Where to Buy Ivermectin Over The Counter

Ivermectin is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved anti-parasitic drug that is used to treat a variety of parasitic infections in humans and animals. It was first introduced in the 1980s as a veterinary drug for livestock and pets, and the discovery of its effectiveness in humans won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Since then, ivermectin has been used extensively to treat and prevent parasitic infections worldwide.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is a member of the avermectin class of broad-spectrum anti-parasitic medications. It was discovered in 1975 and introduced commercially in 1981. Ivermectin specifically targets the nervous systems of parasitic worms and arthropods, disrupting their nerve and muscle function which causes paralysis and eventual death. It is active against a wide range of internal and external parasites such as gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, mites, lice and hornflies.

Ivermectin is a mixture containing at least 90% 5-O‐demethyl-22,23-dihydroavermectin A1a and less than 10% 5-O‐demethyl-25-de(1-methylpropyl)-22,23-dihydro-25-(1-methylethyl)avermectin A1a, generally referred to as 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a and B1b, or H2B1a and H2B1b. The avermectin family of medications are macrocyclic lactone derivatives that are produced from the bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis.

How Ivermectin Works

Ivermectin works by selectively binding to and activating glutamate-gated chloride channel receptors that are present in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This causes increased permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, resulting in cellular hyperpolarization, muscle paralysis and death of the parasite.

In mammals, ivermectin does not readily cross the blood brain barrier and therefore does not interact with brain GABA receptor channels. This allows ivermectin to exhibit selective toxicity against invertebrate parasites over mammalian hosts.

Ivermectin Uses in Humans

In humans, ivermectin is FDA-approved to treat two kinds of parasitic infections:

• Onchocerciasis. Also known as river blindness, onchocerciasis is caused by infection with the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. Ivermectin is the only known oral medication that can cure this disease. It has helped significantly reduce incidence of river blindness when used widely in endemic communities.
• Strongyloidiasis. This intestinal infection is caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis. Ivermectin has become the treatment of choice for strongyloidiasis infection.

– Ivermectin is also used off-label to treat a variety of other parasitic worm diseases like ascariasis, cutaneous larva migrans, scabies and filariasis. It is also sometimes prescribed to treat head lice and rosacea.

In December 2020, ivermectin was being controversially promoted as a treatment or preventative for Covid-19, against the recommendations of health authorities. As of October 2023, ivermectin has not been approved by the FDA or WHO for Covid-19 treatment. More research is needed on its efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Ivermectin Veterinary Uses

In veterinary medicine, ivermectin is most commonly used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs and certain internal and external parasites in cattle, horses, pigs, cats and sheep. It is one of the most versatile and widely used anti-parasitic medications in veterinary practice.

Common parasites susceptible to ivermectin include:

• Gastrointestinal roundworms like Ascarids, hookworms, Strongyles
• Lungworms
• Eyeworms
• Mange mites like Sarcoptes
• Ticks
• Horn flies, lice

Ivermectin Dosage

Ivermectin dosage is determined based on the patient’s weight, medical condition and the type of infection being treated.

For river blindness, the standard ivermectin dose for adults is a single 150 mcg/kg oral dose. For strongyloidiasis, the FDA recommended dosage is a 200 mcg/kg single oral dose, repeated after two weeks.

For scabies, a single 200 mcg/kg oral dose is typically adequate. For pediculosis (lice infestation), a 200 mcg/kg dose is repeated after one week if needed. In rosacea, a single dose of 1% ivermectin cream is applied to affected skin once daily for up to 4 months.

In dogs, ivermectin dosage depends on the intention of treatment and the formulation used. Heartworm prevention is typically given at 6 or 12 mcg/kg once a month. For treating mange, ivermectin dose rates range between 200-400 mcg/kg. Ivermectin is given to cattle, horses, pigs and sheep at dose volumes ranging from 0.2 to 2 mg/kg.

Ivermectin Side Effects

When used as prescribed, ivermectin has a good safety record and side effects are minimal. However, some possible side effects can occur, including:

• Itching
• Rash
• Swelling
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

More severe CNS side effects can occur if ivermectin enters the brain. These may include confusion, fatigue, seizures, coma and death. Care should be taken to avoid accidental overdose, especially in herding dog breeds susceptible to the MDR1 gene mutation.

Ivermectin is also contraindicated during pregnancy as it can cross the placental barrier and cause fetal harm. Infants under 5 years or less than 15 kg bodyweight should not be given ivermectin. People with liver or kidney disease may require monitoring and dose adjustments after ivermectin administration.

Where to Buy Ivermectin for Humans

While ivermectin is available over-the-counter in some countries, it requires a prescription to purchase in the United States. Several telehealth companies and online pharmacies now provide ivermectin consultations by telephone or video call. This allows them to provide a valid prescription if clinically appropriate.

Some ways to buy ivermectin for humans in the US include:

• Contacting a telehealth service for a consultation. They may prescribe and supply ivermectin if suitable for your condition.
• Scheduling an in-person or telehealth visit with your primary care doctor or dermatologist. Ask them to prescribe ivermectin if it is right for you.
• Visiting a pharmacy or store that carries ivermectin. You will need a valid prescription to purchase it.
• Ordering ivermectin online from an overseas pharmacy. This option is not legal or recommended due to safety risks.
• Checking local livestock feed stores to see if they carry ivermectin horse paste. Note this product is not safe for human consumption.

The best way to obtain ivermectin is by consulting a doctor. Self-medicating with veterinary formulations or products purchased overseas can be very dangerous.

Ivermectin Price

The cost of ivermectin will depend on factors like the type of formulation, dosage, quantity, manufacturer, pharmacy and location. Tablet forms of ivermectin for human use typically cost between $35-$200 for a standard supply. Topical 1% ivermectin creams can cost $60-$100 per tube.

Brand name Stromectol from Merck is one of the most expensive options. Generic versions are more affordable. In veterinary products, injectable ivermectin may cost $2-$7 per ml, while oral paste costs around $15-$35 per tube. Prices may be significantly lower in certain countries.

To reduce costs, consider using telehealth services, generics, GoodRx coupons or assistance programs. Shopping around at different pharmacies can also help locate the best ivermectin price near you.

In summary, ivermectin is a versatile anti-parasitic drug that has been used successfully to treat and prevent various parasitic worm infections in humans, pets and livestock. It has become an essential global health tool due to its efficacy, safety and affordability. However, pregnant women and very young children should avoid using ivermectin. While generally well tolerated, potential side effects can occur so medical supervision is recommended.