People Do Not Need to Be Told Not to Take Their Equine Medication, and Yet
This week, the FDA was forced to warn people not to treat themselves with ivermectin, a drug often used to deworm horses. Yes, people seem to buy this product themselves from pet food stores and use it as a self-medication for COVID-19.
If this sounds familiar, you may remember how last year people used antiparasitic drugs designed for fish to protect themselves from the virus. As a result, at least one person died.
The hype about these alternative treatments is coming from the same people who don’t want to wear masks or take COVID vaccines. Despite the fact that hundreds of millions of people have been vaccinated and vaccines have been proven to be completely safe, an alarmingly large segment of the population would rather trust a drug that has not been proven to be effective against the coronavirus.
Or, as one healthcare professional summed up on Twitter , “I love the irony of thousands of people who shout ‘I’m not a sheep'” when they buy sheep’s solution. “
Okay, so what is ivermectin and why shouldn’t I treat myself to it?
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug. It is found in several prescription products for humans, but the easiest and cheapest way to get some is to go to your local feed store and buy horse worm remover or any other ivermectin product for animals. (For example, it is found in heartworm medicines for dogs.) But because horses and cows are large animals, the doses are equally large: for example, a 9-inch tube of toothpaste is a single dose for a 1250 pound horse.
“Humans should never take animal medications,” the FDA sighs loudly. These medicines are often more concentrated than the human versions, and the inactive ingredients have not necessarily been approved for use in human medicines or food. Basically, just because it won’t kill the horse doesn’t mean it’s safe for you or your loved ones.
Ivermectin is also a topical medication. Medicines have side effects and interactions, and ivermectin is no exception. FDA says :
Even the levels of ivermectin for permitted use [in humans] can interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. You can also overdose on ivermectin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (balance problems), seizures, coma, and even death.
If you have COVID or are worried about being exposed, the appropriate steps to take will include getting tested, staying away from others until you feel better, and seeking medical attention (see a doctor , not a veterinarian) as directed.
And please beware of your friends and family who may receive incorrect information about COVID prevention and treatment from Facebook or other sources. Vaccines are far safer and more effective than any unproven treatment, be it horse deworming agents, essential oils, or prescription drugs bought from a friend’s schematic doctor.