FDA: Livestock Ivermectin Is Not Approved to Treat Covid-19

Per the FDA, Ivermectin tablets are approved to treat people with intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, two conditions caused by parasitic worms. Topical (on the skin) forms of ivermectin are approved to treat external parasites like head lice and for skin conditions such as rosacea in humans.

Health experts warn against taking the drug that is intended for animals as it can cause serious health issues.

Ivermectin used in veterinary settings is usually highly concentrated as they are intended for livestock that can weigh more than a ton. These high doses can be extremely toxic to humans.

"COVID-19. We’ve been living with it for what sometimes seems like forever. Given the number of deaths that have occurred from the disease, it’s perhaps not surprising that some consumers are looking at unconventional treatments, not approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)," said the agency in a statement. "There seems to be a growing interest in a drug called ivermectin to treat humans with COVID-19. Ivermectin is often used in the U.S. to treat or prevent parasites in animals. The FDA has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical support and been hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for horses."