Trying to buy ivermectin paste in New Zealand can feel like navigating a maze of prescription rules and online stores. The key split: human ivermectin requires a doctor’s prescription, while veterinary paste for horses is available without one. We break down where to find it, what the law says, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

4 related posts

Ivermectin availability in NZ: Prescription-only for human use ·
Typical horse paste dose: 120 mg per 30 mL syringe ·
New Zealand regulatory body: Medsafe ·
Online horse paste retailers: Vetpost, Online Vet Store, Saddlery Warehouse

Quick snapshot

1Prescription status
  • Human use: prescription only (Medsafe)
  • Veterinary use: no prescription needed for animal products (Healthify)
2Retailers
  • Vetpost (online)
  • Online Vet Store (online)
  • Saddlery Warehouse (online)
  • Local veterinary clinics
3Forms available
  • Oral paste (horse) (Medsafe)
  • Liquid (horse) (Medsafe)
  • Tablets (human prescription, Stromectol 3 mg – Medsafe)
  • Topical cream (prescription) (Medsafe)
4Common uses

Four quick facts that set the scene for buying ivermectin in New Zealand.

Fact Value
Standard paste dose per syringe 120 mg ivermectin (Farmlands)
Medsafe classification Prescription medicine for human use (Medsafe)
Number of online retailers At least 3 in NZ (Vetpost, Online Vet Store, Saddlery Warehouse)
Prescription requirement for Stromectol Yes (Medsafe)

Is ivermectin a need prescription?

In New Zealand, ivermectin for human use is a prescription-only medicine. That means you cannot walk into a pharmacy and buy it without a script from a registered prescriber. The Medsafe (New Zealand medicines regulator) states that Stromectol is the only medicine containing ivermectin approved for human use in the country. Veterinary products like horse paste, on the other hand, are available without a prescription but are intended for animals only. Healthify (government health information service) confirms that a prescription is required for any human use, including off-label conditions like scabies.

Why this matters

Buying horse paste for human consumption bypasses the regulatory checks that keep human medicines safe. The Pharmac (NZ pharmaceutical funding agency) notes that Special Authority criteria control funded access, but anyone can obtain a prescription from a health practitioner — the legal path exists, so there is no reason to risk the veterinary route.

The implication: the legal pathway for human ivermectin is clear — get a script. For veterinary use, you can buy it directly, but you must use it only on animals.

Where can I buy ivermectin paste in NZ?

Ivermectin Paste NZ Chemist Warehouse

Chemist Warehouse NZ does not stock ivermectin paste. Their online pharmacy may carry prescription-only Stromectol tablets, but those require a doctor’s prescription. The Chemist Warehouse NZ (retail pharmacy chain) lists Vermox (mebendazole) but not ivermectin paste. If you’re looking for horse paste, you won’t find it there.

Ivermectin farmlands nz

Farmlands NZ does sell ivermectin paste — specifically Equimax LV, a horse wormer containing ivermectin and praziquantel. The Farmlands (NZ farming cooperative) product page lists it at 7.49g, with ACVM Registration Number A008044. It is available for pickup at all Farmlands branches and delivery to New Zealand addresses (excluding outer islands). The product is clearly labelled for horses only.

Ivermectin nz vet Price

Prices for ivermectin paste at veterinary clinics vary. Online retailers offer competitive pricing. For example, Vetpost, Online Vet Store, and Saddlery Warehouse all stock horse paste. Check with your local vet for exact pricing — the Healthpoint (NZ healthcare directory) shows that online pharmacies can fulfil prescriptions, but for veterinary products, direct purchase is possible.

The catch: while Farmlands is a reliable source, it’s for animal use only. For human ivermectin, you must go through a doctor.

Is there an over the counter equivalent to ivermectin?

No approved over-the-counter equivalent exists for human ivermectin in New Zealand. The Medsafe (NZ medicines regulator) has not approved any OTC product with ivermectin for humans. Prescription-only Stromectol (3 mg tablets) is the only oral form. Topical creams containing ivermectin are available by prescription for conditions like rosacea and scabies.

Can you rub ivermectin into your skin?

Yes, but only with a prescription. Topical ivermectin creams are used for scabies and rosacea. Healthify (government health information) notes that ivermectin can be used for scabies when other treatments like permethrin are unsuitable. Oral Stromectol is also prescribed off-label for scabies.

Ivermectin NZ scabies

For scabies, ivermectin is a second-line treatment. DermNet NZ (dermatology resource) lists scabies as one of the common uses for oral ivermectin, along with strongyloidiasis and cutaneous larva migrans. It is not available without a prescription.

The trade-off: without a prescription, you cannot legally obtain human ivermectin. Horse paste is not a safe substitute.

