Why is Ivermectin medication not recommended against COVID-19?
The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus disease has become a health challenge. Given the initial ignorance of the virus, many therapeutic measures were implemented from the outset.
Over time, most of them were discarded due to their ineffectiveness and long-term consequences due to adverse effects. Among many, Ivermectin medication continues to be controversially used.
The definition of Ivermectin that many knows, but ignore
Ivermectin is the name given to the drug specialized as an anthelmintic. It is a medicine that was initially developed for veterinary use in the fight against nematodes, ticks, fleas, lice and more.
Biochemically, it is made up of a mixture of compounds known as avermectin B1a and B1b. Both are direct derivatives of an organic element of therapeutic relevance produced by the bacterium Streptomyces Avermitilis.
Its approval for use in humans was ruled by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
With this fact, it was developed in presentations such as tablets and drops for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Failing that, some forms of rosacea are also covered.
In short, it is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic. A type of drug that attacks helminthiasis (infestation by a class of parasites) without leaving sequelae. Therefore, it has no place in other infections such as bacterial, fungal (fungus) or VIRUlent.
What is the exact position of the FDA regarding Ivermectin?
The FDA recognizes that, with the start and progress of the pandemic, humanity has become prone to self-medication and misinformation.
The adoption of little-proven therapeutic measures in double-blind trials is becoming a scenario that is more difficult to counteract.
As can be seen, the FDA is one of the main organizations that studies and issues accurate conclusions about medicines and consumer products. Therefore, your endorsement is essential when starting to ingest any kind of implement in particular.
Within the guidelines established for the treatment of COVID-19, Ivermectin is not contemplated. A drug that continues to be applied and prescribed at different levels of medical care to "prevent" coronavirus infection.
The worst part of the case is that it is being prescribed and ingested in doses intended for livestock or animal treatments. In other words, it's not even dosed in a suitable setting for human consumption. A point that, obviously, is largely ignored.
Conclusions issued by the FDA in the case Ivermectin vs. COVID-19
Although they are conclusions issued in a pronouncement of yesteryear, it is worth emphasizing it again. Medication with Ivermectin continues to be a breaking point in the pandemic, requiring more information about it from patients.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stands firm on its position. Essentially, it does not recommend Ivermectin treatment for either animals or humans in the prevention of COVID-19.
Double-blind clinical studies remain in progress, posted on the FDA website. Preliminary results demonstrate the ineffectiveness of Ivermectin against coronavirus. Instead, it is still useful for some conditions such as rosacea.
Doses not adapted to human consumption should be avoided at all costs. The application or consumption of presentations of the drug dedicated solely to the animal field is also not advisable. If so, the patient's health may come into play with long-term adverse effects.
It is normal to have doubts when a doctor prescribes Ivermectin against COVID-19. The duality between criteria puts the consultant in a "check" position, but the evidence must be referred to. This pharmaceutical drug is NOT APPROVED against coronavirus disease.
Consequences of prolonged intake of Ivermectin
Another problem to highlight is that the drug is being consumed prophylactically. The prescription is based on the fact that it can prevent pandemic virus infection. Consequently, the individual falls into a cycle of prolonged intake of harmful Ivermectin.
It should be noted that the dosage of the drug must be carried out precisely. Being a pharmaceutical drug used in animals weighing up to 1 ton more, it is highly likely to fall into deficits due to intoxication.
Severe liver damage is one of the grayest scenes that can lead, in advanced cases, to death.
Likewise, it is proven that Ivermectin enhances the effect of anticoagulants, unleashing moderate to severe cardiovascular problems.
All this without counting the excipients or aggregates that are handled in the presentations of Ivermectin for animals. They are different from those that are approved in humans, so their intake brings important reactions.
Gastrointestinal clinical manifestations such as nausea, vomiting and prolonged diarrhea are observed. Added to this, the neurological system is affected, causing ataxia, dizziness, seizures or coma. Finally, hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria) also have a place.
Treatments and measures that YES are approved against COVID-19
To date, the only drug treatment approved by the FDA remains Remdisivir (Veklury). An antiviral drug whose study showed great efficacy in hospitalized patients with moderate clinical symptoms.
Otherwise, the best prevention continues to be vaccination to acquire immunity against the disease. Although they do not prevent infection as such, they do prevent its serious consequences.
In addition to this, social distancing, the use of face masks and basic hygiene measures are the best prevention. Much better than consumption or self-medication with pharmacological supplements not recognized by the FDA.
It is important to note that certain drugs that are not covered by the FDA protection are allowed in the medication against COVID-19. They are called "Authorized for emergency use", so their application is unique to the intra-hospital environment.