Large, high-quality clinical trials and major health organizations worldwide have concluded that
ivermectin has no significant beneficial effect on the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
Authoritative bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the
World Health Organization (WHO), unanimously recommend against its use for this purpose outside of a controlled clinical trial setting.
Key Findings from Studies
- No Reduction in Hospitalization or Mortality: Multiple large-scale, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have consistently demonstrated that ivermectin does not reduce the risk of hospitalization, the need for mechanical ventilation, or death in patients with COVID-19.
- No Significant Impact on Recovery: Studies have found no statistically significant difference in the time to sustained recovery or the rate of viral clearance between patients receiving ivermectin and those receiving a placebo.
- Insufficient Dosing in Humans: Initial laboratory studies showed ivermectin could inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a cell culture setting. However, the dosage required to achieve that effect in humans would be much higher than the approved dose and potentially fatal or toxic.
- Potential for Harm: The misuse of ivermectin, especially consuming products intended for animals, can lead to toxic effects including gastrointestinal distress, confusion, ataxia (lack of muscle control), seizures, and hypotension (low blood pressure), sometimes requiring hospitalization.
In summary, robust scientific evidence from major clinical trials does not support the use of ivermectin as a treatment or preventative measure for COVID-19.