The drug Ivermectin has repeatedly caused controversial discussions during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Opinions range from alleged miracle weapons against the virus to fatal consequences if misused.

Rumors now circulating on social media about an alleged U-turn by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the use of the drug as a corona drug. But what is really behind it? In this article, we get to the bottom of the claims and reveal the truth behind the speculation.

Antiparasitic drug with ambiguous role against Covid-19

The drug Ivermectin is commonly used to combat parasites. While it is being discussed by some as a possible Covid-19 drug, its role in virus treatment is controversial. Current claims are fueling this discussion again, because the FDA has now supposedly recognized ivermectin as a drug against Covid-19. However, the facts show a different picture.

FDA: No recognition of ivermectin as a Covid-19 treatment

However, the claims circulating about the FDA's alleged approval of ivermectin as a Covid-19 drug are false. The FDA has made it clear that it has not been approved as a Covid-19 drug. The safety and effectiveness of the drug against the coronavirus could not be sufficiently proven in clinical studies.

What is the misinformation based on?

The false information is based on a statement made court hearing in August 2023 In this legal case, three doctors claimed that the FDA restricted their medical care. The authority has repeatedly recommended not to use ivermectin against Covid-19. FDA attorney Ashley Cheung Honold's response that the regulatory agency "explicitly recognizes that physicians have the authority to prescribe ivermectin to treat Covid" during the hearing has now led to confusion that is reflected in the claims circulating.

FDA Clarification: Not Recommendation

The FDA subsequently clarified and emphasized that ivermectin is not approved for the prevention or treatment of Covid-19. The drug is approved in the USA, but not for Covid-19 treatment. It is approved for other diseases such as intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis. The agency has not said the drug is safe or effective for treating Covid-19.

The authority reacted to this and also posted relevant information on X (formerly Twitter):

Expert opinions

The National Institutes of Health in the US warns against the use of the drug because it would require high doses, up to 100 times higher than approved doses. An overdose can cause serious health problems.

The manufacturer Merck writes on its website about ivermectin for the treatment of Covid-19:
“It is important to note that our analysis so far has shown the following:

  • No scientific basis for a possible therapeutic effect against Covid-19 from preclinical studies; 
  • No meaningful evidence of clinical activity or clinical effectiveness in patients with Covid-19 disease and; 
  • A worrying lack of safety data in most studies.”

Fact check at a glance

claimFact check
The FDA has recognized Ivermectin as a corona drug.Incorrect. The FDA also emphasizes that the drug is not approved for Covid-19 treatment.
The FDA has changed its mind on ivermectin.The FDA has not changed its mind and has made it clear that it does not recommend the drug to treat the virus.
The FDA has said doctors can prescribe ivermectin for Covid-19.The FDA attorney's statement led to this false assumption. The FDA reiterates and clarifies that Ivermectin is not approved for Covid-19 treatment.
Studies have shown that ivermectin is effective against Covid-19.Studies and expert opinions have so far provided no convincing evidence of the drug's effectiveness against Covid-19.
Ivermectin is safe and effective in treating Covid-19. The FDA has not confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the drug for Covid-19 treatment.

Conclusion

The claim currently circulating is misleading and untrue.
The FDA has not made a recommendation for the use of ivermectin against Covid-19 and continues to emphasize that the drug is not approved to treat the virus. Scientific studies and expert opinions have not yet provided convincing evidence of the effectiveness of ivermectin against Covid-19. It remains important to base medical decisions on scientific findings.

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Source:

AFP , Snopes , L'Essentiel

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )