Ivermectin in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
(This is general information only; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.)
| Topic | Key Points |
|-------|------------|
| What is Ivermectin? | A broad‑spectrum antiparasitic medication used mainly for conditions such as onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis, scabies, and certain lice infections. |
| Approved uses in the UAE | - Parasitic infections (e.g., Onchocerca volvulus, Strongyloides stercoralis, scabies, head/neck lice).
- Off‑label use (e.g., some clinicians prescribe it for molluscum contagiosum, viral infections, or dermatological conditions).
- It has not been approved by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) for COVID‑19 treatment. |
| Regulatory status | - Registered and listed in the UAE’s “Central Drugs Register” managed by MOHAP.
- Available only with a prescription from a licensed physician.
- Pharmacies and pharmacies operating in UAE (including online pharmacies) must have an MOHAP license and comply with local drug‑control regulations. |
| Prescription process | 1. Consult a physician – either in‑person or via telemedicine.
2. The doctor will assess whether ivermectin is indicated for your condition, consider any contraindications or drug interactions, and write a prescription.
3. Fill the prescription at a licensed pharmacy or use a licensed online pharmacy. |
| Dosage guidance (general) | - For scabies: 200 µg/kg orally once; a second dose 1–2 weeks later is common.
- For strongyloidiasis: 200 µg/kg once (or 400 µg/kg as a single dose in some protocols).
- For head lice: 200 µg/kg orally once or twice (interval depends on local practice).
(These are typical regimens; actual doses should be individualized by a clinician.) |
| Common side effects | - Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
- Dizziness or fatigue.
- Rarely, skin rashes or pruritus. Severe adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity) are extremely uncommon in humans when used at approved doses. |
| Drug interactions | - Metabolism largely via CYP3A4; concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase ivermectin levels.
- Use with caution in patients on anticoagulants, anti‑epileptics, or other CYP3A4 substrates. |
| Special populations | - Pregnancy & lactation: Limited data; generally not recommended unless the benefit outweighs the risk.
- Children: Approved for use in certain age ranges (e.g., >6 months for onchocerciasis) but dosing must be weight‑based. |
| Key safety cautions | - Self‑medication is discouraged. Ivermectin is not a “pan‑solution” for viral infections such as COVID‑19.
- The WHO, FDA, EMA, and UAE MOHAP have all emphasized that ivermectin is only indicated for parasitic diseases unless specifically approved for other uses.
- Inappropriate dosing or prolonged use can lead to toxicity (e.g., neurotoxicity, visual disturbances). |
| How to verify a pharmacy’s legitimacy | 1. Check that the pharmacy’s license number is listed on the MOHAP website or the “Pharmacy Registry” portal.
2. Ensure the pharmacy offers a “Prescription required” service; it should not claim to sell ivermectin over‑the‑counter.
3. For online pharmacies, verify that the site uses secure HTTPS, has a contact phone number, and displays the pharmacy’s registration details. |
| If you suspect you have a parasitic infection | 1. Seek a physical exam (or tele‑consultation) to confirm the diagnosis.
2. Provide the physician with your medical history, current medications, and any pregnancy/lactation status.
3. Follow the prescribed dosage and schedule; do not alter the dose or frequency without a doctor’s guidance. |
| Common myths to debunk | - “Ivermectin can cure COVID‑19.” No robust evidence supports this; major health authorities (WHO, FDA, EMA) do not recommend it for COVID‑19 outside clinical trials.
- “It is safe to take any over‑the‑counter dose.” Over‑dosing can lead to serious adverse events; always use the exact dose prescribed by a clinician. |
| Where to find official UAE information | - MOHAP Central Drugs Register: https://www.mohap.gov.ae (search for “Ivermectin”).
- Pharmacy & Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA): provides updates on drug approvals and safety alerts.
- Health.gov.ae: general drug‑information portal. |
| Next steps | 1. If you have a legitimate medical need (e.g., scabies, strongyloidiasis), schedule a consultation with a qualified UAE physician.
2. Use only the prescription dosage and monitor for side effects.
3. Report any adverse reactions to the prescribing clinician or directly to MOHAP. |
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Bottom line
Ivermectin is a legitimate, prescription‑controlled drug in the UAE, approved for certain parasitic infections. It is not approved for COVID‑19 or other viral illnesses. Use it only under a doctor’s supervision, and always obtain it from a licensed pharmacy. If you have doubts or suspect a parasitic infection, schedule a professional evaluation rather than self‑medicating.