Buy Stromectol Online
| Name: | Generic Ivermectin |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient: | Ivermectin |
| Available Strengths: | 3 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg |
| Price: | from C$1.20 |
| Action: | Start order |
If you are thinking about buying Stromectol (ivermectin) online in Canada, you need to understand what this medication is, what it treats, how dosing works, and how to order safely. Stromectol is a prescription antiparasitic drug in Canada, and it should only be obtained through a legitimate pharmacy with a valid prescription. This guide explains what you need to know before you buy.
What is Stromectol?
Stromectol is the brand name for oral ivermectin tablets in Canada, marketed by Merck Canada Inc. Each tablet contains 3 mg of ivermectin, an antiparasitic medication in the avermectin class.
Ivermectin works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites, which increases chloride ion influx. It also enhances GABA-mediated chloride currents at neuromuscular junctions. This hyperpolarizes the parasite's cells and causes paralysis and death. Ivermectin has a much lower affinity for similar channels in mammals, so at therapeutic doses it does not significantly affect human synapses gated by acetylcholine, epinephrine, or serotonin.
Stromectol vs. ivermectin
Stromectol is the brand name; ivermectin is the active ingredient. Generic ivermectin tablets contain the same active ingredient as brand-name Stromectol. In Canada, the authorized brand product is Stromectol 3 mg tablets from Merck Canada Inc.
How ivermectin works against parasites
Ivermectin overstimulates the parasite's nervous system. The parasite becomes paralyzed and dies. Because human nerve cells have different channel structures, ivermectin is far less disruptive to human cells at the doses used for approved parasitic infections.
What conditions is Stromectol used for?
In Canada, Stromectol is approved for two conditions:
- Intestinal strongyloidiasis, caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis.
- Onchocerciasis (river blindness), caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus.
Health Canada states that human ivermectin is authorized for sale in Canada only for these two conditions and should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
For onchocerciasis, ivermectin primarily kills microfilariae (larval forms of the parasite) but does not kill adult worms. That means treatment often needs to be repeated over time.
Stromectol for strongyloidiasis
Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Oral ivermectin is widely recognized as the treatment of choice for chronic Strongyloides infection in international and WHO/CDC-aligned guidance.
Stromectol for onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus. Ivermectin is widely used as a microfilaricide in mass drug-administration programs and individual treatment. A single dose rapidly reduces microfilarial counts, but suppression lasts several months, so retreatment every 6 to 12 months is typical.
Stromectol for scabies
Oral ivermectin is an effective systemic treatment for scabies, with efficacy comparable to permethrin 5% cream in classic scabies. Scabies is not listed as an approved indication in the Canadian Stromectol product monograph. If a doctor determines ivermectin is appropriate for scabies, it should be used only under that medical supervision.
Stromectol dosage and administration
Stromectol dosage depends on body weight and the condition being treated. The brand-name product in Canada is a 3 mg tablet. Generic ivermectin is available internationally in 3 mg, 6 mg, and 12 mg strengths. Always follow the exact instructions your doctor provides.
How Stromectol dosage is calculated
For strongyloidiasis, the typical dose is about 200 µg/kg of ivermectin as a single oral dose. Using 3 mg tablets:
| Body weight | Number of 3 mg tablets | Total dose |
|---|---|---|
| 15-24 kg | 1 tablet | 3 mg |
| 25-35 kg | 2 tablets | 6 mg |
| 36-50 kg | 3 tablets | 9 mg |
| 51-65 kg | 4 tablets | 12 mg |
| 66-79 kg | 5 tablets | 15 mg |
| ≥80 kg | Calculated individually | Varies |
For onchocerciasis, the typical dose is about 150 µg/kg as a single oral dose. Using 3 mg tablets:
| Body weight | Number of 3 mg tablets | Total dose |
|---|---|---|
| 15-25 kg | 1 tablet | 3 mg |
| 26-44 kg | 2 tablets | 6 mg |
| 45-64 kg | 3 tablets | 9 mg |
| 65-84 kg | 4 tablets | 12 mg |
| ≥85 kg | Calculated individually | Varies |
For uncomplicated strongyloidiasis, many guidelines recommend 1 to 2 days of treatment at 200 µg/kg/day. Hyperinfection or disseminated disease may require longer or repeated courses. For onchocerciasis, repeat dosing every 6 to 12 months is typically needed to suppress microfilariae. Some conditions require more than one dose.
Generic ivermectin vs. brand-name Stromectol
A common question is whether generic ivermectin is as good as brand-name Stromectol. Generic oral ivermectin products contain the same active ingredient and are developed to be bioequivalent, which means they have a similar rate and extent of absorption to the reference product. WHO prequalification documentation for generic ivermectin 3 mg tablets describes dosing identical to reference ivermectin and supports their use in onchocerciasis control programs, which implies pharmacokinetic and therapeutic comparability.
Generic ivermectin is available in additional strengths (3 mg, 6 mg, and 12 mg), which can allow more flexible tablet-count calculations for weight-based dosing.
| Feature | Brand-name Stromectol | Generic ivermectin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Ivermectin | Ivermectin |
| International strengths | 3 mg | 3 mg, 6 mg, and 12 mg |
| Bioequivalence | Reference product | Developed to be bioequivalent; WHO prequalification documentation supports comparable use |
| Prescription requirement | Required | Required |
What bioequivalence means for patients
Bioequivalence means the generic product delivers the same active medication to the body at a similar rate and extent as the brand-name product. For most patients, this means the generic can be expected to work the same as the brand at the same dose.
Is generic Stromectol safe?
