The Use of Ivermectin and COVID-19

Date: 09/27/21

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans or animals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed with the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) that human exposures and adverse effects associated with Ivermectin reported to poison control centers have increased in 2021 compared to before the pandemic.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is used for the following:

Infection caused by a parasitic worm.
- Symptoms include: skin rash (usually itchy), eye disease, and/or nodules under the skin.
Disease caused by a roundworm.
- Symptoms include: stomachache, throat irritation, dry cough, and/or itchy red rash where the worm entered the skin.
Head lice or rosacea (skin condition) (topical formulation).

Human vs Animal Ivermectin

Animal Ivermectin:
- Used to prevent heartworm disease and treat internal and external parasites.
- Used in large animals such as horses and cows.
- Highly concentrated and can result in overdoses in humans.
- Inactive ingredients are not evaluated for use in people.
Human Ivermectin:
- Very specified approved doses to treat parasitic worms and lice.
- Ingredients monitored by FDA.
- Overdose symptoms can include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, allergic reaction (itching and hives), dizziness, hallucinations, confusion, problems with balance, seizures, coma and even death.
Do not consume livestock or any Ivermectin formulation that is indicated for animals. Ivermectin products for animals are different from Ivermectin products for humans.

Recommendations

Immediately seek medical treatment if you have taken any Ivermectin or Ivermectin-containing products intended for animals and are experiencing adverse effects.
COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective and safe means to prevent infection and protect against severe disease and death from COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
There is no reliable scientific evidence that Ivermectin should be used for prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

Additional Information

For further updates, please visit fda.gov and cdc.gov.
For questions, please contact Superior’s Pharmacy department at 1-800-218-7453, ext. 22080.

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