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ADPH: Self-medicating with large quantities of ivermectin is dangerous

Health professionals across the country advise against the unauthorized use of the drug ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 in humans.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It's a message that bears repeating: Do not take animal ivermectin to try to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Multiple states, along with the FDA, have received reports of patients who have "required medical support and have been hospitalized" after taking high doses of ivermectin intended for animals, which can be highly toxic in humans. Side effects occur, and drug interactions are common. 

Again: Do not take animal ivermectin to try to prevent or treat COVID-19. 

From the Alabama Dept. of Public Health:

"Ivermectin is not an anti-viral drug and is approved for humans only at specific doses for specific conditions. An FDA consumer alert explained that ivermectin is often used in the U.S. to treat or prevent parasites in animals. Ivermectin which can be highly toxic in humans. Side effects occur, and drug interactions are common.

"Two forms of ivermectin are available for human use, tablets to treat parasitic worms and a topical to treat head lice and skin conditions such as rosacea. The human doses and uses are very specific.

"Ivermectin is not without side effects, even at a single dose.

"Nationally and within Alabama the number of calls being received by poison control centers concerning ivermectin is increasing. In Alabama, as of August 23, 2021, the number of calls from persons taking ivermectin had doubled from the prior year. The Alabama Poison Information Center is tracking calls related to ivermectin side effects, toxicity or poisoning.

RELATED: VERIFY: No, Ivermectin should not be used to treat COVID-19


"Anyone who has taken ivermectin and has signs and symptoms consistent with side effects, adverse reactions or toxicity/poisoning is advised to call the Alabama Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

"The FDA has advised against human use of ivermectin produced for animals such as cows and horses as the doses are much higher and could contain ingredients intended only for animals and are thus harmful to humans.

"With the doses being given or found in livestock products, the risk of overdosing increases as does the severity of side effects and drug interactions. Noted interactions occur with common medications which include but are not limited to allergy medicines, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, some anti-hypertensive medications, blood thinners and many others.

"Common side effects for ivermectin include itching and hives, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea and muscle pain. More serious adverse reactions associated with toxicity and possible ivermectin poisoning documented in clinical literature include loss of consciousness, drowsiness, tremor, seizure, hypotension (low blood pressure), vomiting and coma.

"Ivermectin has not been given emergency use authorization (EUA) by the FDA to prevent or treat COVID-19. There are drugs available, including monoclonal antibodies, which are FDA-EUA-authorized for COVID-19 post-exposure prevention and treatment. The Pfizer COVID vaccine now has full FDA approval, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are FDA-EUA authorized in the U.S."

Still not convinced to skip the Ivermectin? Keep this number handy: Alabama Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. Again, anyone who has taken ivermectin and has signs and symptoms consistent with side effects, adverse reactions or toxicity/poisoning is advised to call.

RELATED: FDA warns people should stop using animal worm medication to treat COVID

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