Early research in cell cultures appeared to point that ivermectin may stop COVID-19 from getting into cells, however that has not panned out in people, Hendrickson mentioned.
Yet, the drug continues to be touted by those that oppose COVID-19 vaccines, regardless that no proof exists that it’s efficient in stopping or treating COVID-19, he mentioned.
For the examine, Hendrickson’s workforce reviewed ivermectin-related calls to the Oregon Poison Center in August. In all, 21 folks reported unwanted effects after taking the drug.
Most of the studies got here from folks over 60 years of age. Eleven of the studies have been from individuals who took ivermectin to forestall COVID-19. The different 10 took the drug to deal with COVID-19 signs.
Among these taking ivermectin, three had a prescription from a physician or veterinarian, and 17 bought veterinary variations of the drug. Where the others acquired the drug is not identified.
For most individuals, hostile signs developed inside two hours after taking a big, first-time dose of the drug. In six folks, signs developed over a number of days to weeks after repeated doses taken each different day or twice weekly. One individual was additionally taking vitamin D to deal with or stop COVID-19.
Six of the 21 have been hospitalized for poisonous results from ivermectin, and all mentioned they took the drug to forestall COVID-19, together with the three who had a prescription for the drug.
Of the six hospitalized, 4 have been handled in an intensive care unit, and none died. Among these hospitalized, gastrointestinal misery, confusion, ataxia, weak spot, low blood strain and seizures have been the commonest hostile unwanted effects.
For these not hospitalized, the commonest signs have been gastrointestinal misery, dizziness, confusion, imaginative and prescient signs and rash, the researchers discovered.
Hendrickson famous there is no remedy for the unwanted effects of ivermectin. “It’s only a matter of ready and supportive care,” he mentioned.
Since August, studies of significant unwanted effects from ivermectin have continued, though not as many, Hendrickson mentioned.
Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency medication doctor at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, mentioned, “Simply put, there isn’t a scientific use for prescribing ivermectin to deal with or stop COVID-19. It’s irresponsible and admittedly harmful for well being care professionals to even take into account prescribing ivermectin for remedy or prevention of COVID-19.”