Unapproved drug use dangerous: USFDA warns against Ivermectin misinformation in Covid-19
"Taking large doses of ivermectin is dangerous and can cause serious harm," the FDA warned.;
San Francisco: As various social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit face waves of misinformation about the use of anti-parasite drug ivermectin to treat Covid-19, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a fresh advisory to consumers, explaining why people shouldn't take it to treat or prevent the deadly respiratory disease.
The FDA said that it is perhaps not surprising that some consumers are looking at unconventional treatments, not approved or authorised by it.
"There seems to be a growing interest in a drug called ivermectin to treat humans with Covid-19. FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing Covid-19 in humans," the US agency said in its latest consumer update.
Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses).
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