Ivermectin is a drug commonly used to treat and prevent parasite infections in animals.

A Warrnambool rural store manager said a customer came in last week saving they wanted Ivermectin in an oral form to drench their sheep after getting advice from a friend who was a vet.

She said it was her understanding Ivermectin wouldn't be used in oral form for sheep and pressed the man further.

"We always ask specific questions like how many head of sheep have you got and where is your farm," she said.

"It usually flushes them out pretty quick."

The store owner said after the encounter staff were told to be aware of customers looking to buy the drench for purposes other than what it was intended for.

"It's a worry that we have to make staff aware of it," she said. "I'd hate to think what happens to people if they're drinking horse drench."

A COVID positive person presented to Westmead Hospital's ED in Sydney with vomiting and diarrhoea recently due to an overdose of Ivermectin and other supposed treatments.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has also detected increased importation and prescribing of Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19.

A statement on the Department of Health website said Ivermectin was a prescription medicine that was not approved in Australia to prevent or treat COVID-19, and should not be imported for this.

"The TGA strongly discourages self-medication and self-dosing with Ivermectin for COVID-19 as it may be dangerous to your health," the statement said.

"There is insufficient evidence to validate the use of Ivermectin in patients with COVID-19.

"Ivermectin is indicated in the management and treatment of infections caused by parasites, such as mites and worms. In Australia, Ivermectin has been approved for the treatment of roundworm infections, scabies and inflammatory rosacea.

"Antiviral efficacy against COVID-19 and improvement to clinical outcomes from Ivermectin have not been proven."

The TGA also warned of buying medicines online from unverified websites.

"Fake products, known as counterfeits, imitate genuine products but may contain undeclared and hazardous active ingredients," the statement said.

"Risky products, especially those sold by online sellers that do not request a doctor's prescription, can put you at serious risk of unpredictable or severe adverse reactions.

"Caution is also advised before importing unapproved medicines into Australia for personal use."

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