FDA warns against the Use of Ivermectin for Covid-19

The FDA has warned against the use of the veterinary drug Ivermectin for Covid-19 treatment. Ivermectin for the suppressive treatment of onchocerciasis (river blindness), intestinal strongyloidiasis, filariasis, scabies, guinea worm disease in children and adults.

Ivermectin for Covid-19
River Blindness (Image source: WHO)

There are also topical formulations of this drug meant to treat skin conditions like head lice and rosacea, a skin condition affecting mostly middle-aged women.

The veterinary use of Ivermectin is to treat parasitic worms such as heartworm disease in horses. It should be noted that the Ivermectin formulation for humans is different from the type they use for animals. The animal formulation is highly concentrated since they are used for large animals like horses. They are dangerous for humans.

Ivermectin for Covid-19?

Ivermectin is not an antiviral drug and cannot be used to treat the Covid-19 virus, which is a viral disease.

Taking Ivermectin for Covid-19 poses a serious health risk to patients, even the approved ones for humans. The adverse side effects range from raised liver enzymes, ocular irritation, postural hypotension, seizures, coma, ataxia, and mild Mazzorati reactions 3 days after treatment due to the death of the microfilariae.

Ivermectin is to be avoided in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

It should be noted that Ivermectin prevents the replication of SARS-CoV-2 based on results from laboratory studies. However, the doses required are 100-fold higher than the safe dose for humans,

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There is no scientific evidence to back the claims that Ivermectin can treat Covid-19 even after clinical trials according to a report by the FDA.

The FDA also warns companies that sell unapproved products such as Ivermectin to patients with fraudulent claims that they can prevent or treat Covid-19.

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