balance problems, trouble walking.
• Fever, swollen glands, stomach pain, joint pain, swelling in your hands or feet.
• Fast heart rate, trouble breathing.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Neck or back pain, seizure (convulsions).
• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common ivermectin side effects may include:

• Headache, muscle aches.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea, diarrhea.
• Mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may interact with ivermectin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Ivermectin is a generic medication made by several different manufacturers. It also comes under the brand name Stromectol, which is made by Merck Sharp & Dohme Co.

Ivermectin is not known to cause infertility, and it is not stated as a side effect on the FDA label. In September 2021, misinformation was spread online about ivermectin causing male infertility. It was based on a very small flawed 2002 study mentioned in a 2011 study. Animal studies with rats given 3 times the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mcg/kg did not show any adverse effects related to fertility.

Ivermectin is not FDA approved for COVID-19, and will not be covered by insurance, prescription is out of pocket pay.