Ivermectin – Helpful Or Harmful?


Ivermectin - Helpful Or Harmful
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Ivermectin is an anti-inflammatory drug. It is used in a variety of conditions, such as HCQ, Onchocerciasis, Strongyloidiasis, and COVID-19. However, some questions remain as to whether the medication is helpful or harmful. This article addresses some of these issues.

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis is an infection caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus. The parasite can be introduced into a community through an infected person, an immigrant, or a vector. It causes severe itching and skin rashes, and in some cases, blindness.

Ivermectin is the most effective treatment for onchocerciasis. It was developed as a microfilaricide and is administered free of charge. However, it is important to note that ivermectin does not kill the adult worms. Nonetheless, it is considered to be a safe drug, and it is widely used for onchocerciasis prevention and treatment.

There are two main challenges to achieving onchocerciasis elimination. First, it is difficult to eradicate onchocerciasis in areas with an initial prevalence greater than 60 percent. Second, the risk of cross-border transmission presents a major obstacle for onchocerciasis control programs.

Onchocerciasis control programmes need to improve geographic coverage. This may be possible with the support of local governments, health ministries, and donors. In particular, in areas with poor coverage, the use of biannual ivermectin distributions is a viable solution.

Strongyloidiasis

Currently, the most effective treatment for strongyloidiasis is ivermectin. In addition, it is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, ivermectin is only available for treatment in regions where the disease is endemic.

In areas where the disease is endemic, ivermectin has been shown to reduce the number of new infections. There have been no reports of ivermectin resistance. Ivermectin is given by subcutaneous or enteral administration. A single dose is usually enough for non-disperse infections. If the patient is immunosuppressed, a longer course of therapy may be necessary.

Presumptive treatment is recommended for patients at high risk of hyperinfection, including those with a history of living in a tropical environment. General practitioners are an important role in diagnosing and treating chronic strongyloidiasis.

Treatment with ivermectin can be administered by a mass drug administration program. Although it has shown promise in controlling the transmission of the disease in endemic communities, ivermectin’s role in preventing mortality in COVID-19 patients in non-endemic regions has been unclear.

COVID-19

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug, used for treating and prophylaxis. It binds to human cell surface receptors. The drug inhibits the COVID virus’ entry into the host and inhibits replication. Several studies have shown that ivermectin reduces morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 cases.

A recent study examining ivermectin’s use in Peru showed a sharp reduction in COVID-19 death rates. However, the findings were not well-supported. In the trial, participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. They were either given ivermectin or placebo.

While the results from this study were positive, some patients were lost. A few of the treated participants were also found to have probable COVID-19. This led to some ethical questions.

After this trial was completed, ivermectin was added to the clinical guidelines for COVID-19 in Peru. This was followed by similar recommendations in other Latin American countries. But the drug was eventually pulled from the market due to an expression of concern.

HCQ

Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are two old drugs that have undergone a recent makeover. These drugs are being incorporated into SARS-CoV-2 treatment protocols. They have proven to be effective. The combined antiviral effect has led to lower mortality and hospitalization. But it has also resulted in a higher rate of adverse drug effects.

One study shows that HCQ reduces cytokine production, suppressing a cytokine storm. The cytokine storm is a major cause of progression. In addition to reducing cytokine production, HCQ has been found to reduce T-cell activation and may have protective effects on heart muscle.

Another study shows that ivermectin reduces mortality. This is based on a large number of patients. Researchers found that ivermectin had a 14% lower mortality rate. While there was no mortality benefit, ivermectin did show a reduction in hospital stay and discharge.

There is an ongoing controversy about whether ivermectin is a life-saving drug. Some ward doctors say that ivermectin does not affect mortality. Nevertheless, there is evidence that ivermectin is more effective than untreated COVID-19 patients. Ultimately, the decision to include ivermectin in COVID-19 therapy will depend on future clinical trials.


Kevin Peter