Stromectol Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Price - What to Know - in Australia

The big picture view

Stromectol is a branded preparation of the active compound ivermectin, an anthelmintic medicine used to treat certain parasitic infections in humans. In Australia it is commonly prescribed for conditions such as strongyloidiasis and some forms of scabies. It is not effective against bacterial infections and is not an antibiotic.

• Active moiety: ivermectin
• Drug class: antiparasitic (anthelmintic), not antibacterial
• Typical oral tablet sizes available: 3 mg, 6 mg and 12 mg

Before we start therapy review the safety advisories under Before therapy is administeredconfirm this. for important intercommunication profiles for drugs, and read about potential lingering reactions. For information specific to Australia see Lawful status and credentialed access.

Before you start the operation ivermectin

Tell your prescribing clinician or pharmacist about any relevant medical history so they can tailor treatment and performance monitoring:

• Respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease
• Liver disease or recent abnormal liver function tests
• Allergic reactions to medicines, including any past reaction to ivermectin
• If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding

Patients with a very heavy parasite load or people arriving from endemic areas may need closer observation or specialist input. If you are unsure about appropriateness, ask at consultation and see the section on how to obtain ivermectin in Australia.

How to use ivermectin

The following points reflect common practical advice used by clinicians:

• With a full glass of water, swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush unless instructed by a health professional.
• Take on an empty stomach when possible: at least 30 minutes before eating or wait about 2 hours after a meal, unless directed otherwise.
• Adhere strictly to the dose and schedule written by your prescriber. Do not alter dosing frequency without medical direction.
• Finish the complete prescribed course even if you feel better earlier, unless told otherwise by your clinician.

Minors require dosing by weight and should be managed by a pediatric clinician. In the case of a suspected intentional overdose call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (within Australia) or land at the nearest emergency department.

If you develop marked dizziness, severe head pain sensation or visual disturbances after a dose, avoid driving or operating machinery and seek prompt medical advice; see after effects see details.

Dose not taken

If you miss a scheduled dose take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due soon. If the next dose is imminent, omit the i forgot to take my dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take a second unit to compensate for a i forgot to take my dose.

Potential the process of people engagings create opportunities for collaboration. when medicines are used together to consider

Several medicines and substances can affect ivermectin levels or raise the risk of negative pharmacologic effects. Provide a full list of all medicines, supplements and recreational substances to your healthcare team. Examples of agents that may interact include:

• Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein (for example some azole antifungals and certain macrolide antibiotics)
• Among anticoagulants, warfarin is a common option., which may require time sensitive monitoring of bleeding risk
• Other central nervous system depressants that increase drowsiness or dizziness

This is only a representative sample, not an exhaustive list. If you start or stop other medicines while on ivermectin, consult your prescriber or pharmacist about possible collaborative interactions at scale reveal systemic patterns..

Follow-up and hygiene recommendations

Your clinician may arrange follow-up checks or tests to confirm the infection has cleared. Some infections need repeat treatment or post-treatment testing. To reduce reinfection risk and protect household contacts:

• Maintain regular personal hygiene: wash and dry skin thoroughly and keep nails clean.
• Launder bedding, towels and underwear frequently during treatment and shortly afterwards.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and bathroom fittings.
• Close contacts or household members may need assessment and, in cases such as scabies, simultaneous treatment based on clinician advice.

If you are uncertain about the timing of follow-up, contact your prescriber or pharmacist and refer to the section How to use effectively ivermectin.

Expected incidental effects and when to see a physician

Obtain urgent medical attention for signs of a severe or life threatening reaction, including:

• Allergic reactions: widespread rash, severe itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or breathing difficulty
• Major cardiovascular or neurological events: chest pain, palpitations, fainting, severe dizziness, confusion or seizures
• Eye problems: severe pain, marked redness, swelling or sudden vision change
• High fever, widespread blistering or peeling of the skin, or involvement of mucous membranes

The condition is more common and usually mild. adverse effects that may not need emergency care but should be reported if persistent or troublesome include:

• Cephalalgic pain, lightheadedness or tremor
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea
• Muscle aches, joint pain or swollen tender lymph nodes

If you are worried about any symptoms contact your prescriber or local pharmacist. For advice on limiting spread while symptomatic see Follow-up and hygiene recommendations.

Storage unit

• Ensure that medicines are kept away from children and out of their sight.
• Store at ordinary room temperature below 30 C (86 F); protect from moisture and strong light.
• Do not use tablets beyond the expiry date. Ask your pharmacist about safe disposal of unused medicine.

Other forms of treatment and price range indicators (AUD)

Price estimates are approximate and will vary by pharmacy, brand, pack size and whether a prescription is subsidised under the PBS. If your condition is eligible for PBS subsidy you may pay a reduced co-payment; check Services Australia or your pharmacist for current subsidy essential information.

Ivermectin price outlook estimates

• Generic oral ivermectin (3 milligram tablets): roughly AUD 25 to AUD 90 for a typical course, depending on quantity and supplier.
• Branded products such as Stromectol: often cost more than generics, commonly in the range of AUD 40 to AUD 120 for comparable quantities.

Other medicines used for related parasitic conditions

• Permethrin 5% cream (topical) - frequently first line for scabies: about AUD 10 to AUD 25 per tube.
• Benzyl benzoate lotion (topical scabicide): approximately AUD 8 to AUD 20 per bottle.
• Albendazole (oral anthelmintic) - used for various worm infections: roughly AUD 10 to AUD 60 depending on dose and brand.
• Mebendazole - for some intestinal helminths: typically AUD 10 to AUD 20 per pack.
• Praziquantel as an antiparasitic agent - for tapeworms and trematodes: prices vary with dose but can be around AUD 50 to AUD 100 or more.

Choice of therapy depends on the specific parasite, severity of infection, pregnancy status and other medical considerations. Discuss clinical options and cost implications with your prescriber or pharmacist. See Status in law and accessible justice for how ivermectin can be obtained in the Australian continent.

The current legal status and how to obtain it ivermectin in Australia

• Ivermectin, including brands such as Stromectol, is a Schedule 4 medicine in Australia and is available only with a prescription from an Australian registered prescriber.
• Pharmacists dispense it on presentation of a valid prescription. Advertising of prescription medicines to the public is restricted under Australian law.
• Off-label prescribing is permitted within professional clinical judgement but should be documented by the prescriber.
• Personal importation: under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Individual Importation Program individuals may import up to a three month supply for personal use if they have a valid prescription and meet the scheme requirements; importing products that do not comply with the rules may breach Australian regulations.

For up to date regulatory, subsidy and safety information resources consult the TGA website, Services Australia, your local pharmacist or your prescriber. If cost is an issue ask whether a PBS-subsidised an alternate approach is suitable and compare local pharmacy prices.

Come back to the the upper part of the page or take you to ivermectin cost and pricing model outlook estimates, a different option to consider medical therapies or how to use this product ivermectin.