# Ivermectin Isn't Horse Medicine! **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [August 31, 2021, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831 "2021-08-31T16:18:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2021, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/81 "2021-09-03T04:46:51Z")
It isn’t _just_ horse medicine, but that’s what it’s called out here. Just for entertainment purposes, I will call the local feed and grain stores and ask if they have any horse pills available. The answer is almost always “Not now, I can put you on our waiting list” Sometimes they will suggest Heartgard if they have some. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2021, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/82 "2021-09-03T14:37:31Z")
Someone should tell the FDA it isn’t horse medicine: > ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2021, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/83 "2021-09-03T16:26:10Z")
Nah, FDA is using it appropriately. From the linked article: > [@](#): > > Certain animal formulations of ivermectin such as pour-on, injectable, paste, and “drench,” are approved in the U.S. to treat or prevent parasites in animals. For humans, ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses to treat some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. > > However, the FDA has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical attention, including hospitalization, after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for livestock. > > … > > - The FDA has not authorized or approved ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans or animals. Ivermectin is approved for human use to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. > > - Currently available data do not show ivermectin is effective against COVID-19. Clinical trials assessing ivermectin tablets for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in people are ongoing. > > - Taking large doses of ivermectin is dangerous. > > - If your health care provider writes you an ivermectin prescription, fill it through a legitimate source such as a pharmacy, and take it exactly as prescribed. > > - Never use medications intended for animals on yourself or other people. Animal ivermectin products are very different from those approved for humans. Use of animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans is dangerous. They are warning folks not to literally take animal formulations of ivermectin, and that there’s no evidence for using ivermectin to treat Covid, and also recognizing that it’s a human medicine that can be prescribed and picked up from a pharmacy. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2021, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/84 "2021-09-03T17:52:31Z")
> [@eschrodinger](#): > > They are warning folks not to literally take animal formulations of ivermectin, and that there’s no evidence for using ivermectin to treat Covid, and also recognizing that it’s a human medicine that can be prescribed and picked up from a pharmacy. Sorry, I probably shouldn’t use sarcasm outside the Pit. My point was the OP asked us to stop calling it horse medicine because there is a human version. However, it’s in the news because people are self-administering the horse version. So much that the FDA is tweeting about it. So much that OK emergency rooms are filled with folks sick from taking it. > **[Patients Overdosing on Ivermectin Are Clogging Oklahoma ERs: Doctor](https://www.newsweek.com/patients-overdosing-ivermectin-are-clogging-oklahoma-ers-doctor-1625631)** > > An emergency room physician said gunshot victims are having trouble getting ER beds due to an overflow of people sick from taking ivermectin to fight COVID-19. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2021, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/85 "2021-09-03T18:05:28Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > > [@eschrodinger](#): > > > > They are warning folks not to literally take animal formulations of ivermectin, and that there’s no evidence for using ivermectin to treat Covid, and also recognizing that it’s a human medicine that can be prescribed and picked up from a pharmacy. > > Sorry, I probably shouldn’t use sarcasm outside the Pit. My point was the OP asked us to stop calling it horse medicine because there is a human version. However, it’s in the news because people are self-administering the horse version. So much that the FDA is tweeting about it. **So much that OK emergency rooms are filled with folks sick from taking it.** - > > [Patients Overdosing on Ivermectin Are Clogging Oklahoma ERs: Doctor](https://www.newsweek.com/patients-overdosing-ivermectin-are-clogging-oklahoma-ers-doctor-1625631) So when a _real_ emergency comes in, dump the morans in the hall and free up the bed. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2021, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/86 "2021-09-03T18:07:13Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > dump the morans in the hall Or the barn. Or the veterinary clinic. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2021, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/87 "2021-09-03T18:23:04Z")
> [@gdave](#): > > If I’ve got a spigot and hose I use to fill my horse trough with water, would you say that if I drink from the hose I’m drinking “horse water”? If you’re drinking from the horse trough, yeah, horse water. But look, the broader point is that these people are acting like fucking morons. We don’t have to get the analogy scrupulously, factually correct just to critique idiocy. The situation merits nothing but merciless, unrelenting cheap shots, and I’m happy to supply them. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2021, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/88 "2021-09-04T10:56:16Z")
There’s this: > **[Ivermectin Poisoning On The Rise In Oklahoma As Right-Wing Vouches For Horse...](https://www.latintimes.com/ivermectin-poisoning-rise-oklahoma-right-wing-vouches-horse-dewormer-against-covid-19-484525)** > > As COVID-19 cases surge across the country, people are also being hospitalized for Ivermectin poisoning after taking the horse dewormer as an attempt to prevent COVID-19. To add: > **[CDC alerts clinicians to surge in ivermectin poisoning during pandemic | AHA...](https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2021-08-27-cdc-alerts-clinicians-surge-ivermectin-poisoning-during-pandemic)** > > The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerted health care providers and the public to reports of severe illness associated with using products containing ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2021, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/89 "2021-09-04T13:19:29Z")
Had to fact check that myself, as none of the explanation made any sense. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2021, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/90 "2021-09-04T13:28:29Z")
Which was, of course, the point. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2021, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/91 "2021-09-04T13:37:15Z")
If you’re taking this stuff, then yes, it’s horse medicine. > **[Amazon.com: Duramectin Ivermectin Paste 1.87% for Horses, 0.21 oz (Twо Pаck) :...](https://www.amazon.com/Duramectin-Ivermectin-Paste-1-87-Horses/dp/B07PQ8FGFS)** > > 2 tubes. Provides effective control of large strongyles, small strongyles, pinworms, ascarids, hairworms, large-mouth stomach worms, bots, lungworms, intestinal threadworms, summer sores and dermatitis in horses. For oral use in horses only. Keep out... There might be something to the idea of Tucker Carlson taking ivermectin to treat large-mouth stomach worms. ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2021, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/92 "2021-09-04T13:49:55Z")
I won’t ruin breakfast or coffee or life or whatever by linking to it, but Alex Jones took ivermectin LIVE on air and OMG don’t forget to hit mute first if you decide to seek it out. The man is bonkers and evil. I hate it here. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2021, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/93 "2021-09-04T13:50:56Z")
From the customer questions in the Amazon site: > [@](#): > > I ordered per the above info as the apple flavored- it arrived not apple flavored and different packaging. One wonders how his horse told him the medication wasn’t apple flavoured? And what flavour would Ivermectin paste be used for human application, peanut butter & jelly, bubblegum, fruits of the forest? ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2021, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/94 "2021-09-04T14:15:24Z")
> [@penultima\_thule](#): > > And what flavour would Ivermectin paste be used for human application, peanut butter & jelly, bubblegum, fruits of the forest? I’m betting on Natty Light, cheeseburger, and pumpkin spice. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2021, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/95 "2021-09-04T14:26:33Z")
Of course … savoury, not sweet. Should have thunk it out more. You know, if _Homo sapiens sapiens_ actually are the most intelligent life form on the planet, there must be some really dumb ones out there. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2021, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/96 "2021-09-05T15:33:27Z")
The doctor’s claim is being disputed by the hospital system in question: > **[‘Not An Employee’: Hospital Blows Holes In Rolling Stone Story](https://dailycaller.com/2021/09/05/hospital-blows-holes-rolling-stone-story/)** > > Rolling Stone magazine has been called out for publishing an inaccurate story Saturday about hospitals in Oklahoma being overrun by Ivermectin overdoses. > **[Ivermectin overdose NOT an issue at Sallisaw emergency room or hospital](https://www.kxmx.com/post/ivermectin-overdose-not-an-issue-at-sallisaw-emergency-room-or-hospital)** > > Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 - A recent interview with an Oklahoma rural emergency room doctor, Dr. Jason McElyea, has caused a stir regarding ER care at NHS-Sequoyah located in Sallisaw. In a recent interview with KFOR in Oklahoma City, Dr. McElyea was... ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2021, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/97 "2021-09-05T15:59:14Z")
Do you have a more reliable citation than a right-wing publication founded by Tucker Carlson, or a radio station owned by a guy who also owns a gospel radio station? Maybe something from CNN, or a retraction from Rolling Stone? ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2021, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/98 "2021-09-05T16:10:32Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > a retraction from Rolling Stone? Rolling Stone has added the hospital statement to the top of the article. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2021, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/99 "2021-09-05T16:16:32Z")
Seems to me that there is a mix of things, on one hand there are other sources confirming a big increase in poisonings. > **[Poison Control Centers Are Fielding A Surge Of Ivermectin Overdose Calls](https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/09/04/1034217306/ivermectin-overdose-exposure-cases-poison-control-centers)** > > The nation's poison control centers saw a 245% jump in reported exposure cases from July to August as more people take the anti-parasite drug that some falsely claim treats COVID-19. OTOH, the report from Oklahoma was based on likely third hand assessment from other sources the doctor relied on. Not a very good idea to rely on one source for reporting, and not needed IMHO when there are other angles to report that many guys do deserve ridicule for telling others that they were **sheep** for getting vaccines, while now they are misusing and failing to use proper medicine [when using a medicine that is also intended for **sheep**.](https://www.durvet.com/product/ivermectin-sheep-drench/) ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2021, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831/100 "2021-09-05T16:23:57Z")
The original report was from KFOR in Oklahoma. Rolling Stone just repeated it. [https://kfor.com/news/local/patients-overdosing-on-ivermectin-backing-up-rural-oklahoma-hospitals-ambulances/](https://kfor.com/news/local/patients-overdosing-on-ivermectin-backing-up-rural-oklahoma-hospitals-ambulances/) I liked how D\_Anconia’s source pointed out that Rolling Stone was wrong once in 2014, too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivermectin-isnt-horse-medicine/949831.md?page=6)