Health Canada and New Zealand's Medsafe are warning of the risks associated with ivermectin use for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 infection.1,2 Ivermectin is not approved for this use in either country.
Health Canada is advising against the use of either veterinary or human formulations of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19, and says there is no evidence that any formulation of ivermectin is safe or effective when used for these purposes. The human version of ivermectin is authorised in Canada for the treatment of parasitic worm infections only. Veterinary formulations of ivermectin, especially at high doses, may cause serious adverse events including vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, hypersensitivity, dizziness, seizures, coma and death.
Health Canada encourages manufacturers of drugs that have the potential to be helpful in treating COVID-19 to conduct clinical trials but, to date, it has not received any drug submission or clinical trial application for ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Information about illegal advertising or sale of ivermectin should be submitted to Health Canada using online complaint forms.
Ivermectin is not approved in New Zealand or in other OECD countries to prevent or treat COVID-19 infections and, to date, Medsafe has not received any medicine application or clinical trial application for ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. A Cochrane review of current evidence states: "We found no evidence to support the use of ivermectin for treating or preventing COVID-19 infection, but the evidence base is limited". High doses of ivermectin may cause low blood pressure, worsening asthma, severe autoimmune disorders, seizures and liver injury, says Medsafe.
The only ivermectin formulation approved for human use in New Zealand is Stromectol, which is approved for the treatment of parasitic diseases only. If Stromectol is prescribed for off-label use for COVID-19, potential risks must be considered, and informed consent must be obtained from patients, says Medsafe.
References
- Health Canada. Ivermectin not authorized to prevent or treat COVID-19; may cause serious health problems Internet Document : 31 Aug 2021. Available from: URL: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/76365a-eng.php
- 2. Medsafe. Risks of importing or prescribing ivermectin for prevention or treatment of COVID-19 Internet Document : 6 Sep 2021. Available from: URL: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/safety/Alerts/ivermectin-covid19.htm