Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug. Various controversies have arisen regarding the effectiveness of this drug to treat COVID-19. Actually, what is ivermectin and can this drug really treat COVID-19?
Ivermectin has been used for a long time as a drug to eradicate parasitic worm infections in humans and animals. In addition, this drug can also be used to treat tick and mite infections, for example in scurvy.
Some time ago, an Australian study revealed that ivermectin was seen to significantly reduce the number of Corona viruses in cells infected with the virus.
There is also research that states that ivermectin can speed up the recovery process in COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms and reduce the risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
The results of the research were enthusiastically welcomed by several parties, because these drugs are easy to obtain and the price is much more affordable when compared to developing new drugs for COVID-19.
Unfortunately, data regarding the effectiveness and side effects of ivermectin as a drug for COVID-19 are still very limited and still need to be studied further. Until now, the drug ivermectin has not been recommended for use as a treatment for COVID-19.
Ivermectin Facts as a COVID-19 Drug
Ivermectin is often used as an anthelmintic and a tick-killing drug. However, several laboratory studies have shown that ivermectin also has antiviral effects against several types of viruses, such as Zika virus, influenza, chikungunya, and Dengue virus.
Meanwhile, ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug has been investigated in small studies and combined with doxycycline to find out the effect. The results of the research show that the combination of these two drugs works better in reducing symptoms and speeding up the healing process of COVID-19.
However, it should also be remembered that until now there have been no studies that can prove that ivermectin is effectively used to prevent COVID-19.
Various health institutions, such as the FDA, WHO, BPOM, and the Indonesian Ministry of Health, have also not recommended the use of ivermectin as a drug to prevent or treat COVID-19. This is because there are no adequate data and clinical trials regarding the benefits of ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug.
Ivermectin as a COVID-19 Drug Still in the Research Stage
Although ivermectin cannot be used as a COVID-19 drug, the FDA and various institutions in several countries have formed a task force to research the potential of ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug and its effectiveness in treating COVID-19 disease with moderate to severe symptoms. WHO has also advised that this drug may be studied as a COVID-19 drug.
In Indonesia itself, the Ministry of Health through BPOM has planned research or clinical trials to ensure the benefits and safety of ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug.
However, this does not mean that this drug should be purchased over the counter without a doctor's consideration. You are still advised not to take ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug without a doctor's instructions.
Warning for the Use of Ivermectin as a COVID-19 Drug
Like other drugs, ivermectin can cause some side effects, especially if used inappropriately or in inappropriate doses. The following are some of the side effects of ivermectin that can appear:
- skin rash
- Digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea
- Swollen face
- Dizzy
- Seizures
- Blood pressure drop
- Nervous disorders
The data so far do show that ivermectin has the potential to be used as a COVID-19 drug, but these findings are still in the research stage. Therefore, you are not advised to buy and consume ivermectin freely without special instructions from your doctor.
To keep you and your family healthy, follow the health protocols and take precautions against COVID-19. If you experience symptoms or symptoms of COVID-19, such as anosmia, fever, cough, and shortness of breath, immediately self-isolate and consult a doctor for further guidance.