Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic there have been various treatment options, but public health officials are advising against a medicine that has recently been reported. 

In recent weeks Ivermectin, which is a medicine developed to be used to prevent or treat parasitic infections in horses, has been reportedly taken by people to treat COVID-19. Dallas County Health Department Public Information Officer Ann Cochran explains why it shouldn’t be used.  

“It has not gone through a clinical trial for humans and it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for preventing or treating COVID-19. Medications developed for animals also contain inactive ingredients that are either unsafe for humans or are in amounts much greater than should be taken by humans.”

Cochran tells Raccoon Valley Radio people should steer clear of trying to treat themselves against COVID-19 or other serious illnesses.

“It would be foolish to take medicine that’s meant for a large animal. I don’t know that the risks would be worth tamping down symptoms.” 

Cochran says the best thing people can do is to see a healthcare provider to be able to receive treatment or other potential ways to boost their immune system.