Ivermectin

After the publication of a study article describing the effect of ivermectin on SARS-CoV-2 in a laboratory environment, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine became aware of increasing public awareness of the antiparasitic medication ivermectin.

The FDA has only studied the safety and effectiveness of animal medicines in the specific animal species they are designated. Therefore people should never use them. These animal medicines have the potential to cause significant damage to humans.

Ivermectin should only be taken if prescribed by a licensed health care professional and acquired from a reputable source.

Ivermectin is an essential element of a parasite management program for some species. However, it should only be administered to animals for approved applications or as recommended by a veterinarian in accordance with extra-label medication usage guidelines.

FDA advises consulting with your veterinarian if you are having trouble finding a specific ivermectin product for your animal(s).

Brand names

• • • Stromectol^®

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Ivermectin belongs to the anthelmintic class of drugs. Strongyloidiasis is treated by killing the worms in the intestines, and Onchocerciasis destroys the growing worms.

How should this medicine use?

Ivermectin is available as a pill that must be swallowed, and it’s generally taken as a single dosage with water on an empty stomach. If you’re using ivermectin to treat onchocerciasis, you may need to take extra doses 3, 6, or 12 months later to keep your infection under control. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and if you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify anything you don’t understand.

Ivermectin should be taken exactly as prescribed. Please do not take more or less of it or take it more frequently than your doctor has prescribed.

If you’re using ivermectin to treat strongyloidiasis, you’ll need a stool exam at least three times in the first three months to check if your infection has cleaned up. If your condition does not clear up, your doctor will most likely prescribe more ivermectin.

Other uses

Ivermectin is also used to treat roundworm infections, lice infestations on the head or pubic area, and scabies (an itchy skin condition caused by infestation with small mites that live under the skin).

Other uses for this medicine may be prescribed; see your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.

Why do special precautions need to be taken?

Before taking Ivermectin

If you are allergic to ivermectin or any other medicine, inform your doctor and pharmacist.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any additional medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal items you’re taking or planning to use. Mention any drugs you’re taking for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures, as well as muscle relaxants, sedatives, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had meningitis, African human trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness; an illness carried by the bite of the tsetse fly in some African nations), or immune system disorders like HIV (HIV).

If you are pregnant or plan to be or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking ivermectin, tell your doctor right away.

Inquire with your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic drinks while taking ivermectin.

If you’re using ivermectin for onchocerciasis, you should know that getting up too rapidly from a laying position might cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. To avoid this issue, carefully rise from your bed, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before rinsing. If you’re taking ivermectin for strongyloidiasis and have ever had loiasis (a worm infection that causes skin and eye problems caused by the Loa loa worm), or if you’ve ever lived in or traveled to areas of West or Central Africa where loiasis is expected, you should be aware that you could have a severe reaction.

Call your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, headaches, neck discomfort, convulsions, or trouble walking or standing.

Interactions with other medicines

If you take other medications or herbal items simultaneously, the effects of some pharmaceuticals may vary. This can put you at risk for significant side effects or prevent your medicines from breastfeeding correctly.

Before beginning therapy with this product, be sure to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all of the items you use (including prescription medicines, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) so that they can provide you with the best care possible.

Do not start, stop, or modify the dosage of any other medicines you are taking while using this product without first seeing your doctor.

Barbiturates (phenobarbital, butalbital), benzodiazepines (clonazepam, lorazepam), sodium oxybate (GHB), and valproic acid are some of the items that may interact with this medication.

There aren’t all potential interactions in this document. Make a list of everything you’re using. To reduce your chance of significant drug issues, share this list with your doctor and pharmacist.

What special diet should I follow?

Eat normally or contact a doctor.

The side effect of Ivermectin

Ivermectin has the potential to produce an impact.

• • • Dizziness
    • A decrease in appetite
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Bloating or stomach discomfort
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Weakness
    • Sleepiness
    • Chest discomfort
    • Uncontrolled shaking of a portion of the body

You may encounter the following adverse effects when taking ivermectin to treat onchocerciasis. If you have any symptoms, contact the doctor.

