COVID-19 has been part of our lives for what feels like an eternity. With the devastating toll it has taken, it’s understandable that some people are looking for alternative treatments. However, this has led to the use of medications not approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—a risky move that can have serious consequences.
The FDA’s role includes ensuring that any drug used to treat an illness is backed by solid scientific evidence proving it is both safe and effective. Using medications that haven’t met this standard—especially for something as serious as COVID-19—can be dangerous.
One drug that has recently gained attention is ivermectin. In the U.S., certain forms of ivermectin are approved for animals to prevent or treat parasites—think pour-on solutions, pastes, injectables, and drenches. For humans, only specific forms are approved, including tablets for parasitic worms and topical treatments for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.
Despite this, the FDA has received numerous reports of people becoming seriously ill—some requiring hospitalization—after taking animal versions of ivermectin in an attempt to self-treat or prevent COVID-19.
What You Need to Know About Ivermectin
- Ivermectin is not approved or authorized to treat or prevent COVID-19.
It is only approved for specific parasitic infections and skin conditions in humans. - There is no solid evidence that ivermectin is effective against COVID-19.
Clinical trials are still ongoing, but so far, results have not supported its use. - Taking high doses of ivermectin can be extremely dangerous.
Misuse can lead to serious health issues, including overdose. - Only use ivermectin if it’s prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Get it from a licensed pharmacy and follow instructions carefully. - Never use ivermectin products made for animals.
These versions are not safe for human use and can lead to toxic effects.
In short, using ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment—especially products intended for animals—is not only ineffective, but potentially harmful. Always follow the guidance of qualified medical professionals and rely on treatments that are FDA-approved or authorized for emergency use.
What Is Ivermectin and How Is It Used?
Ivermectin is a medication approved by the FDA for treating certain parasitic infections in humans, including intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis—both caused by parasitic worms. It also comes in topical forms used to treat external conditions like head lice and skin issues such as rosacea.
There are also versions of ivermectin designed for animals. These are used to prevent heartworm and treat various parasites in pets and livestock. However, it’s important to understand that these animal products are very different from those approved for people and should only be used under a veterinarian’s guidance.
When Can Taking Ivermectin Be Unsafe?
The FDA has not approved or authorized ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 in humans or animals. So far, studies have not shown it to be safe or effective for that purpose.
You may have come across misinformation suggesting that it’s okay to take large doses of ivermectin. That’s simply not true. Even the approved doses for human use can pose risks if they interact with other medications, such as blood thinners.
Taking too much ivermectin can lead to serious health problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, allergic reactions, dizziness, loss of coordination, seizures, coma, or even death.
Animal Ivermectin Products Are Not Safe for People
Medications made for animals are often much more concentrated than human drugs—because they’re formulated for animals that can weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds. These higher doses can be extremely toxic to humans.
In addition, animal drugs may contain inactive ingredients that haven’t been tested for use in people. These ingredients may affect how the drug is absorbed or tolerated in the human body, making the product unsafe even beyond the dosage issue.
Safer, Proven Options for Preventing and Treating COVID-19
The most effective ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 include getting vaccinated and following the latest guidance from the CDC.
If you have questions about COVID-19 prevention or treatment, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you understand which options are safe and appropriate for you based on your medical history.