What is ivermectin? It is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription medication used to treat certain infections caused by internal and external parasites. Ivermectin is NOT authorized or approved by the FDA for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel has also determined that there are currently insufficient data to recommend ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19. FDA has cautioned about the potential risks of use for prevention or treatment of COVID-19, and Poison control centers increasingly receive reports of adverse effects associated with ivermectin misuse and overdose. Read more.
Recommendations for Tribes:
- Ivermectin has not been proven to prevent or treat COVID-19.
- Do not swallow ivermectin products that should be used on skin (e.g., lotions and creams) or are not meant for human use, such as veterinary ivermectin products.
- Seek immediate medical attention or call the poison control center hotline (1-800-222-1222) for advice if you have taken ivermectin or a product that contains ivermectin and are having symptoms. Signs and symptoms include gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea), headache, blurred vision, dizziness, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure. Other severe nervous system effects have been reported, including tremors, seizures, hallucinations, confusion, loss of coordination and balance, decreased alertness, and coma.
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination is approved by the FDA and is the safest and most effective way to prevent getting sick and protect against severe disease and death from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Remember, getting your COVID-19 vaccine is an Act of Love to your Tribe!” For more information on COVID-19 vaccines visit the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center.
- Protect elders, children, your Tribal community, and yourself from getting sick with COVID-19. In addition to vaccination, wear masks in indoor public places, such as indoor ceremonies or community potlucks, practice staying at least six feet from other people who don’t live in your household, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
For more information visit:
Ivermectin | COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines (nih.gov)
Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 | FDA
MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program | FDA
American College of Medical Toxicology Press Release 8/20/21