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Ivermectin in Australia: TGA Status and Access

Ivermectin is a prescription-only medicine in Australia, regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Unlike the UK, Australia has long had registered oral ivermectin, and it is well established in clinical practice — particularly for scabies, which is a serious public health issue in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

What is registered

Oral ivermectin is registered in Australia for strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis, and scabies including crusted scabies. Topical ivermectin 1% cream is registered for the inflammatory lesions of rosacea.

Some indications attract PBS subsidy, which reduces cost considerably for eligible patients. Coverage conditions vary by indication and are worth checking with the prescribing doctor or pharmacist.

The 2021 restriction, and what happened after

In September 2021 the TGA placed additional restrictions on ivermectin prescribing, limiting it to its registered indications and requiring specialist involvement for use outside them. The stated reasons were a sharp rise in prescriptions for unapproved uses, resulting shortages for patients who needed the drug for scabies and strongyloidiasis, and concern about people delaying vaccination.

The TGA removed those additional restrictions in mid-2023, returning ivermectin to normal prescribing arrangements. Any source still describing it as heavily restricted or effectively banned in Australia is out of date.

Throughout that period ivermectin remained available for its registered indications. It was never withdrawn.

Crusted scabies and remote community programmes

Australia has a particular public health focus here. Crusted scabies is notifiable in the Northern Territory, and Australian treatment guidelines for it are among the most detailed anywhere, using multi-dose oral ivermectin on days 1, 2 and 8 for moderate cases, extended to days 9, 15, 22 and 29 in severe disease, combined with topical scabicide and keratolytic therapy.

Community-wide mass treatment programmes in remote communities have produced substantial and sustained reductions in scabies prevalence, and are frequently cited internationally as a model. See ivermectin for scabies.

Importation

Australia's Personal Importation Scheme permits an individual to import up to a three-month supply of most prescription medicines for personal use, provided the medicine is for the importer or an immediate family member, is not a prohibited import, and no more than 15 months' supply is imported in any 12-month period. A valid prescription is expected.

The Australian Border Force may inspect shipments, and medicines are a routine inspection target.

Ivermectin.com ships to Australia as international parcels with tracking. Duties and GST where applicable are the recipient's responsibility.

As with other international destinations, the complimentary GermProof spray that accompanies USA orders is not included. GermProof can be purchased and shipped to Australia separately with a two-unit minimum and a flat $40 UPS international postage charge; four or more units is far better value against that postage. For GermProof by itself, germproof.com is usually the better option.

Human pharmaceutical ivermectin, shipped from the USA

GMP-certified human formulations — tablets and 1% cream. Never veterinary products. Most USA orders ship within 1–7 business days, with tracking on every order.

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Frequently asked questions

Is ivermectin banned in Australia?

No. It is a registered prescription medicine for strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis and scabies. Additional prescribing restrictions introduced in September 2021 were removed by the TGA in mid-2023, returning it to normal prescribing arrangements.

Can I get ivermectin on the PBS?

Some indications attract PBS subsidy, which substantially reduces the cost for eligible patients. Conditions vary by indication, so check with your prescriber or pharmacist.

Why did the TGA restrict ivermectin in 2021?

Because prescriptions for unapproved uses rose sharply, causing shortages for patients who needed it for scabies and strongyloidiasis, and because of concern that people were delaying vaccination. Those additional restrictions were lifted in 2023.

How much can I import for personal use?

The Personal Importation Scheme allows up to a three-month supply at a time for yourself or an immediate family member, with no more than 15 months supply in any 12-month period. A valid prescription is expected and the Border Force may inspect shipments.

Does ivermectin.com ship to Australia?

Yes, as international parcels with tracking and customs clearance. Duties and GST where applicable are the recipient responsibility. The free GermProof spray applies to USA orders only.

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Medical information notice. This page is provided for general information and reflects published research and regulatory guidance at the time of writing. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Dosing decisions, drug interactions and treatment choices should be made with a clinician who knows your history. Ivermectin is approved by regulators for specific parasitic indications; other uses discussed here are described only to summarise the state of published research and are not treatment recommendations.