Are there generic “Stromectol” (ivermectin) tablets in UK pharmacies?
In the UK, “Stromectol” is a brand name for ivermectin tablets. Whether a pharmacy can supply a “generic Stromectol” depends on which ivermectin tablet strengths are authorised in the UK at the time and whether your prescriber has specified brand vs “generic substitution.” If you’re asking because you want lower-cost tablets, the usual route is to ask the pharmacy to dispense “ivermectin (generic)” instead of the brand.
What should you ask for at the UK pharmacy?
Ask for the active ingredient and strength: “ivermectin tablets, [strength in mg], generic version.” If the prescription says “dispense as written” for Stromectol, the pharmacy may need to supply the brand; if it’s written for “ivermectin” (or does not restrict substitution), pharmacists can often dispense an authorised generic.
Which strengths are commonly prescribed?
Ivermectin is used at different strengths depending on the indication (for example, dosing schedules differ for scabies versus other parasitic indications). To avoid the wrong dose, confirm the mg strength on your prescription and match that to the generic.
How do you check if a generic is available?
If a pharmacy doesn’t have it in stock, they can check supplier availability. For market/exclusivity tracking (including when generics may have been expected to enter), DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent and exclusivity information and can be a useful reference point: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/ [1]
If there’s no generic available, what alternatives do UK pharmacies use?
If an ivermectin generic tablet is unavailable, pharmacies typically either:
- source it through a different supplier route, or
- supply the branded product your prescription allows, or
- (less commonly) consider other formulations or alternatives only if the prescriber agrees.
What about safety and dosing concerns when switching brands/generics?
Even when switching from Stromectol to a generic, dosing should be the same as long as the strength and active ingredient match. Still, confirm:
- the exact mg strength,
- the dosing instructions on your prescription, and
- any course timing (because ivermectin schedules can vary by condition).
If you share the ivermectin strength on your prescription (for example, 3 mg or 6 mg tablets) and what condition it’s for, I can help you phrase exactly what to ask the pharmacy for in the UK.
Sources
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/