Buzz
The FDA had to step in this week and remind the public not to use ivermectin, a drug commonly used to deworm horses, as a DIY remedy for COVID-19. It seems some people are buying it from animal feed stores and self-medicating.
This may sound familiar if you recall when people tried using fish antiparasitics last year to guard against the virus. Tragically, at least one person died from that decision.
The surge in interest for these unproven treatments comes from individuals who resist wearing masks or getting vaccinated against COVID. Despite the fact that hundreds of millions have been vaccinated with proven safety, a concerning portion of the population prefers a drug that has yet to show any effectiveness against the virus.
So, what exactly is ivermectin and why should you avoid using it on yourself?
Ivermectin is a drug used to treat parasites. It appears in some prescription medications for humans, but the easiest and most affordable way to get it is by heading to your local feed store to purchase horse dewormer, or other ivermectin products intended for animals. (For example, it’s in heartworm treatments for dogs.) However, because horses and cows are much larger, the doses for them are significantly higher: a single dose for a 1,250-pound horse, for instance, could be a 9-inch toothpaste tube.
The FDA cautions, “People should never take animal drugs,” warning that these medications are often far more potent than those intended for humans. Additionally, the inactive ingredients may not have been approved for use in human medication or food. Just because it’s safe for a horse doesn’t mean it’s safe for humans or their families.
Ivermectin is still a drug, and like any drug, it has potential side effects and interactions. According to the FDA, “
Even the approved doses of ivermectin for human use can interact with other medications like blood thinners. It’s also possible to overdose on ivermectin, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, balance issues, seizures, coma, and even death.
If you have COVID or have been exposed to someone who has, the right steps to take include getting tested, isolating yourself until you recover, and consulting with a healthcare professional (a human doctor, not an animal one) if necessary.
