12 Mar Steer clear of ivermectin for COVID-19 prevention or treatment, FDA warns
Clients are asking veterinarians about an unusual use of ivermectin: For COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued another warning against using ivermectin in humans, noting that there appear to be increasing reports of ivermectin products intended for animal use being used by humans. The FDA has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical support and been hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for horses.
- FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses).
- Taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm.
- If you have a prescription for ivermectin for an FDA-approved use, get it from a legitimate source and take it exactly as prescribed.
- Never use medications intended for animals on yourself. Ivermectin preparations for animals are very different from those approved for humans.
FDA acknowledges interest in ivermectin as a potential treatment modality and that research is ongoing.
Click here for more information from FDA about why ivermectin should not be used for COVID-19 treatment.