Sheridan adds 50 to positive case count, FDA warns not to take ivermectin meant for horses

Over the weekend, Sheridan County has added 50 positive cases to the total of 2,821 total lab confirmed cases in the county since the pandemic began. 

Sheridan County now has 107 confirmed positive active cases as well as 28 probable cases active. Thirty patients have recovered from the virus over the weekend and Sheridan County has experienced 33 deaths from the virus. 

Currently 15 patients are hospitalized suffering from the virus. 

Due to some internet and social media posts there is a growing interest in a drug known as ivermectin to treat humans with COVID-19. According to the Food and Drug Administration, ivermectin is often used in the U.S. to treat or prevent parasites in animals. 

The FDA reports that the organization has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical support and been hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for horses.

Ivermectin tablets are approved at specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses), per the FDA.

According to an article on the FDA website, taking large doses of the drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm. 

Never use medications intended for animals on yourself. Ivermectin preparations for animals are very different from those approved for humans. 

What is Ivermectin and how is it used?

According to the FDA, ivermectin tablets that are intended for humans are approved by the FDA to treat patients with intestinal conditions caused by parasitic worms. 

Some forms of ivermectin are used in animals to prevent heartworm disease and certain internal and external parasites. 

The FDA article noted that these products are different from the ones for people, and safe when used as prescribed for animals only.

According to an AP story published in December of 2020, in June of that year, Australian researchers published the findings of a study that found ivermectin inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in a laboratory setting, which is not the same as testing the drug on humans or animals. 

Following the study, the FDA released a letter out of concern warning consumers not to self-medicate with ivermectin products intended for animals. 

The FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. In the article the FDA stated they have not reviewed data to support use of ivermectin in COVID-19 patients to treat or to prevent COVID-19; however, some initial research is underway. Taking a drug for an unapproved use can be very dangerous. This is true of ivermectin.

With the amount of misinformation around, the FDA stated that some people may have heard that it’s okay to take large doses of ivermectin. That is wrong, the FDA stated on their website. 

According to the FDA, even the levels of ivermectin for approved human use can interact with other medications, like blood-thinners. People can also overdose on ivermectin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (problems with balance), seizures, coma and even death.