Officials urge Utahns not to use ivermectin as a COVID cure

A warning about ivermectin recently sent out by the Utah Department of Health. Photo: Utah Department of Health

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) recently became aware of a patient who ingested large doses of ivermectin — which is typically used to treat parasites in horses and other animals — in an attempt to treat symptoms of COVID-19. The patient “suffered serious health effects” and was taken to a Utah hospital.

“I strongly encourage clinical providers to consider the harm they may cause if they provide ivermectin to patients with COVID-19 infection,” said Dr. Leisha Nolen, an epidemiologist at UDOH. “While there is no data showing it helps with COVID-19 there is very strong data showing it can do harm. I also encourage pharmacists to question any prescriptions for high-dose ivermectin that is inappropriate for their clients.”

The Utah Poison Control Center has seen a 4.5 times higher rate of ivermectin exposures in 2021 compared with 2020. Additionally, the CDC and the American Association of Poison Control Centers have seen a recent increase in calls related to severe side effects due to ivermectin.

“Ivermectin exposures related to the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 account for 56% of exposures reported to us for this drug in 2021. Fifty percent of people who called us after using ivermectin as a way to treat or prevent COVID-19 have received medical help because of the exposure,” said Amberly Johnson, director of the Utah Poison Control Center.

Veterinary ivermectin is used to treat parasites in horses and other animals and is not safe for human use. Human ivermectin treatments have much lower doses than ivermectin used in large animals and are not approved by the FDA to treat or prevent COVID-19. To date, there is no evidence that ivermectin can treat or prevent COVID-19. The FDA strongly discourages self-treatment of COVID-19 with ivermectin because it can result in serious injury and hospitalization.

“The recent uptick in reports of ivermectin misuse are concerning. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food does not endorse the misuse of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 and encourages individuals to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing any course of treatment,” said Dr. Dean Taylor, a state veterinarian.

In addition to the dangers of becoming seriously ill, the American Veterinary Medical Association warns this can lead to local shortages of veterinary-use approved ivermectin products critical for the health of livestock.

“The most effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated,” UDOH said in a statement.

Call the Utah Poison Control Center if you have taken ivermectin and are worried about side effects. Poison specialists are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. For emergencies, call 911.