Ivermectin and COVID-19

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If you have seen stories suggesting the use of ivermectin, a so-called “miracle cure” medication, for COVID-19—beware.

While the drug can be prescribed in humans to treat various parasites, scabies or highly resistant cases of lice, ivermectin is most commonly used in livestock as an anti-parasitic. There are no proven benefits for its use in treating COVID-19.

Veterinarians often prescribe ivermectin as a de-wormer for livestock, most commonly horses. The drug is used so frequently to treat animals that you can generally find it sold over-the-counter in feed and pet stores. It is important to note that the dosages intended for use in animals, particularly horses, are much larger than those used in humans. Therefore, a human taking even a single dose of ivermectin which is intended for use in animals could experience dangerous consequences.

Some risks associated with high doses of ivermectin include:

  • Allergic reactions.
  • Serious skin reactions including severe rashes.
  • Seizures.
  • Cardiovascular issues, including low blood pressure.
  • Visual disturbances.

Vaccines remain the safest and most effective preventative measure against COVID-19. They are proven to prevent severe COVID-19 disease, hospitalization and death.

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