Ivermectin oral tablet side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ivermectin oral tablet for the following conditions:

• onchocerciasis (a parasitic infection in the skin and eyes, also called river blindness)
• strongyloidiasis (a parasitic infection in the intestines)

This article describes possible side effects of ivermectin oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for ivermectin.

Ivermectin oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Stromectol. You can explore this overview article to learn more about ivermectin oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.

More common side effects of ivermectin

Ivermectin oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of ivermectin oral tablet that occurred during the drug’s studies. The more common side effects varied based on the condition being treated.

More common side effects in people taking ivermectin oral tablet for a parasitic infection in the intestines include:

• dizziness*
• itchy skin*
• tiredness
• tremor
• rash

A more common side effect in people taking ivermectin oral tablet for a parasitic infection in the skin and eyes is:

• Mazzotti reaction (a reaction that causes joint pain, enlarged and tender lymph nodes, itching, and more)

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ivermectin in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of ivermectin

Ivermectin may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of ivermectin oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• tiredness
• weakness
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea*
• constipation
• drowsiness
• dizziness or vertigo*
• tremor
• itchy skin*
• rash
• hives
• headache
• muscle pain
• mild allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ivermectin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with ivermectin oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.

Ivermectin oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of ivermectin

Ivermectin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from ivermectin oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911, or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with ivermectin oral tablet.

Serious side effects in ivermectin studies varied based on the condition being treated. Serious side effects seen across all uses include:

• high liver enzymes
• low or high red and white blood cells
• severe allergic reaction*†

Serious side effects in people taking ivermectin oral tablet for a parasitic infection in the skin and eyes include:

• worsening infection in the eye
• a reaction that causes joint pain, enlarged and tender lymph nodes, itching, and more
• swelling of the face or body
• low blood pressure when standing
• fast heart rate

Serious side effects in people taking ivermectin oral tablet for a parasitic infection in the intestines include:

• worsening infection in the intestines

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ivermectin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with ivermectin oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.

Common questions about side effects of ivermectin

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of ivermectin oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can ivermectin cause kidney-related side effects?

No, ivermectin does not usually cause kidney-related side effects. Ivermectin is processed in your liver, not your kidneys. Your body gets rid of most of the drug through feces, not urine.

If you’d like to know more about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Is ivermectin prescribed for COVID-19? If so, does taking the drug for this use cause certain side effects?

Ivermectin is not approved for treating COVID-19. And it’s not recommended to treat this condition.

Studies haven’t been done to look at side effects of ivermectin for treating COVID-19. If you have questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Does ivermectin cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases, ivermectin oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if your infection gets worse after you take ivermectin. Also, some short-term side effects can cause problems that take time to resolve.

Examples of long-term side effects reported with ivermectin oral tablet include:

• a reaction that causes joint pain, enlarged and tender lymph nodes, itching, and more
• vision loss
• low blood pressure
• high liver enzymes

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of ivermectin may last.

Coupon for ivermectin

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for ivermectin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of ivermectin in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of ivermectin oral tablet.

Dizziness or vertigo

In studies of ivermectin oral tablet, most people did not experience side effects. Of those who did experience side effects, dizziness was reported, but it was rare. Dizziness is usually mild.

With dizziness, you may feel:

• lightheaded
• off-balance
• unsteady
• woozy
• faint

It’s also possible to have vertigo while you’re taking ivermectin oral tablet. With vertigo, you feel dizzy, and it might seem like you or the room around you is spinning.

Ways to manage

If you experience dizziness or vertigo from ivermectin, it may go away on its own in a few days. If it is bothersome or does not go away, tell your doctor. They may find a different cause for your symptoms. Or they may have recommendations to reduce your dizziness or vertigo.

Itchy skin

In studies of ivermectin oral tablet, most people did not experience side effects. Of those who did experience side effects, itchy skin was reported, but it was rare. Itchy skin is usually mild.

With itchy skin, you may have:

• rash
• hives
• skin discoloration

Ways to manage

If you have itchy skin, try not to scratch too much. This could make the itching worse. Or it could lead to bruising or infection.

If you have this side effect of ivermectin, it may go away on its own in a few days. If it is bothersome or painful, tell your doctor.

They may recommend a cream or lotion from your pharmacy. For example, hydrocortisone cream can help with itching.

Or they may find that the itchy skin is due to a different condition. In that case, they may prescribe a specific treatment for the cause of your itchy skin.

Diarrhea

In studies of ivermectin oral tablet, most people did not experience side effects. Of those who did experience side effects, diarrhea was reported, but it was rare. Diarrhea is usually mild.

With diarrhea, you may experience:

• loose stool
• watery stool
• mild cramping

Ways to manage

If you have diarrhea, it will usually be mild and go away on its own. If it lasts more than a few days, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a treatment from your local pharmacy.

Treatments for mild diarrhea include:

• psyllium
• bisacodyl
• polyethylene glycol
• magnesium citrate

Diet changes may also help. You can eat foods with high levels of fiber, like fruits and vegetables. And you can drink plenty of water.

Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea along with other symptoms such as fever or pain. This may indicate a different cause for your diarrhea other than ivermectin.

Allergic reaction

For some people, ivermectin oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. Sometimes the reaction is from ivermectin, but sometimes it’s from the parasite being treated. It’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to ivermectin oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for ivermectin

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking ivermectin oral tablet.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take ivermectin oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether ivermectin oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking ivermectin oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• whether the parasitic infection you have is severe or affects your eye
• low immune system function
• bleeding disorders or use of blood thinners
• past allergic reaction to ivermectin

Ivermectin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether ivermectin oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Ivermectin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether ivermectin oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Ivermectin and alcohol

Ivermectin oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.

Ivermectin and alcohol cause some of the same side effects. If you take ivermectin and drink alcohol, the side effects could be worse. These include:

• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with ivermectin oral tablet.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of ivermectin oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Can I have side effects from ivermectin a long time after I take it?
• If I take warfarin, will my ivermectin side effects be worse?
• Does my risk of dizziness depend on my ivermectin dosage?
• Will ivermectin’s side effects be worse if I have low immune system function?
• Do side effects of ivermectin depend on the parasite it’s prescribed to treat?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.