TGA warns about imports of ivermectin

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested a number of imported products labelled as ivermectin and found that they are counterfeit under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

Laboratory testing has confirmed that the following 12mg products contain less than the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient declared on the labels:

• Iversun-12
• Covimectin-12
• Ivilife-12

The results of the TGA testing serve as a warning against buying ivermectin products from unverified online sellers. Counterfeit products may contain undeclared and hazardous ingredients that could cause a serious adverse reaction. They may also be contaminated because of a lack of manufacturing and testing standards.

The TGA is working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to target counterfeit and unlawful ivermectin entering Australia. The ABF will refer suspected counterfeit products to the TGA for further direction.

The TGA strongly discourages self-medication and self-dosing for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. It is very dangerous to take large doses of ivermectin and there is insufficient evidence to validate its safe and effective use for COVID-19. The TGA has published advice on the risks of importing ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19.

The TGA has also published new restrictions on prescribing ivermectin for COVID-19. If your doctor writes you a prescription for ivermectin, fill it through a legitimate source, such as a pharmacy, and take it only as prescribed.

If you suspect non-compliance in relation to therapeutic goods, you can report illegal or questionable practices online to the TGA.

The TGA also encourages the reporting of suspected non-compliant advertising.

Covimectin-12 tablets tested by the TGA.