About ivermectin: ‘Little scientific evidence’ of benefit in treating COVID-19

Sept. 17, 2021 -- Throughout the pandemic, health and science experts have searched for safe, effective ways to prevent and treat COVID-19. Simultaneously, social media platforms have been used to spread misinformation about the supposed efficacy of several drugs.

The first of these to go from online chatter to receiving national attention was hydroxychloroquine, but studies have shown it to be unhelpful in the treatment of COVID-19 and potentially even harmful. Today, ivermectin is the drug of choice in some social media circles.

Ivermectin is used in humans to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice as well as skin conditions such as rosacea. There are also versions of ivermectin meant for animals that come in injectable, paste, and pour-on forms.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says taking large doses of ivermectin is dangerous. There have been multiple reports of patients who have required medical attention, including hospitalization, after taking ivermectin meant for livestock.

"Ivermectin is not approved by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 because the best quality studies so far provide little scientific evidence of benefit," said Thomas Huth, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs for Reid Health.

"Over the course of the pandemic, doctors and scientists across the globe have worked tirelessly to identify effective ways to prevent and treat COVID-19, and great strides have been made, resulting in the vaccines, antiviral medications, synthetic antibodies, and advanced ventilation techniques, among other things, that are making a big difference in outcomes today.

"Ivermectin is not approved by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 because the best quality studies so far provide little scientific evidence of benefit." -- Thomas Huth, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs

"Many other potential therapies have been and continue to be examined closely for possible benefit, and that includes ivermectin. Unfortunately, to date, the evidence in favor of ivermectin is very weak and its safety in COVID-19 is not proven.

"And because we want the very best for our patients, we can't recommend it in good conscience."

The best way to prevent contracting and spreading COVID-19 remains getting vaccinated. To schedule a vaccination appointment, Indiana residents should use ourshot.in.gov and Ohio residents can use gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Today's COVID-19 stats

• Patients in containment areas: 73
• Number of those patients who are unvaccinated: 57 (78%)
• COVID-19 patients in the ICU: 16
• Number of those patients who are unvaccinated: 14 (87.5%)
• COVID-19 patients on ventilators: 12
• Number of those patients who are unvaccinated: 12 (100%)
• Tests submitted since last update: 350
• Lab-confirmed positives since last update: 54 (15.4% positivity rate)
• Suspected COVID-19 admissions in the past 24 hours: 28

Reid Health serves an eight-county area, including Wayne, Randolph, Henry, Union, Fayette, and Franklin counties in Indiana and Darke and Preble counties in Ohio. The statistics above represent patients from throughout the service area.

Key reminders

• You should never delay care. Previous surges have seen patients put off necessary care for emergent issues such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, appendicitis, and even symptoms of cancer. Delaying care can have life-altering consequences.
• COVID-19 vaccines are free. They are safe. Make an informed decision by consulting sites such as the CDC and FDA.
• Since Reid's COVID-19 hotline was established on Aug. 26, more than 4,000 community members have taken advantage of the service. Hotline staff can assist with scheduling a test, receiving test results, and seeking clinical advice. The hotline is available 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week by calling (765) 965-4200.
• Before you come to a Reid Health site to see a loved one or accompany them to an appointment, be sure to check our latest visitor policy and screening procedures.
• Surgical masks are required in all Reid Health facilities. Cloth masks are not acceptable. Reid will provide you with a surgical mask upon entry if needed.

Safe Pathways to Care: Learn more about COVID-19 and vaccinations