Iverheal 12 mg is labelled as containing ivermectin, an antiparasitic medicine used to treat certain parasitic infections. In Australia, oral ivermectin is a prescription-only medicine and approved uses include certain worm infections and scabies.
However, there is an important safety consideration with this specific product. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has identified Iverheal-12 as a counterfeit ivermectin product after laboratory testing found that it contained less ivermectin than stated on the label. For this reason, the product should not be presented as an Australian-approved or verified ivermectin medicine.
What is Iverheal 12 mg?
The product is labelled as containing 12mg of ivermectin. It belongs to a group of medicines called antiparasitic agents and works against certain parasites.
Australian approved oral ivermectin products are used for conditions such as river blindness (onchocerciasis), intestinal strongyloidiasis, and scabies. The appropriate treatment depends on the type of infection and the individual patient’s circumstances.
Because the TGA has specifically reported Iverheal-12 as counterfeit, consumers should not assume that the amount or quality of ivermectin in a product labelled Iverheal-12 is reliable.
Uses of Iverheal 12 mg
It may be prescribed for certain parasitic conditions, including:
- River blindness (onchocerciasis)
- Intestinal strongyloidiasis
- Scabies in appropriate patients
- Certain other parasitic infections when specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional
Treatment should only be started after the condition has been properly assessed. For scabies, Australian prescribing information states that treatment should be based on an established diagnosis rather than itching alone.
The medication should not be promoted or used as a treatment for COVID-19. The TGA states that ivermectin is not approved in Australia for preventing or treating COVID-19 and does not endorse its use for this purpose.
How Does Ivermectin Work?
This drug acts against certain parasites by interfering with nerve and muscle activity that is important for their survival.
For example, in intestinal strongyloidiasis and river blindness, it helps eliminate developing worms. It is also used against the mites responsible for scabies.
The exact effect and treatment schedule depend on the infection being treated, so the medicine should be used according to a healthcare professional’s instructions.
Dosage and How to Use
The appropriate amount of the medication depends on the type of infection and the patient’s body weight or other individual factors. It should not be self-dosed based simply on the tablet strength.
Australian consumer medicine information states that the doctor determines how many tablets are required and that the treatment is generally taken as a single dose with a full glass of water. Some conditions may require another dose or a different treatment schedule.
- Take it only when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Follow the dose and timing provided by your doctor.
- Do not take additional tablets without medical advice.
- Do not share the medicine with another person.
- Do not repeat treatment unless instructed to do so.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you use.
- Do not use an unverified product simply because it has the correct strength printed on the package.
Because the TGA has identified Iverheal-12 as counterfeit, the labelled 12mg strength should not be treated as confirmation of the actual amount of ivermectin in the product.
Possible Side Effects
The treatment can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Possible effects may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach discomfort
- Tiredness
- Skin reactions
More serious reactions can occur in some patients. Seek medical attention if you experience severe dizziness, confusion, significant swelling, difficulty breathing, blistering or peeling skin, or other unusual symptoms.
The risk of certain reactions may depend on the infection being treated and the patient’s medical history.
Warnings and Precautions
Before taking the drug, tell your doctor if you:
- Have liver disease
- Have previously received treatment for river blindness
- Have an allergy to this medication or another medicine
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Take prescription medicines, vitamins, or supplements
Australian consumer information states that it should not be used during pregnancy and that patients should discuss breastfeeding with their doctor.
The treatment is also not suitable for all children. Age and weight restrictions depend on the condition being treated.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take.
Australian medicine information specifically identifies warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots, as a medicine that may interact with this drug. Other medicines, vitamins, and supplements should also be disclosed before treatment.
Do not start, stop, or change another medicine without professional advice.
Storage
For verified ivermectin medicines:
- Keep the tablets in their original packaging.
- Keep them in the blister pack until they are needed.
- Store below 30°C.
- Protect the medicine from moisture.
- Keep it away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Do not use tablets after the expiry date.
- Ask a pharmacist about safe disposal of unused medicine.
FAQs
What is Iverheal 12 mg?
The product is labelled as containing 12mg of ivermectin. However, the Australian TGA has reported that it was counterfeit and contained less ivermectin than stated on its label.
What is Iverheal 12 mg used for?
It is an antiparasitic medicine used for certain infections, including river blindness, intestinal strongyloidiasis, and scabies where treatment with oral ivermectin is appropriate.
Is Iverheal 12 mg approved in Australia?
The TGA has identified this medication as an unregistered counterfeit product. It should therefore not be described as a TGA-approved Australian medicine. The TGA advises consumers to be cautious with ivermectin products obtained from unverified online sources.
Can ivermectin be used for COVID-19?
No. Ivermectin is not approved in Australia for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The TGA does not endorse its use for this purpose.
Can ivermectin be taken during pregnancy?
Australian consumer information states that ivermectin should not be used during pregnancy because its safety has not been established. Anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy should speak with a healthcare professional.
Can children take ivermectin?
Age and weight restrictions depend on the condition being treated. Australian product information includes specific restrictions for children, so treatment should only be given when prescribed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
References
The following Australian medical and regulatory resources were referenced while preparing this content.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – Continuing imports of counterfeit ivermectin
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – TGA cautions consumers over counterfeit ivermectin
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care – Stromectol (Ivermectin) Consumer Medicine Information
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – Removal of prescribing restrictions on ivermectin
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ivermectin is a prescription medicine and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The TGA has specifically reported Iverheal-12 as a counterfeit product. Always obtain medicines from a legitimate, regulated pharmacy and consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