• • • Eyes, face, hands, or lower legs swelling
    • Swelling and discomfort in the joints
    • Neck, armpit, or groin glands that are uncomfortable and swollen
    • A fast heartbeat
    • Pain, redness, or tears in the eyes
    • Eyelids or eyeball swelling
    • Ocular sensations that are unusual

Some of the adverse effects might be life-threatening. If have any symptom contact doctor.

• • • Fever
    • Skin that is burning or peeling
    • Rash
    • Hives
    • Itching

Other adverse effects of ivermectin are possible. If you experience any unexpected difficulties while using this medicine, contact your doctor.

Storage and disposal what should we know?

Keep this medication securely wrapped in the container it came in and out of the reach of children and kept at room temperature.

To prevent dogs, children, and others from eating unused medications, they should be disposed of in a certain way. Instead, a drug take-back program is an ideal method to get rid of your medicine. To find out about take-back programs in your area, talk to your pharmacist or call your local garbage/recycling department. If you don’t have access to a take-back program, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for additional information.

To keep small children safe from poisoning, always lock the safety caps and store the medication in a secure location out of their sight and reach. http://www.edsafecure.com

Emergency or an overdose,

In the event of an overdose, dial 1-800-222-1222 to reach a poison control center. At https://www.poisonhelp.org/help, you may get further information. If the sufferer has passed out, had a seizure, is having difficulties breathing, or cannot be roused, dial 911 right once.

Overdosage symptoms may include:

• • • Rash \hives
    • Tingling in the hands or feet during a seizure
    • Weakness
    • Coordination problems
    • Stomach ache
    • Nausea \svomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Dizziness
    • Breathing problems
    • Face, hands, lower legs swelling

What should additional details be aware of?

Keep all of your doctor’s and laboratory appointments. To evaluate your body’s response to ivermectin, your doctor may request specific lab tests.

Do not give your medicine to anybody else. Your prescription is unlikely to be refilled.

If you see a doctor or are admitted to a hospital, you should carry this list with you. It’s also helpful knowledge to have on hand in case of an emergency.

Note:

Laboratory to breastfeedtests (such as stool examinations for intestinal parasites) should be conducted regularly to monitor your progress or check for adverse effects. Because ivermectin does not destroy mature Onchocerca worms, you may require further medical exams and therapy if you’re being treated for “river blindness.” For details, talk to your doctor.

FAQs

1. Is ivermectin necessary to prevent or treat diseases?

Ans: No, it isn’t. Ivermectin is licensed for various applications in humans and animals, but it is not approved to prevent or treat diseases. You should not use any diseases treatment or prevention medication unless your doctor recommends and obtained from a reputable source.

2. Is it safe for people to use ivermectin?

Ivermectin has been licensed for use in humans and animals but not for preventing or treating diseases. You should not use any diseases treatment or prevention medication unless your doctor recommends and obtained from a reputable source.

Skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, face or limb swelling, neurologic adverse events (dizziness, seizures, disorientation), rapid drop in blood pressure, severe skin rash potentially needing hospitalization, and liver damage are all possible side effects of ivermectin (hepatitis).

A drop in white cell count and increased liver tests are two examples of abnormal laboratory test results. Ivermectin should not be used to prevent or treat diseases caused by viruses since its benefits and safety for these objectives have not been demonstrated.

We need data from clinical trials to determine to monitor your progress or check for adverse effects laboratory if ivermectin is safe and effective for treating or preventing diseases caused by viruses.

Conclusion

Laboratory and medical tests (such as stool examinations for intestinal parasites) should be conducted regularly to monitor your progress or check for adverse effects. Because ivermectin does not destroy mature Onchocerca worms, you may require further medical exams and therapy if you’re being treated for “river blindness.” For details, talk to your doctor.