Podcast 648: Ivermectin for COVID-19

<p><strong>Contributor:  Aaron Lessen, MD</strong></p> <p><strong>Educational Pearls:</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that has been used for a long time, but has sparked new interest in the past year as a potential treatment for COVID-19</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">In-vitro studies have shown it decreases how quickly COVID replicates and may make it less likely to adhere to cells</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Observational studies have found lower rates of COVID-19 infections in areas that provide ivermectin prophylaxis</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">In several studies it was shown that it decreased severity and mortality, though there were significant methodological limitations</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">NIH gave a statement saying there is not enough evidence to support or refute based on current trials and larger more rigorous trials are needed</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>References</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Caly L, Druce JD, Catton MG, Jans DA, Wagstaff KM. The FDA-approved drug ivermectin inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Antiviral Res. 2020 Jun;178:104787. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104787. Epub 2020 Apr 3. PMID: 32251768; PMCID: PMC7129059.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hellwig MD, Maia A. A COVID-19 prophylaxis? Lower incidence associated with prophylactic administration of ivermectin. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2021 Jan;57(1):106248. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106248. Epub 2020 Nov 28. PMID: 33259913; PMCID: PMC7698683.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rajter JC, Sherman MS, Fatteh N, Vogel F, Sacks J, Rajter JJ. Use of Ivermectin Is Associated With Lower Mortality in Hospitalized Patients