Ivermectin should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19

East Wenatchee – Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) advises people against the use of Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans.

Ivermectin is approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and topical (on the skin)formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses).

CDHD asks that you never use medications intended for animals on yourself. Ivermectin for animals is very different from those approved for humans. Taking large doses of Ivermectin 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 as prescribed. Here is what we know:

• There is inadequate evidence to recommend for or against the use of Ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The FDA has not reviewed data to support use of Ivermectin in COVID-19 patients to treat or to prevent COVID-19; however, some initial research is underway.
• Ivermectin for approved uses can interact with other medications, like blood-thinners. Adverse side effects from taking Ivermectin, which occur 1-10% of the time with standard doses, include rapid heart rate, swelling of face, swelling of feet, low blood pressure, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, decreased white blood cell counts, and hepatitis.
• You can 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.

Effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 continue to be the use of masks, staying at least 6feet apart from others who do not live with you, avoiding large crowds and frequent handwashing. For public health updates, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow CDHD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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