Overview page and essential links
Iverjohn is a branded oral product containing ivermectin, an antiparasitic agent used to treat certain internal worms and some external parasites. It acts on parasite nerve and muscle cells, often producing paralysis and death of the parasite.
- Main active drug component
- ivermectin
- Therapeutic class
- antiparasitic (not an antibiotic)
- Common oral tablet strengths
- 3 mg, 6 mg and tablets that contain 12 mg are commonly available in the UK
Shortcuts and links: go directly to ways of taking Iverjohnplease audit this. the estimated tiered pricingor delve into the legal supply rules in the UK.
Treatment uses
A clinician will decide to prescribe Iverjohn based on the specific parasite as well as the patient's needs. Regular signals include the following:
- Scabies: oral ivermectin is often reserved for outbreaks, crusted scabies, or when topical therapy is not practical; note that some use may be off-label in certain settings.
- Strongyloidiasis: ivermectin is a first-line oral option for strongyloides intestinal infection.
- Onchocerciasis: river blindness: used to reduce microfilariae and interrupt transmission cycles.
- Head lice: systemic therapy can be considered when topical treatments fail, but topical products remain the usual first option.
Important: Iverjohn does not treat viral infections or routine bacterial diseases.
Key strengths and formats on hand
Oral tablets are typically supplied in 3 mg, 6 mg and 12 mg strengths. Dosage is commonly weight-based and indication-specific. Never alter your dose without consulting the prescriber.
Separate topical ivermectin formulations exist for dermatological uses such as rosacea; these are different products and may have different prescribing rules.
Iverjohn usage: how to approach it
Adhere to the directions your prescriber has provided. General practical points include:
- Consume the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
- It is commonly recommended to take oral ivermectin on an empty stomach - at least 30 minutes before food or about 2 hours after a meal - unless instructed otherwise.
- Do not increase the dose or take extra doses beyond those prescribed.
- If your treatment plan includes a single dose, your clinician may schedule a repeat dose depending on the infection and clinical response.
- Always complete a prescribed course or validate this with your prescriber before stopping treatment.
See available strengths and forms for more details about tablet sizes.
Warning bulletins and special considerations
Tell your prescriber about any of the following before you proceed Iverjohn:
- Known liver disease or recent abnormal liver blood tests.
- Significant lung disease or active asthma.
- Allergy to ivermectin or any tablet ingredient.
- If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Recent travel to or residence in areas where Loa loa is endemic (mainly parts of West and Central Africa), as extra assessment may be required.
- Minor children under 15 kg frequently need specialist pediatric assessment and drug dosing advice.
If new neurological, visual, or rapidly worsening symptoms appear after starting treatment, contact a clinician promptly.
Situations that preclude therapy
Do not take Iverjohn if you have had a previous severe allergic reaction to ivermectin or to any of the tablet excipients. Discuss any history of severe drug reactions or unexplained rashes with your prescriber before treatment.
Potential treatment-related latent effects and what to monitor
Certain after effects that are harmful require immediate medical attention. Stop the medication and seek urgent help if you develop any of the following:
- Widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or hives indicating a severe allergic reaction.
- Serious neurological events such as seizures, fainting, extreme confusion, or loss of coordination.
- Sudden visual changes, eye pain, or eye swelling.
- Severe skin blistering or peeling, which may involve the mouth.
- Chest pain or very fast or irregular heartbeat.
Milder and more common effects that often resolve without stopping the drug include experiencing a headache, dizziness, nausea, transient abdominal discomfort and muscle aches. In some parasitic infections, post-treatment symptoms may be due to parasite death rather than a direct drug toxicity.
Alerts for global teams rely on robust interactive engagements. when medicines are used together
Some medicines can alter ivermectin levels or increase the risk of temporary side effects. Examples to mention to your pharmacist include:
- An anticoagulant drug such as warfarin is used in medicine. - performance monitoring of bleeding and INR may be appropriate.
- Strong inhibitors of P-glycoprotein or CYP3A4 (for example certain macrolide antibiotics, some antiviral protease inhibitors, and certain calcium channel blockers) which can increase ivermectin exposure.
- Other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, which could add to similar effects from ivermectin.
