How Much Does Ivermectin Cost? (Updated July 2021)
Studies revealed that ivermectin (IVM) has antiviral, anti-parasitic and anti-cancer properties. In addition to having antiparasitic and antiviral effects, this drug also causes immuno-modulation in the host.
In 2015, the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine, in its only award for treatments of infectious diseases since six decades prior, honored the discovery of ivermectin (IVM), a multifaceted drug deployed against some of the world’s most devastating tropical diseases. Since March 2020, when ivermectin was first used against a new global scourge, COVID-19, more than 20 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have tracked such inpatient and outpatient treatments. Six of seven meta-analyses of ivermectin treatment RCTs reporting in 2021 found notable reductions in COVID-19 fatalities, with a mean 31% relative risk of mortality vs. controls. The RCT using the highest IVM dose achieved a 92% reduction in mortality vs. controls (400 total subjects, p<0.001). During mass IVM treatments in Peru, excess deaths fell by a mean of 74% over 30 days in its ten states with the most extensive treatments. Reductions in deaths correlated with extent of IVM distributions in all 25 states.
Ivermectin, sold under the brand name Stromectol or Soolantra in the U.S., treats conditions caused by parasites, such as threadworm and roundworm.
How much does ivermectin cost?
Ivermectin’s average U.S. retail price is around $45 for eight generic tablets. Per tablet, this is somewhat expensive, but remember that ivermectin does not treat a chronic condition. Patients taking it will likely only have the prescription for a finite amount of time to treat parasite-related conditions.
Comparing Ivermectin (Stromectol, Soolantra) Prices
Ivermectin (generic) 3 mg 8 tablets
Sources:
You can actually find the lowest prices for ivermectin at your local U.S. pharmacy using the U.S. Prescription Discount Card. At a pharmacy near New Orleans, Louisiana, the card got a 78% discount on the tablets.
What is the difference between the topical cream and the tablets?
Ivermectin tablets are used to treat parasite-related infections. Ivermectin topical cream is used as a treatment for rosacea, a chronic skin condition.
How would ivermectin be used to treat COVID-19?
Ivermectin is traditionally used to treat parasite-related conditions, such as roundworm, threadworm, or onchocerciasis, aka “river blindness.” Speaking to ABC, Dr. Wagstaff noted that his team hopes ivermectin, which prevents parasites from binding to cells, would do the same with COVID-19. Ivermectin is known to attack the protein in an RNA virus that damages the cell’s own immune system.
Dr. Kyle Wagstaff: “So one common feature that RNA viruses have is they often have one or two viral proteins that are specifically dedicated to dampening the host's immune response through this specific mechanism…And ivermectin is known to target a protein that is involved in that process, so we think that's why it would work.”
I see ivermectin can also be used to treat a pet. Can I use pet ivermectin to treat myself?
No. Do not use a drug that is not expressly prescribed to you. Ivermectin is also used as an anti-parasitic in dogs, sometimes as an injection to be performed by a veterinarian. Although the active ingredient is the same, these drugs for pets have a different formulation than the tablets used to treat parasites in humans.
Where is ivermectin manufactured?
Stromectol sold in the U.S. is manufactured in Macau (an autonomous region on the south coast of China).
Soolantra sold in the U.S. is made in Canada and marketed by Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Ivermectin cream 1% sold in the U.S. is made in Canada and marketed by Prasco Laboratories.
All the component medicines are FDA-approved (except ivermectin), inexpensive, readily available and have been used for decades with well-established safety profiles.
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| McCullough et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2020 |
Ivermectin’s average U.S. retail price is around $45 for eight generic tablets. Per tablet, this is somewhat expensive, but remember that ivermectin does not treat a chronic condition. Patients taking it will likely only have the prescription for a finite amount of time to treat parasite-related conditions.
