The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has issued a warning against importing ivermectin from unverified online sources after testing of imported products labelled as ivermectin found they were counterfeit under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
Laboratory testing found that the 12mg products, Iversun-12, Covimectin-12 and Ivilife-12, contained less than the active pharmaceutical ingredient declared on the labels.
Ivermectin has been increasingly self medicated as a treatment for COVID-19; however, the TGA notes there is "insufficient evidence to validate its safe and effective use for COVID-19". Moreover, the TGA warns that ivermectin bought online from unverified sources may be counterfeit products, which, being untested, may contain undeclared and hazardous ingredients that could cause a serious adverse reaction.
The TGA says it is working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to prevent counterfeit and unlawful ivermectin entering Australia; suspected counterfeit products will be referred to the TGA for further investigation. It has also published advice on the risks of importing ivermectin, along with new restrictions on prescribing ivermectin for COVID-19.
Reference
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). TGA warns about imports of ivermectin. Internet Document : 14 Dec 2021. Available from: URL: https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/tga-warns-about-imports-ivermectin