The United States is well into its fourth wave of infections, and hospital admissions are approaching a new peak. As the infection increases, more and more Americans are using their own, unorthodox means to protect themselves against the virus.
The drug ivermectin is designed to kill parasites such as ringworm and scabies in domestic animals and humans, but has recently been used by Americans who want to avoid coronary heart disease.
US health authorities say prescriptions for ivermectin have skyrocketed in recent months, as has the number of overdoses. The drug was even distributed to inmates at a prison in Arkansas, despite health officials warning against using ivermectin against the corona.
Supported by podcast star
On Wednesday, podcast star Joe Rogan announced that he was infected with the virus. Rogan is one stated vaccine skeptic, and reveals that he is taking ivermectin to recover.
– Joe Rogan is infected with coronary heart disease and says he is taking ivermectin to recover. Photo: Stacy Revere / AFP
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Despite the warnings from the health authorities, both Republican politicians, conservative radio hosts and some doctors promote the medicine. With the good help of social media, talk of the medicine reaches out to millions of vaccine-hesitant Americans. The use of ivermectin has also spread to other countries, such as India and Brazil.
Now the American Medical Association warns about the medicine, and demands an “immediate halt” to the unauthorized use.
“We encourage physicians, pharmacists, and other medical personnel – trusted healthcare professionals – to warn patients against using ivermectin for anything other than their intended use,” the American Medical Association said. Associated Press.
A number of studies have now been initiated to determine whether the medicine has any effect against coronary heart disease. Until the result is clear, Americans are asked to stay away.
Uses dosage intended for horses
The warning comes after a series of reports of side effects and hospitalizations associated with ivermectin. Several veterinarians and pet stores are also empty of the medicine, as Americans use the powerful doses of livestock in the hope of staying coron-free.
“There is no credible evidence to suggest that this is a good way to treat or prevent the coronavirus,” said pharmacist Randy McDonough.
– There is currently little evidence that ivermectin is an effective treatment for the coronavirus. Photo: Luis Robayo / AFP
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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of ivermectin to treat ringworm in humans, horses, cows and dogs. In addition, the medicine can be used in liquid form to treat lice and scabies. The medicine paralyzes the parasites and kills any eggs.
The FDA, on the other hand, rejects claims that the medicine intended for domestic animals can fight coronary heart disease in humans.
– Large doses of this medicine are dangerous and can cause serious injuries, warns the Norwegian Medicines Agency. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stroke, acute confusion and, in the worst case, death.
24 times as many prescriptions
Infection control doctor David Boulware says the side effects are relatively mild even when taken two or three times the dose intended for humans. But the dosages intended for domestic animals can be a thousand times more powerful than an intended human dose.
– It does not take much before you ingest a toxic dose. These concentrated doses are intended for one tonne of horse. They can make people seriously ill and lead to hospitalization, says Boulware.
The doctor says he usually prescribes ivermectin a couple of times a year. Now the number of prescriptions has skyrocketed, and in August, medicine was prescribed to patients 88,000 times a week. according to CDC there are 24 times as many prescriptions as before the pandemic broke out. The poison information receives five times as many calls related to the medicine, and in several of the cases it ends with hospitalization.
The health authorities are now encouraging Americans who are interested in trying ivermectin to do so by participating in the ongoing studies.
“By participating in a clinical study, you will not harm yourself, and you will contribute to the community by clarifying whether this works or not,” concludes Dr. Boulware.
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