State warns about using Ivermectin

OLYMPIA - The state Department of Health warns against taking Ivermectin as a remedy for COVID-19.

"Ivermectin belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-helminthics," said Dr. Kathy Crispell. "Helminths are worms."

A Health Alert Network Advisory from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was released to inform people to not use the drug that is designed for large animals such as horses.

"Evidence shows it is ineffective against treating the COVID-19 virus and the side effects can be potentially dangerous," according to the CDC.

Reported side effects include skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial or limb swelling, dizziness, seizures, confusion, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and liver injury.

"Drugs prescribed for animals are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals and therefore may be toxic to humans," according to the state.

Multiple reports of people being hospitalized or calling poison control centers came after self-medicating with Ivermectin increased five-fold, according to the CDC.

The CDC saw an increase in both health care providers prescribing and patients requesting Ivermectin for COVID-19.

"During the second week of August, more than 88,000 prescriptions were reported nationwide, which is 24-times higher than the normal number of prescriptions," stated a state spokesperson. "Getting vaccinated is the safest and effective way to protect yourself and prevent severe sickness and death from COVID-19."