Comparing Ivermectin (Stromectol, Soolantra) Prices
Ivermectin (generic) 3 mg 8 tablets
- Average U.S. Retail Price: $45.26
- U.S. Prescription Discount Card U.S. Price: $9.96
- Accredited International Pharmacy Price: $11.38
- Greatest Percentage Savings: 78%
Stromectol (ivermectin) 3 mg 8 tablets
- Average U.S. Retail Price: $53.31
- U.S. Prescription Discount Card U.S. Price: $37.89
- Accredited International Pharmacy Price: $45.91
- Greatest Percentage Savings: 29%
Sources:
- Average U.S. Retail Price calculated based on pricing on GoodRx.com.
- PharmacyChecker U.S. Discount Card Price based on availability at pharmacies near New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Lowest Accredited International Pharmacy Price based on prices listed on PharmacyChecker.com.
You can actually find the lowest prices for ivermectin at your local U.S. pharmacy using the U.S. Prescription Discount Card. At a pharmacy near New Orleans, Louisiana, the card got a 78% discount on the tablets.
What is the difference between the topical cream and the tablets?
Ivermectin tablets are used to treat parasite-related infections. Ivermectin topical cream is used as a treatment for rosacea, a chronic skin condition.
How would ivermectin be used to treat COVID-19?
Ivermectin is traditionally used to treat parasite-related conditions, such as roundworm, threadworm, or onchocerciasis, aka “river blindness.” Speaking to ABC, Dr. Wagstaff noted that his team hopes ivermectin, which prevents parasites from binding to cells, would do the same with COVID-19. Ivermectin is known to attack the protein in an RNA virus that damages the cell’s own immune system.
Dr. Kyle Wagstaff: “So one common feature that RNA viruses have is they often have one or two viral proteins that are specifically dedicated to dampening the host's immune response through this specific mechanism…And ivermectin is known to target a protein that is involved in that process, so we think that's why it would work.”
No. Do not use a drug that is not expressly prescribed to you. Ivermectin is also used as an anti-parasitic in dogs, sometimes as an injection to be performed by a veterinarian. Although the active ingredient is the same, these drugs for pets have a different formulation than the tablets used to treat parasites in humans.
Where is ivermectin manufactured?
Stromectol sold in the U.S. is manufactured in Macau (an autonomous region on the south coast of China).
Soolantra sold in the U.S. is made in Canada and marketed by Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Ivermectin cream 1% sold in the U.S. is made in Canada and marketed by Prasco Laboratories.
FLCCC (Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care) I-MASK+ Protocol
I-MASK+ Prevention and Early Outpatient Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 was designed for use as a prevention and in early outpatient treatment, for those who test positive for COVID-19. Component nutrients include vitamin D, C, melatonin, quercetin and zinc.
All the component medicines are FDA-approved (except ivermectin), inexpensive, readily available and have been used for decades with well-established safety profiles.
Should I take ivermectin as a prophylaxis?
For prevention, the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Working Group (FLCCC) I-MASK+ protocol recommends (updated June 30, 2021):
- Vitamin D3: 1000–3000 IU/day. Note RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is 800–1000 IU/day. The safe upper-dose daily limit is likely < 4000 IU/day. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 and from dying from the disease. Vitamin D supplementation may therefore prove to be an effective and cheap intervention to lessen the impact of this disease, particularly in vulnerable populations, i.e. the elderly and obese. (Amazon)
- Vitamin C: 500 - 1,000 mg BID (twice daily)
- Quercetin: 250 mg daily. It is likely that vitamin C and quercetin have synergistic prophylactic benefit. Quercetin should be used with caution in patients with hypothyroidism and TSH levels should be monitored. (Amazon)
- Melatonin: 6 mg before bedtime (causes drowsiness). (Amazon)
- Zinc: 30 - 40 mg/day (elemental zinc). Zinc lozenges are preferred. (Amazon)
- Ivermectin prophylaxis dosage (dose for prophylactic ivermectin):
- prevention for high-risk individuals: 0.2 mg/kg per dose (take with or after meals) — one dose today, repeat after 48 hours, then one dose weekly.
- Post COVID-19 exposure prevention: 0.2 mg/kg per dose (take with or after meals) — one dose today, repeat after 48 hours. (Find a Doctor).
Notes:
- High risk Individuals: > 60 years with co-morbidities (hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease), obesity, long term care facilities, etc.
