What Is Ivermectin Approved For In The United States?

The veterinary team is familiar with FDA-approved ivermectin for the prevention of heartworm disease in some small animal species and for the treatment of various internal and external parasites in many animal species. Ivermectin is also approved for the treatment of intestinal roundworm disease and onchocerciasis. In addition, topical formulations are approved for human use by physician prescription for the treatment of external parasites such as head lice and skin conditions such as rosacea.

 

Veterinary hospitals are familiar with the antiparasitic drug ivermectin and its use in the prevention and management of various diseases in multiple species. the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine recently became aware of the public visibility of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin following the publication of a pre-publication research article in the journal Antiviral Research that examined the effects of ivermectin on SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in a laboratory setting.

 

  Ivermectin Injection

Veterinary teams must communicate to pet owners who may seek ivermectin for themselves or for pets that suddenly (without a prior prescription or purchase of a product containing ivermectin from a veterinarian) that people should not take medications intended for use in animals. the FDA has evaluated the safety and efficacy of individual veterinary drugs in the specific animal species for which they are labeled. Taking a drug intended for use in animals can cause serious harm to people. Veterinary teams will need to educate owners on these facts and that ivermectin prescribed for animals should not be used to treat COVID-19.

 

It would be prudent to familiarize members of the veterinary team with some of the side effects associated with ivermectin to better educate owners about the dangers of taking the drug prescribed for their pets. According to the FDA, these include "rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, swelling of the face or extremities, neurological adverse events (dizziness, seizures, confusion), sudden drop in blood pressure, severe rash that may require hospitalization, and liver injury (hepatitis)." In addition, the FDA states that "Laboratory abnormalities include decreased white blood cell counts and elevated liver tests."

 

Q: What do I do if the ivermectin product I purchased for use in animals is not available at my typical retailer?

A: Ivermectin is an important component of parasite control programs for certain species and should only be given to animals for approved uses or as required for off-label use by veterinarians. Some products may not be available because of the potential for increased interest in ivermectin following new research. If you are having difficulty finding a specific ivermectin product for your animal, FDA recommends that you consult with your veterinarian.

 

Q: What is ivermectin approved for in the United States?

A: Ivermectin tablets are approved for use in humans for the treatment of certain parasitic diseases (intestinal filariasis and onchocerciasis) and topical formulations of ivermectin are approved by prescription for human use only for the treatment of external parasites such as head lice and skin conditions such as rosacea.

 

Ivermectin is approved by the FDA for use in animals for the prevention of heartworm disease in certain small animal species and for the treatment of certain internal and external parasites in various animal species. People should never take animal drugs because the FDA has only evaluated them for safety and efficacy in the specific species on the label. Their use in humans can cause serious harm.