Image of ivermectin tablets. According to the CDC, the U.S. prescriptions for ivermectin increased 24 times in the last week compared to pre-pandemic levels.
According to a new warning issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of Americans could be taking dangerous amounts of anti-parasitic drugs. This is because they misunderstand that it will treat COVID-19.
The CDC informed doctors on Thursday (Aug. 26) that there has been a spike in prescriptions for the drug ivermectin since the pandemic. There have also been fivefold increases in poison control calls regarding the drug's toxic effects. According to the CDC, people are using forms of the drug that are intended for animals. These drugs can be purchased over-the-counter but can have serious side effects and are not safe for humans.
Ivermectin has been approved for use in humans to treat certain parasitic conditions. A topical form of the drug can also be used to treat head lice. According to the Food and Drug Administration, ivermectin is effective in treating or preventing parasitic diseases, such as heartworm.
However, some people have taken ivermectin for COVID-19 because of misinformation. Live Science reported that the drug is not approved for this purpose. The U.S. The National Institutes of Health stated that the evidence is insufficient to recommend the drug for COVID-19 patients. In mild COVID-19 cases, a March study found no benefit from ivermectin.
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According to the CDC, U.S. pharmacies averaged 3,600 human prescriptions per semaine for ivermectin prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, prescriptions have increased dramatically in recent months. They now average more than 88,000 per week by mid-August 2021.
The agency stated that calls to poison control centers in the U.S. about ivermectin exposure rose threefold in January 2021 and fivefold in July 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
People can become very sick from veterinary forms of drugs meant for large animals like horses or cows. This is because they are often in high doses and can cause overdoses. The CDC stated that animal products may contain inactive ingredients that have not been tested in humans.
Overdoses can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, reduced consciousness, confusion, hallucinations and seizures, as well as coma.
One example was cited by the CDC as a case of a man who had "drank an injectable ivermectin formula intended for cattle in an effort to prevent COVID-19." He was confused, dizzy, hallucinating, and shaking when he arrived at the hospital. He only recovered after nine days in hospital.
Similar warnings were issued by the FDA earlier in the year about ivermectin. The agency's Twitter account was the talk of the town on Saturday, Aug. 21, when officials posted about ivermectin's usage: "You're not a horse. You are not a cow. You're not a cow, you guys. Stop it. Stop it.
The CDC advised that people should be aware of the fact that ivermectin is not intended to treat or prevent COVID-19. They should also know that ivermectin products meant for skin use or animals should not be swallowed. If side effects occur, people should seek medical attention immediately. The agency reiterated that vaccination against COVID-19 is the best and most efficient way to prevent the disease.
Original publication on Live Science
