Use of a deworming medication for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 symptoms hasn’t been seen in Sweetwater County, though some residents have inquired about the drug.
Ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasites in both humans and livestock, has been wrongly touted as a means of treating and preventing COVID-19 infections by some internet and social media groups. One such group, the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, falsely claims Mexico has “emptied their hospitals” through use of the drug. It also places the drug in its “just in case COVID-19 kit,” which includes vitamins C and D3, zinc, quercetin, melatonin and mouthwash.
However, both the FDA and pharmaceutical company Merck have issued warnings about the drug’s use to treat COVID-19.
“We do not believe that the data available support the safety and efficacy of ivermectin beyond the doses and populations indicated in the regulatory agency-approved prescribing information,” according to a statement from Merck.
Use of the drug has been reported throughout the United States, resulting in spikes in reports to poison control centers. The Salt Lake Tribune reports the Utah Poison Control Center has seen a “five-fold increase from the baseline,” according to Dr. Michael Moss, the center’s medical director.
Angie Pasho, education coordinator for the Nebraska Region Poison Center, said there have been two calls regarding ivermectin exposures outside its intended use from Wyoming.
The Texas Department of State Health Services recently issued a media advisory advising people against use of the drug to treat COVID-19 after the Texas Poison Control Network had a 150% increase in the number of calls about ivermectin exposure. The Texas Department of State Health Services also advises against taking ivermectin intended for animals and livestock.
“Some forms can be used to treat parasites in animals, but are different than the forms for people and should only be used in animals,” the advisory states.
At Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County there have been some inquiries about the drug. Emergency Services Director Kim White said emergency room nurses and physicians don’t get a lot of questions about ivermectin. She also said a few people have inquired and asked for a prescription, but didn’t push for it.
Kim Deti, a spokesperson for the Wyoming Department of Health, said the department is also unaware of instances where Wyoming residents have used the drug outside its intended purpose, though she admits the issue is something the department wouldn’t expect to see reported to it.
Reader Comments(0)