The increasing trend towards the use of Ivermectin as a means of protection against COVID-19 infections has prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to urge people to stop taking the animal de-wormer because its consumption has caused an increase in hospitalizations as people are self-medicating with the drug.
The FDA has not approved this drug for use to combat COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin is most commonly used as an anti-parasitic medication for cows and horses. It can also be used in humans to treat “parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.”
The Drug Administration organization has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical support and been hospitalized after self-medicating with it.
According to the FDA the drug is not an anti-viral and taken in large doses can cause serious harm.
https://twitter.com/US_FDA/status/1429050070243192839
A report by nj.com stated that the belief that Ivermectin could cure COVID-19 started when an Australian study was released showing the drug killed the coronavirus within 48 hours. However, tests were done only in a laboratory setting, not in human patients. More research is needed to determine if it works the same in humans and to find a safe dosage.
Inactive ingredients
Moreover, FDA reviews drugs not just for safety and effectiveness of the active ingredients, but also for the inactive ingredients. Many inactive ingredients found in animal products are not evaluated for use in people. Or they are included in much greater quantity than those used in people. In some cases, it is unknown how those inactive ingredients will affect how ivermectin is absorbed in the human body.
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Last week, Mississippi health officials issued a warning against using Ivermectin after officials said 70% of its calls to its poison control center were due to Ivermectin ingestion.
The levels of ivermectin for approved uses can interact with other medications, like blood-thinners. You can also overdose on ivermectin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (problems with balance), seizures, coma and even death.
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