There seems to be a growing interest in a drug called ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans. Some people believe ivermectin is a wonder drug and its developers actually got a Nobel Peace Prize for it in 2015. But, the Food and Drug Administration officials said that you should not use ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19.
In spite of the FDA’s apparent campaign against ivermectin, the remedy is now the subject of a national trial which includes research being done at the University of Virginia to find out how effective the controversial drug is against early stages of COVID-19. WHO names ivermectin on its Essential Medicines List.
For humans, ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses to treat some parasitic worms, and there are topical formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea, according to the health officials.
Dr. John Littell, a family medicine physician from Florida, claims he’s treated around 3000 people with ivermectin.
During an interview with WESH 2 News, Dr. John Littell reportedly said:
“I know, from my own experience that tens of thousands of Americans lost their lives because the medical profession refused to accept that there was effective early treatment.”
The famous doctor, who has been a family physician since 1990, said he’s got a target on his back for being so outspoken about ivermectin.
He also said it feels it’s the right thing to do for his patients.
Dr. John Littell also said: “I have to say this bluntly but carefully – I’ve already been suspended from one hospital and fined $500 for ultimately doing the right thing for the patient. But the bottom line is hospitals are not allowing us to provide optimal care.”
The family medicine doctor said ivermectin was lifesaving during the delta variant because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-blood clotting properties.
“It was preventing that cytokine storm, which is when you have inflammation throughout the whole body that leads to kidney failure and leads to respiratory failure,” Littell told WESH 2 News.
Per reports, Dr. Littell reportedly treated his patients with ivermectin for humans which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
The FDA has not authorized or approved ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans or animals. Ivermectin is approved for human use to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.
Currently available data do not show ivermectin is effective against COVID-19. Clinical trials assessing ivermectin tablets for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in people are ongoing.
The National Institutes of Health is funding a trial to test the safety and effectiveness of ivermectin and other drugs on COVID-19.