Edited by tipahketipung at 12-7-2021 02:17 AM
Published: Jul 08, 2021 Veterinary Drug for COVID-19 Patients? Studies Present Confusing Case
Ivermectin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, both caused by parasitic worms. It is typically for veterinary use. The drug has anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been approved as a topical treatment for head lice. It has become something of a contentious issue as to whether it effectively prevents and treats COVID-19.
Several studies have been published suggesting it is effective, while others have indicated it is not. In late June, the American Journal of Therapeutics analyzed data from 24 clinical trials of ivermectin for COVID-19 up to April 25, 2021. The authors analyzed the studies, extracted data and assessed for the risk of bias.
This meta-analysis, they wrote, “moderate-certainty evidence finds that large reductions in COVID-19 deaths are possible using ivermectin. Using ivermectin early in the clinical course may reduce numbers progressing to severe disease. The apparent safety and low cost suggest that ivermectin is likely to have a significant impact on the SARS-COV-2 pandemic globally.” The authors’ statements appear, in analysis, to be problematic.
On the other hand, the FDA has an ongoing webpage titled “Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19.” It has four primary points.. - is that it is not approved for COVID-19 in humans and is not an anti-viral drug.
- taking large doses is dangerous and can cause serious harm.
- “If you have a prescription for ivermectin for an FDA-approved use, get it from a legitimate source and take it exactly as prescribed.” And fourth, don’t use drugs intended for animals.
The FDA also points out that ivermectin is used in some animals to prevent heartworm and other parasites, but these are very different products than the ones for people. They’re not safe for humans.
Chuck Dinerstein, director of Medicine at the American Council on Science and Health, a vascular surgeon, published an article on July 7 titled, “Could We Be Wrong About Ivermectin And COVID-19?” He starts the article by saying, “I do not believe Ivermectim is useful, but I could be wrong…. A new study demonstrates how a rush to publish, (and possibly treat) may have resulted in poorly designed studies where a quiet signal is lost in an abundance of noise.”
And yet another meta-analysis, this one published June 28 in Clinical Infectious Diseases, concluded, “In comparison to SOC or placebo, IVM (ivermectin) did not reduce all-cause mortality, length of stay or viral clearance in RCTs in COVID-19 patients with mostly mild disease. IVM did not have an effect on AEs (adverse events) or severe AEs. IVM is not a viable option to treat COVID-19 patients.”
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Post time 11-7-2021 11:53 AM
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Post time 11-7-2021 01:02 PM
