Strategic COVID-19 Pandemic Committee 

Is Ivermectin an effective therapy against this virus?

COVID-19 Questions & Myths

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug used in both humans and animals to treat parasitic infections.  It is reported to have antiviral properties against some viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) in the lab. It has not yet been proven to have clinical activity against the COVID-19 virus, although studies are ongoing. 

On February 4th, MERCK announced its position regarding the use of ivermectin for COVID-19. Their analysis identified:

  • No scientific basis for a potential therapeutic effect against COVID-19 from pre-clinical studies;

  • No meaningful evidence for clinical activity or clinical efficacy in patients with COVID-19 disease, and;

  • A concerning lack of safety data in the majority of studies.

  • The data available does not support the safety and efficacy of ivermectin beyond the doses and populations indicated in the regulatory agency-approved prescribing information.

COVID-19 guidelines have reviewed the evidence and do not suggest ivermectin use at this time. Within Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia COVID-19 guidelines updated in December 2020 do not suggest using ivermectin outside of research studies. 

References
i. Merck Statement on Ivermectin use During the COVID-19 Pandemic’, MERCK
ii. Current Guidance for the Management of Adult Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19, Alberta Health Services
iii. Ontario COVID-19 Clinical Practice Guidelines: Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Therapy in Adult Patients with COVID-19, Sinai Health System - University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
iv. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Therapy in Adult Patients with COVID-19, British Columbia COVID-19 Therapeutics Committee