The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is out with a warning after people were allegedly trying to treat COVID-19 with a drug used to prevent parasites in animals.
The drug in question, Ivermectin, is a tablet the FDA says, when used on humans, is used to treat people with intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis.
Lately, there have been several reports of people using ivermectin intended for horses, and being hospitalized, after believing it could help rid them of COVID-19.
You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y'all. Stop it. https://t.co/TWb75xYEY4
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) August 21, 2021
The FDA says taking large doses of this drug can cause serious harm, and unless prescribed to you by a doctor for its intended use, not to consume it.
“Some forms of ivermectin are used in animals to prevent heartworm disease and certain internal and external parasites,” the FDA said. “It’s important to note that these products are different from the ones for people, and safe when used as prescribed for animals, only.”
According to the FDA, initial research is underway to see if the drug has any properties that could, in fact, help to treat COVID-19.
Though many of the reports are coming out of Mississippi, the FDA is hoping it can cut off the misinformation quick before more people attempt to use the drug.
“You may have heard that it’s okay to take large doses of ivermectin. That is wrong.”
