WC Public Health cautions people about unprescribed use of Ivermectin

This is a public health message regarding the risks of using Ivermectin without a prescription, or ingesting Ivermectin formulations that are meant for external use or Ivermectin-containing products formulated for veterinary use. Ivermectin is not an approved treatment or prevention for COVID-19 and is not prescribed for COVID-19. Ivermectin is only FDA approved for internal and external parasites or parasitic worms. Even the levels of Ivermectin for approved uses can interact with other medications like blood-thinners.

Persons should immediately seek medical treatment if they have taken any Ivermectin or Ivermectin-containing products and are experiencing symptoms. Signs and symptoms of Ivermectin toxicity include gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea), headache, blurred vision, dizziness, tachycardia, hypotension, visual hallucinations, altered mental status, confusion, loss of coordination and balance, central nervous system depression, and seizures. Ivermectin may increase sedative effects of other medications such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Do not swallow Ivermectin products that should be used on the skin (e.g., lotions and creams) or are NOT meant for human use, such as Veterinary products. Taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm. Ivermectin preparations for animals are very different for those approved for humans.