Concerns with the use of oral ivermectin for the claimed prevention or treatment of COVID-19 have prompted new restrictions on the prescribing and supply of this medicine. This will ensure supplies are available for the treatment of TGA-approved indications (certain parasitic infections), and for clinical trials. 

A medical practitioner or nurse practitioner may prescribe and supply oral ivermectin only for a TGA-approved indication. Current approved indications are for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis), threadworm (intestinal strongyloidiasis) and scabies in complex cases. See the approved product information. 

The following prescribers are authorised under the Poisons and Therapeutic Regulation 2008 to prescribe and supply ivermectin for an unapproved indication:
  • A medical practitioner registered in the specialty, or field of specialty practice, of:
      • dermatology
      • gastroenterology and hepatology
      • paediatric gastroenterology and hepatology 
      • infectious diseases
      • paediatric infectious diseases 
  • A medical practitioner or nurse practitioner using ivermectin as part of a clinical trial approved by, or notified to, the Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989
  • A medical practitioner or nurse practitioner practising in a public hospital to treat patients of the hospital
  • A medical practitioner or nurse practitioner prescribing or supplying topical preparations of ivermectin.
The prescriber must endorse each prescription with words that indicate that the prescription has been issued under clause 37 of the NSW Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008. This indicates to the dispensing pharmacist that the restrictions above are met, and the prescription is valid for dispensing. 

Current as at: Monday 12 September 2022
Contact page owner: Pharmaceutical Services