Utah Poison Control records 4.5-fold increase in ivermectin use to treat COVID-19

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Poison Control Center recorded a 4.5-fold increase in ivermectin exposures this year over 2020, prompting the Utah Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture and Food to warn against its use as a treatment for COVID-19.

“Ivermectin is NOT a COVID-19 drug; there is no data to suggest that this drug has an impact on COVID-19 infection. The continued promotion of the drug has led to an increase in the number of people purchasing veterinary ivermectin and hospitalized due to side effects of ingesting the drug, ”the agencies said in a joint statement released Tuesday.

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The Utah Department of Health said a patient ingested large doses of ivermectin, which is primarily used to treat parasites in horses and other animals, in an effort to treat symptoms of COVID-19 . The patient was hospitalized, the agency said.

According to the Utah Poison Control Center, 50% of people who called the center received medical help as a result of using ivermectin as a way to treat or prevent the virus.

“I strongly encourage clinical providers to consider the harm they can cause if they provide ivermectin to patients infected with COVID-19. While there is no data showing that it helps with COVID-19, there is some very solid data showing that it can hurt. encourage pharmacists to question any inappropriate high-dose ivermectin prescription for their customers, ”state epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen said in a statement.

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The Utah Department of Agriculture has warned that veterinary ivermectin is not safe for human consumption (what is used on humans is a much lower dose). The agency has warned that ivermectin is not approved by the FDA to treat or prevent COVID-19.

“Recent spike in reports of ivermectin abuse is concerning. Utah Department of Agriculture and Food does not approve ivermectin abuse to treat COVID-19 and encourages individuals to consult a qualified health care provider before undergoing treatment, ”Dr. Dean Taylor, state veterinarian, said in a statement.

Poison Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-222-1222. For emergencies, dial 911.