Denis Farrell / AP
The anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin is available for both animals and humans by prescription or over the counter, but not FDA-approved for COVID-19. When formulated for animals, it can be dangerous for humans.
Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 | 4:35 p.m.
The Nevada state veterinarian has issued a reminder that human use of animal formulations of the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin are not approved for treatment or prevention of COVID-19.
Such use can also be dangerous to people, and the continued use of ivermectin is causing shortages for the animals that need it, said Nevada Department of Agriculture state vet Amy Mitchell.
“Veterinarians are reporting difficulty in obtaining veterinary formulations of ivermectin,” Mitchell said in a statement. “This creates barriers for veterinarians in providing necessary animal medical care.”
The state agriculture agency said veterinary formulations of ivermectin, which are used to treat worms in livestock, can vary greatly and have not been proven safe or effective in humans. Ivermectin can also treat intestinal parasites and certain skin conditions in humans, but ivermectin in any form has not been approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat or prevent COVID.
The Southern Nevada Health District has also warned against human consumption of ivermectin, and Nevada’s poison control center has confirmed receiving calls after people intentionally used it improperly.
