Stop ingesting ivermectin: Health Canada says anti-parasitic drug does not treat, prevent COVID-19

By Lucas Casaletto

Ivermectin, the anti-parasitic drug commonly used in animals, is not an effective treatment for COVID-19, Health Canada said on Wednesday, amid an increase in cases of people ingesting the drug.

There has been a growing interest in ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans, with well-known figures like Joe Rogan spreading misinformation after he claimed in September that he recovered from COVID-19 after using the drug.

Health Canada says there is no evidence ivermectin works to prevent or treat COVID-19, and it is not authorized for this use.

“To date, Health Canada has not received any drug submission or applications for clinical trials for ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19,” they wrote in a news release on Wednesday.

“Health Canada has authorized ivermectin for human use as a prescription anti-parasitic drug for the treatment of parasitic worm infections. Prescription drugs should be taken only under the advice and supervision of a healthcare professional.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in early September that data does not show ivermectin is effective against COVID-19, adding that the use of animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans is dangerous. Clinical trials assessing ivermectin tablets for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in people are ongoing.

The FDA says it has received several reports of patients who have required medical attention, including hospitalization, after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for livestock. For humans, ivermectin tablets are approved at precise doses to treat some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.

Health Canada says animal ivermectin products are different from those approved for humans.

“Recently, Health Canada became aware that ivermectin had been advertised in Canada for the treatment of COVID-19. In Canada, it is illegal to sell or advertise a drug in a false, misleading or deceptive manner,” they wrote.

“The Department took action and directed advertisers to remove the non-compliant advertisements.”

Health Canada says it continues to monitor the situation, repeating that the most effective ways to limit the spread of the virus include getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available.

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