Iverscab (Ivermectin) 6mg

Iverscab general information

What is Iverscab used for?

Parasites are organisms that survive by living off another organism called the host.  Some parasites may irritate, but otherwise, do not make their host sick.  However, in many cases, the parasite affects many areas of the host’s body, making the host severely ill.  Iverscab tablets 6mg are used to treat parasitic infections caused by parasitic worms and ectoparasites like scabies, to relieve symptoms and prevent the spread of infection. 

Parasitic worms

Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis an intestinal parasite belonging to the hookworm group of roundworms.  Infection is by direct contact with contaminated soil.  The larval worms enter the bloodstream, migrate to the lungs, and are then swallowed.  Once in the host intestine, the larvae mature into adults and produce eggs, which hatch, and the next generation of larvae are excreted in the faeces or migrate to other parts of the body.  In this way, the larvae can re-infect the same host.  Strongyloidiasis symptoms include a rash at the site of larval penetration, usually the feet.  Also, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting); other symptoms include low-grade fever, coughing and wheezing, due to the migration of larvae through the lungs.  The infection can be more severe if the parasite spreads throughout the body. 

Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is caused by the thread-like nematode worm Wuchereria bancrofti.  This parasite is carried by mosquitos and transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito.  This allows the larvae to enter the bloodstream and migrate to the lymph vessels.  The larvae mature into adults, mate, and produce and microfilariae, which circulate in the blood ready to infect another mosquito when it bites.  In the mosquito, microfilariae grow into adults, to begin the life cycle again.  Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis include lymphoedema, due to obstruction of the lymphatic system.  This causes swelling in the arms, legs, or genitals, which can be painful and disfiguring. 

Other intestinal nematode parasites include roundworm (ascariasis), whipworm (Trichuriasis), and pinworm (Enterobiasis).

Scabies

Scabies is a contagious ectoparasitic infection, caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, transmitted by direct skin contact. The scabies mite burrows into the skin, causing itching as it burrows, which can be intense and is often worse at night.  Within two to six weeks after infection, the mite can cause an allergic reaction.  Symptoms include a rash, seen as small red bumps on the limbs and trunk, which are usually very itchy; also, nodules in the groin or armpit.  Burrow lines can also be seen at the site of infection, generally between the fingers, on the skin of the hands, feet, wrist, elbows, buttocks, and genitals.  If left untreated, scabies infection can cause secondary complications.  These include impetigo (infection and inflammation of superficial skin cells), and cellulitis (inflammation of the lower dermal or subcutaneous skin layers). 

How does Iverscab work?

Iverscab dispersible tablets 6mg contains ivermectin, an anthelmintic that is used to treat parasitic infections.  Ivermectin in Iverscab dispersible tablets 6mg is derived from the avermectins.  These are a series of drugs that are isolated from the fermentation of the soil bacteria Streptomyces avermitilis.  The avermectins are used to treat a variety of parasitic diseases. 

Ivermectin in Iverscab tablets 6mg works by interacting directly and specifically with the nervous system of the parasite but does not affect mammals.  Ivermectin in Iverscab dispersible tablets 6mg binds strongly to specific receptors in the parasite nerve and muscle cells that are only found in invertebrate cells.  These are the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (GluCl) regulated chloride channels.  Ivermectin binding to these channels causes paralysis and death of the parasite.  Iverscab tablets 6mg are effective in interrupting the infectious cycle and helping to prevent the spread of infection. 

What does Iverscab contain?

Iverscab contains the active ingredient ivermectin (6mg), an anthelmintic used to treat various parasitic diseases.

What are the side effects of Iverscab?

Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone.  Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking Iverscab tablets 6mg, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician. 

Common side effects when taking Iverscab include transient tachycardia (fast heart rate), flushing, nausea, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itching skin rash, asthenia (weakness), light-headedness, dizziness, drowsiness, vertigo, tremor

When should Iverscab not be used?

Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking Iverscab tablets 6mg so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it.  There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for Iverscab, you should consider the following before taking Iverscab :

• Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking Iverscab?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Do you have any problems with your kidneys or your liver?
• Do you have asthma?
• Do you have another infection with other microfilarial worms such as loa loa?

What medications interact with Iverscab?

Some medicines interact with Iverscab tablets 6mg and may affect the way it works, or are affected by Iverscab  or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician.  These may include diethylcarbamazine citrate a rapid action drug for microfilarial infections, and the anticoagulant warfarin. 

If other medications may interact with Iverscab tablets 6mg, your doctor will discuss these with you. 

How should Iverscab be taken and for how long?

You should take your Iverscab tablets 6mg dispersed in a small amount of water (approximately one teaspoon) and then swallowed in one dose.  You can take your Iverscab tablets at any time of day but on an empty stomach, either two hours before or two hours after eating.  The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for, your body weight (200 micrograms per kilogram body weight), and your doctor’s recommendation.  For strongyloidiasis and scabies, a single dose is recommended.  If the scabies infection does not clear up, another dose can be taken after two weeks. For lymphatic filariasis, a single dose is recommended and repeated every six or 12 months. 

Missed dose of Iverscab

If you miss a dose of Iverscab tablets 6mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Iverscab be stored?

You should store your Iverscab tablets 6mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.