Demystifying Ivermectin: An Over-the-Counter Medication Worth Knowing
Over-the-counter sale of Ivermectin becomes permissible in certain U.S. states. What is the purpose of this drug?
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In Idaho, you'll find ivermectin sitting on the shelves alongside pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen. That's because Idaho's Governor Brad Little recently signed a bill into law, permitting the anti-parasitic medication to be sold over the counter. Two other states, Arkansas and Tennessee, have followed suit. Yet, you might be wondering what's the deal with ivermectin and its newfound popularity. What is ivermectin, how should it be used, and what are its drawbacks? Let's find out with CNN's wellness expert, Dr. Leana Wen.
Q: What is ivermectin? What are its approved medical uses?
Dr. Leana Wen: Ivermectin is primarily a medication used to treat certain parasitic worm infections. Specifically, it's FDA-approved for two conditions in humans: intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis.
Strongyloidiasis occurs when the worm burrows into the skin, reproducing in your lungs and intestines, leading to digestive, respiratory, and skin problems. It can be life-threatening in individuals with weakened immune systems. Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is transmitted through repeated bites from infected blackflies. The worm can migrate to various organs in the body, often damaging the eyes, leading to vision impairment or even blindness. Unsurprisingly, it ranks as the second leading infectious cause of blindness globally.
Ivermectin also comes in cream form and is used to treat parasites such as head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. It is used in animals, too, as an antiparasitic agent against heartworm in dogs and cats as well as a broad-spectrum medication against parasitic infections in larger farm animals like horses and cattle.
Q: Why do some people believe it should be taken beyond approved uses?
Wen: During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of medications approved for other purposes were being studied for their potential effectiveness against the virus. Ivermectin isn't an antiviral medication but lab studies suggested high levels of the drug might affect the coronavirus.
As a result, ivermectin, alongside antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine and the antidepressant fluvoxamine, were studied for their efficacy against COVID-19 in rigorous placebo-controlled, double-blind studies. Although not showing any benefits, there are still some individuals, particularly right-wing influencers, advocating for ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment, even going as far as recommending it for other ailments like cancer. Those pushing for OTC access argue that people shouldn't be denied access to what they deem a "miracle cure" for many diseases.
Q: What are potential harms of taking ivermectin?
Wen: Like any medication, ivermectin comes with a list of potential side effects, including difficulty moving muscles, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, bloody stools, dizziness, sleepiness, and unusual weight gain or loss. There are also drug interactions with dozens of medications, including blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and antiviral treatments.
During the pandemic's peak, US poison control centers reported an increasing number of cases of ivermectin toxicity, including due to the consumption of veterinary formulations with high concentrations of the drug. The result? Neurological and gastrointestinal abnormalities. Tragically, there were reported deaths in New Mexico due to ivermectin overdoses. Federal health officials consistently warned people against purchasing ivermectin products intended for animal consumption, because they're not effective in treating COVID-19.
Q: Why are states allowing ivermectin to be sold over the counter?
Wen: Some legislators advocate for this accessibility, feeling that people should be allowed to obtain ivermectin without a prescription. Physicians have argued that it might be more suitable for patients to have access to human-grade ivermectin than veterinary formulations intended for animals. However, this approach deviates greatly from the typical process of determining over-the-counter status - it's usually federal health authorities, like the FDA, assessing the evidence and making this decision, rather than state legislators and governors on an individual basis.
Q: How should someone considering ivermectin approach their decision?
Wen: Even if ivermectin may be accessible without a prescription in certain areas, people should remember that this is still a drug with potential risks and rewards. The key is recognizing when it is beneficial and when those benefits outweigh the risks. Additionally, using it to treat conditions it's not designed for can pose harm.
In conclusion, ivermectin has legit medical uses but should always be discussed with a physician before use. Careful consideration of its intended use, benefits, risks, and alternatives are crucial for making informed decisions about this medication.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's important to stay informed about various treatments, such as ivermectin, a medication previously primarily used to treat parasitic worm infections.
- Among elected officials, Idaho's Governor Brad Little has authorised the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin, sparking curiosity about its newfound accessibility.
- In researching ivermeltin's uses, it's crucial to understand its approved medical applications, like treating intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, both potentially life-threatening conditions.
- In the policy-and-legislation sphere, the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin in certain states raises questions about the role of federal health authorities in determining such decisions.
- In the general-news world, stories surrounding ivermectin highlight the ongoing debate between scientists and politicians, shedding light on the potential benefits and risks associated with the medication.
- When considering the use of ivermectin, science and personal wellness go hand in hand, making it essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking it, especially regarding its intended use, potential side effects, and alternative treatments.