'Seriously y'all. Stop it': FDA asks people to stop taking animal dewormer to treat COVID-19
A Florida store posted a sign saying it's out of Ivermectin and isn't sure when it'll have any again. The calls asking for it have picked up in recent weeks.
"Questions that we knew weren't current customers, people requesting this specific product only," business owner Justin Horstmeyer said.
Ivermectin, given to horses and other livestock, can reduce the risk of intestinal parasites. But the product sold at feed stores is not for human consumption.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration points out that this product is designed and made specifically for livestock, horses and cows. And that if a person uses it, it could be dangerous.
In a tweet, the FDA wrote: "You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously y'all. Stop it."
"People really need to talk to their doctor before they look to the internet to find some other kind of solution," Seminole County emergency manager Alan Harris said.
Harris has consistently urged people to get medical advice from the doctor they trust.
"There have been lots of studies that show that Ivermectin does not work on the virus. Give it up," Dr. Todd Husty said.
Seminole County's medical director says people should seek legitimate, tested solutions.
"We have things to use other than things that don't work like Ivermectin," Husty said.
The FDA website points out: "Never use medications intended for animals on yourself."
People have "required medical support and been hospitalized after self-medicating with Ivermectin intended for horses," the FDA wrote.
"The toxicity level of a product like this has not been screened, not been approved, could be deadly," Horstmeyer said.
Feed stores are being cautious before selling the product now, when they even have it, for the animal owners who legitimately need it.
