Ivermectin use to treat COVID-19 in Wisconsin

(Updated 9-09-2021)

While ivermectin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat worms and other tiny parasites in cows, horses and dogs, the agency is trying to debunk online claims saying animal-strength versions of the drug can help fight COVID-19.

For humans, ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses to treat some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. pharmacies were filling 88,000 prescriptions a week for ivermectin by mid-August -- 24 times the amount before the pandemic.

U.S. poison control centers are seeing a five-fold increase in emergency calls related to the drug, some requiring hospitalization. The Wisconsin Poison Center has received 17 calls on the drug this year.

The Wisconsin Poison Center does not encourage the consumption of ivermectin in an attempt to prevent COVID-19 infection or to treat COVID-19 infection. This medication, like most medications, can make you sick. You should only take medications to treat COVID-19 infection when these are provided to you by a trained, knowledgeable physician.  If you or someone you know is taking a medication or other remedy for COVID-19 infection, not under the care of a doctor, please call the poison center for help reducing the possibility of injury from that substance, at 800-222-1222. 

Media stories - Dr. Gummin & Ivermectin

• Spectrum News
• CBS-58