Chelan-Douglas Health District Cautioning Public Against Ivermectin

The Chelan-Douglas Health District is cautioning anyone thinking of using the antiparasitic drug Ivermectin as a way to prevent or treat COVID-19 against such uses.

Although mainly used to treat horses, Ivermectin is approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms and as part of skin formulas for things like head lice and rosacea.

Health Communications Director Veronica Farias said the drug is not anti-viral and can cause rapid heart rate, swelling of the face or feet, low blood pressure, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, decreased while blood cell counts, hepatitis, vomiting, itching and hives, poor balance, seizures, coma and death. Even small, approved doses of the drug can interact with other medications such as blood thinners.

"There is some initial research underway, but the FDA has not reviewed any of the data and is not supportive of the use of Ivermectin," stated Farias.

If you have a prescription for Ivermectin for an FDA-approved use, get it from a legitimate source and take it as prescribed.

Farias added that the most effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 are still masking, social distancing and frequent hand washing.