Health officials warn of use of antiparasitic drugs for COVID as Utah confirms 1,464 new cases

SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah hospital recently treated a patient who ingested “high doses” of ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug in an attempt to treat COVID-19, health officials said in a warning on Tuesday statewide.

“The patient suffered serious health effects,” the Utah Department of Health said.

The news comes as Utah continues to confirm high rates of new coronavirus cases on a daily basis. The state health department confirmed an additional 1,326 cases on Tuesday, as well as 25 deaths. The seven-day moving average for positive tests is now 1,464 per day, and the percent positivity rate of those tested stands at 13.8%.

“Ivermectin is not a COVID-19 drug; there is no data to suggest that this drug has an impact on COVID-19 infection. The continued promotion of the drug has led to an increase in the number of people purchasing veterinary ivermectin and hospitalized due to side effects of ingesting the drug, “health officials said in a statement, noting that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Association poison control centers are seeing an increase in calls “related to serious side effects from ivermectin”.

State epidemiologist Dr Leisha Nolen urged doctors to “consider the damage they can cause” by providing the drug to patients with COVID-19.

“While there is no data showing that it helps with COVID-19, there is very strong data showing that it can harm. I also encourage pharmacists to question any prescription for ivermectin. in high doses inappropriate for their clients, ”said Nolen.

The Utah Poison Control Center recorded a 4.5 times higher ivermectin exposure rate this year compared to last year, and exposures from coronavirus treatment account for 56% of those exposures. according to the press release.

“Fifty percent of the people who called us after using ivermectin as a way to treat or prevent COVID-19 received medical help because of the exposure,” said Amberly Johnson, director of the Poison Control Center of Utah, in the release.

Those who have taken ivermectin and are concerned about side effects should call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If it is an emergency, dial 911.

The drug is used to treat roundworm infections in humans. A higher-dose veterinary version of ivermectin is used to treat horses and other animals for infections and “is not safe for humans,” health officials said.

“Recent spike in reports of ivermectin misuse is concerning. Utah Department of Agriculture and Food does not approve ivermectin misuse to treat COVID-19 and encourages individuals to consult a qualified health care provider before undergoing treatment, ”says Dr. Dean Taylor, state veterinarian.

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