Who cannot take ivermectin?

Ivermectin is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to the drug, liver disease, or certain neurological conditions. Healthify (NZ health information) lists side effects including dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, and rarely seizures or encephalopathy. At standard doses, ivermectin does not cross the blood-brain barrier, but high doses — especially in animals — can cause neurotoxicity.

What are the potential side effects of ivermectin?

  • Dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea (common)
  • Rare: seizures, encephalopathy (Healthify)
  • Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

What does ivermectin do to the human brain?

At standard doses, ivermectin does not cross the blood-brain barrier. However, in high doses — such as those found in veterinary formulations — it can cause neurotoxic effects. Medsafe (NZ regulator) warns against using veterinary ivermectin for humans, as the dose and formulation are not designed for human safety.

The pattern: the risks increase with misuse. Stick to prescription-only human products for safety.

One product, one pattern: the difference between horse paste and human tablets is more than just the label.

Specification Horse paste (Equimax LV) Human tablets (Stromectol)
Active ingredient Ivermectin + praziquantel Ivermectin only
Dose per unit 120 mg ivermectin per 30 mL syringe 3 mg per tablet
Target species Horses only Humans
Prescription required No (veterinary) Yes
Regulatory body ACVM (Farmlands) Medsafe (Medsafe)
Approved uses Worming in horses Parasitic infections, off-label scabies

How to buy ivermectin paste in New Zealand: step-by-step

  1. Determine your need. Are you treating a horse or a human? For humans, you must get a prescription. For horses, proceed to step 2.
  2. Choose a retailer. Online stores like Vetpost, Online Vet Store, and Saddlery Warehouse sell horse paste. Farmlands also sells Equimax LV for pickup or delivery.
  3. Check availability. Farmlands delivers to NZ addresses (excluding outer islands). Online retailers may have similar restrictions.
  4. Place your order. No prescription is needed for veterinary products. Add to cart and checkout.
  5. Use as directed. Follow the dosage instructions on the label for horses. Do not use on humans.
The upshot

For New Zealanders, the easiest way to get ivermectin paste is through Farmlands or an online vet store. But if you need it for yourself, a doctor’s visit is unavoidable.

Clarity: what we know and what’s uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Ivermectin for human use requires a prescription in NZ (Healthify).
  • Veterinary ivermectin paste is available without prescription for horses (Farmlands).
  • Chemist Warehouse does not sell ivermectin paste.

What’s unclear

  • Whether online retailers will ship ivermectin paste to addresses outside NZ.
  • Exact street price of ivermectin paste at local vets varies.

What the experts say

Ivermectin is a prescription medicine for humans and is only available on a prescriber’s prescription.

Healthify (New Zealand government health information)

Ivermectin is not approved in New Zealand to prevent or treat COVID-19 in humans.

Medsafe (New Zealand medicines regulator)

For New Zealanders seeking ivermectin, the choice is clear: follow the prescription path for human use, or stick to veterinary products for animals — mixing them up risks legal and health consequences.

Additional sources

schedule.pharmac.govt.nz, healthify.nz, healthnz.govt.nz, chemistwarehouse.co.nz, schedule.pharmac.govt.nz, lanocreme.com

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Frequently asked questions

How much does ivermectin paste cost at a vet in NZ?

Prices vary by clinic. Online retailers like Vetpost and Saddlery Warehouse typically list prices between $15 and $30 for a 30 mL syringe. Check with your local vet for exact pricing.

Can I buy ivermectin paste online without a vet visit?

Yes, for veterinary products. Retailers like Farmlands, Vetpost, and Online Vet Store sell horse paste without requiring a prescription.

What is the difference between horse paste and human ivermectin tablets?

Horse paste contains a higher dose (120 mg per syringe) and often includes praziquantel. Human tablets are 3 mg and are much safer at appropriate doses. Never use horse paste on humans.

Is ivermectin liquid available in New Zealand?

Yes, liquid ivermectin for horses is available from some online retailers and vets. It is also a veterinary product and does not require a prescription.

Can ivermectin paste be used for dogs?

Ivermectin paste is labelled for horses. For dogs, there are specific ivermectin-based products (e.g., Heartgard). Consult your vet before using horse paste on dogs.

How do I use ivermectin paste for horses?

Follow the dosage instructions on the syringe. Typically, one notch per 100 kg of body weight. Administer orally into the horse’s mouth.

Does ivermectin paste expire?

Yes, check the expiry date on the syringe. Expired paste may lose potency.

What is the legal penalty for importing ivermectin for human use without a prescription?

Ivermectin intercepted at the border can only be released on the authority of an authorised prescriber. Unauthorised import may result in seizure and legal action (Medsafe).

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