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OLYMPIA—The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) warns against using Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug commonly used for humans and animals, to treat or prevent COVID-19.

Ivermectin, first discovered in 1975 and commercialized in 1980, began making COVID-19 headlines last year, after Australian researchers reported that the drug could inhibit in vitro coronavirus replication in large doses. The drug has been permitted as treatment in some of the worst-hits areas of the world, including Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and various areas in Latin America.

The antiparasitic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people with intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, two conditions caused by parasitic worms, according to the FDA’s website. Some topical applications for treating external parasites, including head lice, and skin conditions, including rosacea, are also approved for human use.

Some forms of Ivermectin are used to prevent heartworm disease in animals, as well as certain internal and external parasites.

The drug is not approved or recommended for treatment or prevention of COVID-19 in the United States.

Pharma-giant Merck (MSD), the drug’s manufacturer, warned that the company’s analysis of Ivermectin shows “no scientific basis for a potential therapeutic effect against COVID-19 from pre-clinical studies”, “no meaningful evidence for clinical activity or clinical efficacy in patients with Covid-19 disease” and “a concerning lack of safety data in the majority of studies.”

A trial in Egypt led by Dr. Ahmed Elgazzar from Benha University claimed a 90% reduction in COVID-19 deaths when vermectin was administered. The trial was later proven not to be a randomized control trial. Randomized control trials are a crucial type of study for medicine because they provide reliable evidence on the effectiveness of interventions. The study was originally posted on Research Square, which is a prepress site and not peer reviewed. The paper was pulled due to “ethical concerns.” and later rejected when it was discovered that one group of participants received Ivermectin while the “control” group was given hydroxychloroquine instead of a placebo. The study was never published in a peer-reviewed journal. At this time, there is not sufficient evidence that indicates that Ivermectin is effective against COVID-19.

As feedstore sales of ivermectin soar, the FDA warns that Ivermectin products used for treating animals are much different than products approved for human use. Animal-use FDA approved products are only safe when used for animals.

Products containing Ivermectin that are intended for animal use contain highly concentrated doses, especially those intended for livestock including horses and cows. Ten milliliters of Ivermectin is the recommended dose for a 500kg (roughly 1,100 pounds) horse: The recommended adult and teenager dose for treating strongyloidiasis is 200 micrograms per kilogram of weight (91 micrograms per pound).

Aside from dosing concerns, the formulas used for human consumption and animal use vary, with the FDA adding that many inactive ingredients found in animal products are not evaluated for human use, and it is unclear how those ingredients will affect how Ivermectin is absorbed in the body.

Taking large doses of Ivermectin can have serious complications, the FDA warns. Like many approved medications, human-approved doses of Ivermectin can interact with medications, particularly blood thinners. Humans can overdose on Ivermectin. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions, dizziness, ataxia, seizure, coma, and even death.

The FDA, DOH and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Getting vaccinated is the most safe and effective way to protect yourself and prevent severe sickness and death from COVID-19,” the DOH shared in a release. “Everyone 12 and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”