Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that the FDA now says that Ivermectin is now approved to treat COVID. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A social media post reads, “When does Joe Rogan get an apology for his platforming of Ivermectin The FDA now says the Nobel Prize winning drug is approved to treat COVID How many lives could have been saved? It was all about tyrannical control. It was not about “health” or “science” Do not trust the government or the regime media. They hate you.”
Fact Check
What is Ivermectin?
Ivermectin is an approved drug by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration for treating parasites in animals and humans and treating head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.
Did Ivermectin win the Nobel Prize?
Yes. The scientists who developed Ivermectin were awarded the Nobel Prize. In 2015, the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine honoured William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura for the development of a “novel therapy against infections caused by roundworm parasites” called ivermectin.
NOTE: Ivermectin developers won the Nobel prize for developing the drug to treat a parasitic infection. Neither the founders nor the Nobel committee mention anything related to the drug to be used in COVID-19 (a viral infection), as many social media users claim.
Did the FDA approve Ivermectin to treat COVID?
No. No, the FDA has not approved Ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that is approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic infections in humans and animals. Ivermectin is not an approved treatment modality for Covid-19.
The FDA has repeatedly warned against using it for COVID-19 as it can be dangerous to take high doses of this drug. Taking too much Ivermectin can cause serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, ataxia, tremors, seizures, coma, and even death. Currently available data do not show ivermectin is effective against COVID-19.
The Indian Govt had initially included the drug in Covid treatment protocol but later decided to drop it from a revised guideline.
Clinical trials assessing ivermectin tablets for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in people are ongoing.
Nonetheless, the remarks from the FDA counsel were made in the context of oral arguments held on August 8th at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. These arguments pertained to the previously dismissed case known as Apter et al v. Department of Health & Human Services et al, which revolves around the question of whether the FDA hinders physicians’ capacity to prescribe ivermectin for COVID.
Here, the FDA representative at 22:26 said that the “FDA explicitly recognizes that doctors do have the authority to prescribe ivermectin to treat COVID” and “FDA is clearly acknowledging that doctors have the authority to prescribe human ivermectin to treat COVID.” However, even though the organisation cannot prohibit the off-label use of ivermectin for treating COVID-19. But, this doesn’t mean that it has been approved by the FDA.
Misinformation about Ivermectin being used as a COVID-19 treatment is not new. THIP Media has previously fact-checked claims, such as, Ivermectin being used to treat COVID-19 in Japan, and placing an Ivermectin-soaked tampon inside you cure COVID-19.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
