NOVEMBER 2021
Ivermectin is primarily a deworming medicine for animals. It has limited use for humans, against a number of health concerns like worms, lice, and onchocerciasis. It is not approved for use in humans against COVID-19.
There have been mixed messages on treatment and curing COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. UMASH Director, Dr. Jeff Bender, joined AgriSafe’s podcast Talking Total Farmer Health to clarify and debunk claims around a veterinary drug. Ivermectin is an important drug for a number of animals, and it kills parasites. Carve out 15 minutes to listen.
Ivermectin is a “veterinary product not approved for people, it is dangerous and actually we’ve seen reactions. We rely on human and animal health practitioners in our communities to focus on their skills and expertise. When our medical and public health experts give us important information, it is important that we believe them.”
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There are some approved uses in humans, particularly in tropical areas, though it is a much lower dose than the veterinary product. He emphasized not to use the veterinary product and that the human products have very specific conditions. They need to be used under the advice of medical professionals only. Many have wondered why this has popped up as an issue, and some people may be taking non-approved drugs or drugs for off-label uses because of where people are getting their information, and there is fear in the pandemic.
There are some approved uses in humans, particularly in tropical areas, though it is a much lower dose than the veterinary product. He emphasized not to use the veterinary product and that the human products have very specific conditions. They need to be used under the advice of medical professionals only. Many have wondered why this has popped up as an issue, and some people may be taking non-approved drugs or drugs for off-label uses because of where people are getting their information, and there is fear in the pandemic.