Ivermectin
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved medication commonly used to treat parasitic infections. However, it has been explored for off-label use in managing COVID-19. Off-label use means a medication is prescribed for a purpose other than what it is officially approved for. Some studies have investigated ivermectin's potential to reduce the severity or duration of COVID-19, but results have been mixed, and it has not been proven as a standard treatment for the virus.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was relatively unknown in advanced healthcare systems. However, it has a remarkable history of improving health in developing countries. Approved for human use in 1987, ivermectin has been pivotal in combating some of the most severe tropical diseases, including onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis (commonly called elephantiasis), strongyloidiasis, and scabies. It has also proven highly effective in controlling parasitic infestations in animals, preventing significant economic losses in the livestock industry.
Beyond its role as a powerful broad-spectrum antiparasitic, ivermectin has been utilized by healthcare professionals for decades to address various other conditions.
In 2017, Andy Crump, writing in The Journal of Antibiotics, highlighted its extraordinary impact on global health, stating, “Few, if any, other drugs can rival ivermectin for its beneficial impact on human health and welfare.” Crump collaborated for decades with Satoshi Ōmura, the Japanese microbiologist who discovered ivermectin.
Recognized as one of the safest drugs available, ivermectin is included on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. It has been administered over 4 billion times worldwide and was awarded the Nobel Prize for its groundbreaking role in eliminating endemic parasitic infections across many regions of the world.
Mechanism of Action: In vitro studies, such as those by Caly et al. (2020), suggested that ivermectin could inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting viral transport proteins. However, the concentrations required to achieve this effect in vitro were significantly higher than those safely achievable in humans.
Initial Hypotheses: Early observational studies and small clinical trials reported that ivermectin might reduce viral load, improve clinical outcomes, and shorten recovery times in COVID-19 patients.
Ahmed et al. (2020): A randomized trial in Bangladesh found that ivermectin, alone or with doxycycline, reduced time to viral clearance compared to placebo.
Published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Observational Data: Reports from countries where ivermectin was widely used suggested lower hospitalization and death rates. However, these studies lacked randomization and were subject to confounding factors.
Approved Uses: Ivermectin is approved for treating parasitic infections, such as onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis, at specific doses.
Risks of Off-Label Use: Misuse or overdose of ivermectin, can result in serious side effects, including neurological symptoms, liver damage, and in rare cases, death.
Medical Supervision: Any use of ivermectin for COVID-19 should occur under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Ivermectin for COVID-19: Understanding Off-Label Use
Ivermectin, a medication approved for the treatment of certain parasitic infections, has garnered attention for its potential off-label use in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Off-label use refers to prescribing a medication for a purpose other than what it is officially approved for by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
Off-label use refers to the practice of prescribing a medication for an indication, dose, or patient population that has not been explicitly approved by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA. While the medication is officially approved for specific conditions, healthcare providers may use it off-label when clinical evidence, research, or professional judgment suggests it may be effective for other purposes. This practice is both legal and widespread in clinical medicine, provided it is based on sound evidence and prioritizes patient safety.
One size doesn’t fit all and every patient is unique. Drug compounding is the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of a patient by a pharmacist as the result of a practitioner’s prescription drug order. While compounded medications are not FDA-approved, they serve an important patient need—especially when FDA-approved medication is not available for treatment. Our formulations are made to order in small batches to ensure freshness.
Yes! All of our compounded formulations, regardless of ingredients, are eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Accounts (HSA).
All prescription medications require a valid and complete online consultation prior to approval and final pricing is determined. All compounded medications in the U.S. are considered off-label use. Licensed healthcare practitioners have the ability to prescribe compounds for off-label treatment, if they believe that it is an appropriate course of treatment.
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If you have questions or concerns about your medications, please do not hesitate to contact us and/or your medical practitioner, including your pharmacist. Compound prescription products have not been tested or approved by the FDA for their intended use. No claims are made as to the safety, efficacy or use of this compound.