Generic ivermectin from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards is developed to be a safe, effective alternative. Individual responses can vary, so any concerns should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Stromectol side effects and safety precautions
At the doses commonly prescribed for approved indications, approximately 200 µg/kg, ivermectin is generally considered very safe. However, serious adverse events, particularly neurological ones, are possible and must be considered.
Health Canada issued a Notice of Compliance update for Stromectol to revise the product monograph with safety updates pertaining to neurological toxicity, including depressed level of consciousness and coma. The update makes neurological toxicity a recognized safety concern and reinforces that the drug should only be used under medical supervision.
Side effects at standard doses
Ivermectin is generally well tolerated at standard prescribed doses; any unusual or concerning symptoms after taking Stromectol should be reported to a doctor or pharmacist. The decision to use Stromectol should be based on a medical evaluation and a clear understanding of the risks and benefits.
Rare neurological risks
Health Canada's safety update specifically identifies depressed level of consciousness and coma as risks. Serious adverse events, some possibly neurological and influenced by genetic factors, have been reported despite the drug's generally wide safety margin. Patients with pre-existing neurological conditions, and those taking other medications that affect the central nervous system, may be at higher risk.
Stromectol is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ivermectin or any of the product's excipients. Patients with complex medical conditions, multiple medications, or possible parasitic co-infections require individualized medical evaluation before taking Stromectol.
How to buy Stromectol online safely in Canada
Stromectol is available only by prescription in Canada. Health Canada's regulatory framework requires a clinician's assessment and a valid prescription. Any Canadian online pharmacy or website offering Stromectol without a prescription, or encouraging self-diagnosis or self-treatment, is acting contrary to Health Canada's stated framework for this drug and should be considered high risk.
Get a valid prescription first
Before ordering online, you need a prescription based on a proper medical evaluation. Stromectol should not be self-prescribed. A doctor will confirm whether a parasitic infection is present, determine the correct dose for your body weight and condition, and identify any precautions specific to your medical history.
Red flags: "no prescription" websites
Websites that sell Stromectol "no prescription" or "without prescription" are a significant red flag. Buying from unregulated sites carries risks of counterfeit, substandard, or unsafe medication. Other red flags include:
- Sites advertising Stromectol for COVID-19 or other unapproved uses. Health Canada explicitly advises Canadians not to use ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19.
- Sites selling veterinary ivermectin products for human use. Veterinary products differ in strength and formulation and have not been evaluated for human safety.
- Sites that do not provide a physical address, a pharmacist contact, or evidence of operating within a recognized regulatory framework.
Safe online purchase checklist
- Get a valid prescription from a doctor.
- Choose a pharmacy that requires a valid prescription before dispensing.
- Look for a physical address and a phone number or pharmacist who can answer questions.
- Verify the pharmacy operates within a recognized regulatory framework, such as provincial pharmacy licensing.
- Avoid websites selling "no prescription" Stromectol.
- Avoid websites promoting Stromectol for COVID-19 or other unapproved conditions.
- Avoid veterinary ivermectin products.
- Submit your prescription and allow the pharmacy to review it before dispensing.
What to expect when ordering Stromectol from a Canadian pharmacy
Ordering from a legitimate Canadian pharmacy follows a straightforward process:
- Get a prescription. A valid prescription from a doctor is the starting point for any safe online order. Some Canadian pharmacies can arrange an online consultation with a licensed prescriber if you do not currently have a prescription.
- Choose a verified Canadian pharmacy. Look for a pharmacy that requires a prescription, displays a physical address and contact information, and operates under a recognized regulatory framework.
- Submit your prescription. Depending on the pharmacy, you may upload, email, or fax it for review.
- Pharmacy review. The pharmacy reviews the prescription before dispensing. This is a required safety step.
- Receive your medication. The pharmacy dispenses either brand-name Stromectol or generic ivermectin, depending on availability. The manufacturer of a generic product may vary as long as it meets regulatory standards. The medication is typically supplied as oral tablets in the prescribed strength and pack size.
Some Canadian online pharmacies describe order tracking and include shipping in their pricing; others do not specify product-level shipping costs on their Stromectol pages. Policies vary, so it is worth confirming shipping details when placing an order.
Ordering through a licensed Canadian pharmacy is the safest way to buy Stromectol online. It helps ensure you receive a Health Canada-authorized product with pharmacy oversight and appropriate patient information.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for Stromectol?
Yes. Stromectol is a prescription medication in Canada and must be obtained with a valid prescription from a doctor.
Is Stromectol the same as ivermectin?
Stromectol is the brand name, and ivermectin is the active ingredient. Generic ivermectin tablets contain the same active ingredient.
Is generic ivermectin as effective as brand-name Stromectol?
Generic ivermectin is developed to be bioequivalent to the reference product, so absorption and expected effects are similar. WHO prequalification documentation supports the comparable use of generic ivermectin in treatment programs.
What strengths are available?
In Canada, the authorized brand Stromectol tablet is 3 mg.
How is the dose calculated?
The dose is based on body weight and the condition being treated: approximately 200 µg/kg for strongyloidiasis and 150 µg/kg for onchocerciasis. A doctor determines the correct dose.
Can I order Stromectol online from Canada if I have a prescription?
Yes. Certified Canadian pharmacies can fill a valid Stromectol prescription, provided the pharmacy reviews the prescription before dispensing.
Is buying Stromectol without a prescription safe?
No. Buying Stromectol without a prescription is contrary to Canadian regulations and carries risks of counterfeit or unsafe products. It should always be obtained through a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription.