WHO warns against use of “Ivermectin” to treat Covid-19

What is the News?

The World Health Organization(WHO) has recommended against the use of ‘ivermectin‘ drug for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Despite this, Ivermectin is still listed in India as a possible treatment option for mild COVID-19 patients under home isolation.

About Ivermectin Drug:

• Ivermectin is an orally administered drug used to treat parasitic infections. These include parasitic infections of the intestinal tract, skin, and eyes.
• How does it work? Ivermectin works by binding to parts inside the parasite. It eventually paralyses and kills off the parasite. Or it stops adult parasites from making larvae for a while. This provides relief to the parasitic infection.
• Why is it used for Covid-19 patients? Ivermectin was found to be effective in reducing the multiplication of certain RNA viruses. Such as SARS and Covid-19 RNA. Hence, it is used for the treatment of COVID-19 in mild to moderate cases.

What has WHO said? WHO has recommended against the use of Ivermectin drug  for Covid-19 patients on following grounds:

• No scientific basis for a potential healing effect against Covid-19 especially from pre-clinical studies;
• No meaningful evidence for clinical activity or clinical efficacy in patients with Covid-19 disease,
• A concerning lack of safety data in the majority of studies.

Source: The Hindu

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