Ivermectin: Proven Antiparasitic Uses and Controversial COVID-19 Claims
ivermectin is a well-established and successful antiparasitic drug with a long history of use in treating various worm infestations in both humans and animals,
While many personal stories circulate, particularly online, about individuals who believe ivermectin was effective for them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to approach these accounts with caution.
One such story that gained some traction involved Dr. Benigno Agbayani in the Philippines. As reported by Devex in April 2021, Dr. Agbayani, an orthopedic surgeon who suffered from long COVID, claimed his symptoms gradually went away after taking ivermectin. He stated that his personal experience was his “biggest proof” that the drug worked for COVID-19 and became a vocal advocate for its use in the Philippines.
Another example can be found in a case series study from Bangladesh published in the International Journal of Molecular and Immuno Oncology in January 2021. This study reported on eight cancer patients with COVID-19 who were treated with a combination of ivermectin and doxycycline and showed recovery within six days, with negative PCR tests following treatment. The authors noted this as a “positive experience” in their small case series.
Therefore, while personal stories of perceived benefit exist, they should be considered anecdotal and not as proof of ivermectin’s effectiveness. It’s essential to rely on guidance from healthcare professionals and established scientific research for medical decisions.
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug with several well-established uses:
Treatment of Parasitic Worm Infections: It is effective against various roundworm infections, including intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness). It’s also used in mass drug administration programs to combat lymphatic filariasis.
Treatment of External Parasites: Topical forms of ivermectin are approved for treating external parasites like head lice and the skin condition rosacea (caused by mites). Oral ivermectin can also be used for scabies.
Veterinary Medicine: Ivermectin has broad applications in veterinary medicine for preventing heartworm and treating various internal and external parasites in animals.