Ivermectin UK prescription: what you need to know

Ivermectin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. Doctors may prescribe it for specific parasitic infections such as scabies or certain worm infections. It isn’t a routine treatment for viral illnesses, and using animal ivermectin products for people is unsafe and illegal. Here’s a clear guide on how to get ivermectin legally in the UK, what to expect, and how to stay safe.

Who can get ivermectin and when

GPs, sexual health clinics, travel clinics and some hospital specialists can prescribe ivermectin when clinically indicated. Common reasons include crusted scabies, strongyloidiasis and selected parasitic infections. Your clinician will assess symptoms, medical history, medications and sometimes arrange tests. Expect them to check for pregnancy, liver issues and drug interactions before prescribing.

How to get a legal prescription in the UK

Follow these practical steps:

1. Contact your GP or a clinic: Describe symptoms clearly (intense itching especially at night, rash in web spaces, recent travel). If your GP can’t help fast enough, ask about a same-day clinic or sexual health service.

2. Use a regulated online clinic if needed: Several UK telemedicine services are run by registered doctors and can issue a private prescription after an online consultation. Make sure the service is UK‑based and the doctor is registered with the General Medical Council.

3. Get a valid prescription: Pharmacies in the UK — NHS or private — will only dispense ivermectin with a valid prescription. Don’t use animal products or international sites that don’t require a prescription.

4. Fill the prescription at a licensed pharmacy: NHS prescriptions apply in England (charges may apply); prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Private prescriptions have variable prices; ask the clinic for cost details up front.

Dosage is weight-based. For example, oral ivermectin for scabies is commonly given at 200 micrograms per kilogram as a single dose, sometimes repeated after one to two weeks. Don’t self-dose — follow the exact instructions your prescriber gives.

Side effects can include dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, and skin rash. Serious reactions are rare but possible. If you have liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your prescriber — ivermectin may be unsuitable.

Beware of red flags: sites selling ivermectin without a prescription, sellers using animal formulations, or offers with wildly low prices. These products may be counterfeit and dangerous. Always use a licensed UK pharmacy tied to a valid prescription.

If you’re unsure whether ivermectin is right for you, ask your clinician about alternatives and supportive care. For scabies, topical permethrin is a common prescription treatment and may be recommended alone or with oral ivermectin depending on the case.

Need help finding a clinic or checking a pharmacy? Contact your GP surgery for local options or look for NHS-approved clinics and registered private telemedicine providers. Getting the right treatment quickly keeps you safe and speeds recovery.