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                                                                     EXHIBIT 23

              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent certified public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation of our report dated February 26, 1999 (except with respect to
matters discussed in Note 16, as to which the date is March 19, 1999)
incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, into IVAX's previously filed
registration statement on Form S-8 Nos. 333-07811, 33-82756, 33-67090, 33-39186,
33-44042, 33-53944, 33-88914, 33-88912, 33-65133, 333-24593 and 333-42997, Form
S-3 No. 33-46173, and Form S-4 Nos. 33-44116 and 33-60847. It should be noted
that we have not audited any financial statements of the Company subsequent to
December 31, 1998 or performed any audit procedures subsequent to the date of
our report.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Miami, Florida
  March 31, 1999