- Post COVID-19 exposure: To use if a household member is COVID-19 positive, or you have prolonged exposure to a COVID-19 positive patient without wearing a mask.
- Precautionary Note: Ivermectin has a number of potentially serious drug-drug interactions. Please check for potential drug interaction at Ivermectin Drug Interactions - Drugs.com. The most important drug interactions occur with cyclosporin, tacrolimus, anti-retroviral drugs, and certain anti-fungal drugs.
- Due to the possible drug interaction between quercetin and ivermectin (may increase ivermectin levels), these drugs should not be taken simultaneously (i.e. should be staggered morning and night).
- Ivermectin is also lipophilic and therefore, bioavailability is maximised on a full stomach; or best to be taken with meal.
- Please consult with a qualified doctor and only use human ivermectin. Ivermectin for animals contain excipients (binding and storage compounds such as ethylene glycol) that are known to cause liver failure in high doses.
For early outpatient protocol (COVID-19 positive), the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Working Group, FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol recommends (updated July 30, 2021):
- Ivermectin: 0.2–0.4 mg/kg per dose (take with or after meals) — one dose daily, take for 5 days or until recovered. (Find a Doctor). Use upper dose range if: 1) in regions with more aggressive variants; 2) treatment started on or after day 5 of symptoms or in pulmonary phase; or 3) multiple comorbidities/risk factors.
- Fluvoxamine: 50 mg twice daily for 10–14 days. Add to ivermectin if: 1) minimal response after 2 days of ivermectin; 2) in regions with more aggressive variants; 3) treatment started on or after day 5 of symptoms or in pulmonary phase; or 4) numerous co-morbidities/risk factors. Avoid if patient is already on an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor).
- Vitamin D3: 4000 IU/day. (Amazon)
- Vitamin C: 500 - 1,000 mg BID (twice daily) (Amazon)
- Quercetin: 250 mg twice a day. (Amazon)
- Melatonin: 10 mg before bedtime (causes drowsiness). (Amazon)
- Zinc: 100 mg/day. Zinc lozenges are preferred. (Amazon)
- Nasopharyngeal (nose) and Oropharyngeal (throat) sanitization: Inhaled steam supplemented with antimicrobial essential oils (e.g VapoRub inhalations) and/or antiseptic mouthwashes/throat rinses (chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium Chloride) and/or Betadine nasal spray (Amazon) applied 2-3 times per day. A mouth wash containing Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) (e.g. Crest, Scope mouthwash™) has broad antimicrobial properties and has been shown to be effective in controlling gingivitis and gingival plaque. In patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 both povidone-iodine and CPC were demonstrated to reduce viral loads. In a primary prophylaxis study, a povidone-iodine throat spray administered three times daily proved to be highly effective in reducing the risk of laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Povidine-iodine (Betadine® Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle™) or CPC (Crest, Scope™) mouth washes are therefore highly recommended. In addition, nasal decolonization/sanitation with Povidone Iodine Swabsticks (available at Amazon.com™) may have an additive (although unproven) benefit. Oropharyngeal and nasal sanitization will likely reduce the viral load in the upper airways, thereby reducing the risk of symptomatic disease and likely reducing disease severity. This may be particularly important with the Delta variant which replicates to achieve viral high loads in the nasopharynx/ oropharynx. (Reference, page 13)
- Aspirin: 325 mg/day unless contraindicated. (Amazon)
- Pulse Oximeter: FLCCC also recommend monitoring your oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter and to go to the hospital if you get below 94%. (Amazon)
Notes:
- Optional: Curcumin: 500 mg twice a day (Ref) (Amazon)
- Duration for supplements: Most supplements (e.g. vitamin D, zinc, quercetin) for early treatment are given for 5 - 10 days. To continue for preventive purposes, dosages will need to be reduced as per the prevention or prophylaxis protocol.
- If you can’t get fluvoxamine (Luvox), using 30mg once a day of fluoxetine (Prozac) is equally effective (equivalent to 50mg twice a day of fluvoxamine).
- Optional: Azithromycin 250 mg twice a day. (Find a Doctor).
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