The alarm was raised following a surge in calls to Mississippi poison control centers, where many individuals had ingested livestock-grade ivermectin, likely influenced by conspiracy theories suggesting its effectiveness against COVID-19. The Mississippi Department of Health reported that over 70% of recent poison control calls were linked to the ingestion of animal formulations of this drug, which are far more potent than the human-approved versions. Thankfully, most callers only experienced mild symptoms, although one person required additional medical care. The health department warned that these animal drugs can be highly toxic, especially for humans.
The misinformation surrounding ivermectin stems largely from discredited studies that have since been retracted for ethical violations and data inaccuracies. Despite this, some individuals continue to advocate for ivermectin as a miracle cure, overlooking the fact that there are safe and effective vaccines available for COVID-19. It’s crucial to note that ivermectin is not an antiviral medication, which raises questions about its perceived efficacy.
While ivermectin has limited FDA-approved uses in humans, such as for treating head lice and certain parasites, these applications involve much lower doses than those found in livestock formulations. Serious side effects can occur, including neurological disorders and even death in extreme cases.
This is not the first time that unfounded theories about COVID-19 treatments have emerged, and it likely won’t be the last. The FDA and the World Health Organization both advise against using horse dewormer for COVID-19. The best course of action is to get vaccinated, wear masks, and heed public health guidelines. And to reiterate: Do not use horse dewormer for COVID-19.
For more insights on this topic, check out one of our other blog posts here and see the resources provided by Make A Mom for more information on home insemination. Additionally, NICHD offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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