It is a trend that has been taking hold in the United States – people looking to use the anti-parasitic medication Ivermectin as a preventative measure, or even a treatment, for COVID-19. It is even starting to be seen in Canada as people request their doctors to prescribe the medication, which is more commonly prescribed in humans for some parasitic worms, head lice and conditions like rosacea.  

“We do not at this time have approval for its use for preventing or even treating COVID,” said Dr. Stanley Enebeli with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.  

Taking cues from social media, many people are now looking to obtain the drug from veterinarians and livestock supply stores, as there is a formulation of the medication for livestock. Doing this can lead to a number of issues, Dr. Enebeli pointed out.  

“It could really have some adverse effects,” Dr. Enebeli stated. These include altered mental state, confusion, blurred vision, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty with balance, decreased alertness and it can even lead to coma. This is on top of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.  

The SHA has taken to Twitter in recent weeks to remind residents that taking an unprescribed medication can be dangerous, and taking medications formulated for livestock can be extremely dangerous. It is a warning Dr. Enebeli hopes more people can see. 

“It’s always good for us to have this word get out to members of the public so that we are well-armed with the right information.” 

In some parts of the United States, calls to poison control centres after taking Ivermectin are up by more than 70 percent. There have also been some reports of people in Alberta taking the veterinary formulation of Ivermectin as a preventative for COVID-19 as opposed to getting a vaccine. 

Here in Saskatchewan, Dr. Enebeli said he has not heard of anyone in the province taking Ivermectin intended for livestock.