LONDON, Sept 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The number of Americans suffering serious adverse health effects, after consuming ivermectin, to treat COVID-19, has more than doubled, since the anti-parasitic drug was falsely touted as a cure for the virus, according to a report published by the Financial Times (FT) on Monday.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), received 49 reports of poisoning and other serious reactions, linked to human consumption of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 so far this year. The equivalent figure for the whole of 2020 was 23 cases, the FT wrote.
The British newspaper added, the FDA could not determine whether the cause of death was directly linked to the use of ivermectin or other causes, due to limited data.
The FDA said earlier this month that, some consumers are turning to drugs not approved or authorised by the regulator. Ivermectin is approved for human use to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice.
The FDA has not authorised or approved ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 in people or animals. Ivermectin has not been shown to be safe or effective for these indications.– NNN-AGENCIES