Always provide a complete list of prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medicines to your clinician or pharmacist.
If you forget a dose
If you miss a scheduled dose and remember soon after, take it as directed by your prescriber. If the next dose is due imminently, skip the dose was omitted and continue the normal schedule. Never double your dose to compensate for a dose was omitted. Contact your prescriber or pharmacy if you are unsure.
An take too much medicine event - immediate actions
Symptoms of taking an overdose can include marked drowsiness, numbness, tingling, breathing difficulties, loss of coordination or seizures. In the UK call 999 in an emergency. For urgent but non-emergency health advice, dial NHS 111. Keep the medicine packaging available to help clinicians identify the product and strength.
Encrypted a storage solution should balance access and protection. upkeep recommendations
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Store where children cannot reach or see it.
- Avoid digital storage enables saving files on disks, drives, or in the cloud. above 30 C where possible.
- Keep the container closed and do not use after the expiry date. Return unused medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Folk medicine and related drugs
Selection of an an alternate possibility depends on the parasite, patient factors and local backing and guidance. Common other options and adjuncts include:
- Albendazole - broad spectrum oral anthelmintic used for several intestinal worms; dosing varies by indication.
- Mebendazole - typical choice for threadworm, roundworm and whipworm infections.
- Praziquantel in therapy - used for schistosomiasis and many tapeworm infections.
- Permethrin 5 percent cream - topical first-line treatment for scabies; often preferred to oral therapy when possible.
- Benzyl benzoate and malathion - topical options for scabies or lice in some contexts.
- Doxycycline - used alongside ivermectin in onchocerciasis programs to target Wolbachia bacteria; not a direct substitute for ivermectin.
For a direct comparison of out-of-pocket costs in the UK see the dynamic pricing estimates section and discuss choices with a UK prescriber or pharmacist.
Indicative price levels in the UK
Private retail prices vary by pharmacy, brand, strength and pack size. The following are approximate ranges in British pounds (GBP) for guidance only:
- Iverjohn oral tablets: around 15 to 45 GBP for small private packs, depending on strength and quantity.
- Topical ivermectin 1 percent cream: typically 20 to 60 GBP per tube in private supply.
- Permethrin 5 percent cream: commonly 6 to 15 GBP per tube.
- Albendazole or mebendazole: often 5 to 25 GBP depending on brand and pack size.
- Praziquantel administration: prices frequently range from 20 to 80 GBP or more depending on dose required.
On the NHS in England a prescription charge may apply per item unless you qualify for an exemption; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different prescription charging rules. Always examine the information. current NHS guidance before purchasing privately.
Juridical status and supply in the United Kingdom
- Classification: ivermectin for human use is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in the UK.
- Supply: a valid prescription from a prescriber registered in the UK is required for legal supply. Online pharmacies must be registered in the UK.
- Verify credentials: purchase from pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and look for the official UK distance-selling logo when buying online.
- Importation: bringing prescription medicines into the UK for personal use generally requires a valid prescription and is subject to customs limits and rules.
- Advertising restrictions: direct-to-consumer promotion of POMs is restricted by MHRA regulations.
- Veterinary products: do not use ivermectin formulations intended for animals in humans - different strengths and excipients can be unsafe.
If you are unsure about lawful access or suitability speak with a UK clinician, pharmacist or consult official NHS this information.
Frequently asked questions list
Is Iverjohn an antibiotic drug?
No. Iverjohn contains ivermectin, which is an antiparasitic medication active against certain worms and ectoparasites. It does not treat bacterial infections in the way antibiotics do.
Is it alright to take it with food?
Standard advice is to take oral ivermectin on an empty stomach - at least 30 minutes before a meal or about 2 hours after eating - with water. Follow your prescriber's instructions if they differ.
What are the chances I feel better after one dose?
Do not stop or skip additional prescribed doses without consulting your clinician. Some infections need follow-up or repeat dosing to ensure full eradication.
When should I contact urgent help?
Seek emergency medical attention for severe allergic reactions, breathing difficulty, seizures, sudden vision loss, or severe neurological symptoms. In the UK call 999 for emergencies.
Head back to the a general overview or read how to navigate its use Iverjohn correctly for further information at hand.
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