Ivermectin is a medication used to treat parasitic infections in humans and animals. Recent online discussions have suggested a link between ivermectin and weight loss. This article explores whether such claims are supported and examines the medication’s established uses and potential dangers.
The Claimed Connection to Weight Loss
There is no credible scientific evidence to support ivermectin’s use for weight loss in humans. Claims linking ivermectin to weight reduction often stem from anecdotal reports on social media. These assertions might also arise from misinterpretations of scientific research unrelated to human weight management.
One canine study investigated how obesity influenced ivermectin’s clearance and distribution, focusing on drug pharmacokinetics in obese dogs, not weight loss. Another study in hamsters found ivermectin prevented weight loss in SARS-CoV-2 infected hamsters, indicating a protective effect against disease-induced weight loss, not promoting weight loss in healthy subjects. These studies do not demonstrate ivermectin as a weight-loss agent.
Reputable health organizations, including the FDA and WHO, have not endorsed ivermectin for weight loss. The FDA states clinical data do not show ivermectin is effective for conditions like COVID-19 in humans, let alone weight loss. Relying on unverified online discussions for medical advice is not recommended, especially concerning medications with specific approved uses.
Approved Medical Uses of Ivermectin
Ivermectin is approved by the FDA for specific conditions in humans. Oral tablets treat parasitic worm infections, such as intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness).
Beyond internal parasites, topical ivermectin formulations are approved for external skin conditions. These include treatments for head lice and rosacea.
In veterinary medicine, ivermectin is widely used. It commonly deworms various animals, including horses, cattle, and swine, and prevents heartworm disease in dogs. This broad application highlights its specific function as an antiparasitic agent, distinctly different from a general wellness or weight management drug.
Health Risks and Side Effects
Using ivermectin for unapproved purposes, such as weight loss, can lead to serious health risks. Common side effects with appropriate use include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and muscle aches. However, misuse, especially with higher doses or unapproved formulations, can result in more severe complications.
Serious adverse events can include neurological problems like confusion, changes in mental status, balance issues, and seizures. There are also reports of liver damage, severe skin reactions, and low blood pressure. In some cases, overdose can lead to coma or even be fatal.
A significant danger arises from using ivermectin products intended for animals. Veterinary formulations are often highly concentrated and designed for much larger animals, such as horses or cattle. These products may contain inactive ingredients not intended or tested for human consumption, further increasing the risk of toxicity. For instance, a dose appropriate for a 1,250-pound animal would be profoundly toxic to a human.
Poison control centers have reported increased calls related to human ivermectin exposures, many involving livestock formulations. These reports underline the dangers of self-medicating with unapproved versions of the drug. For safe and proven weight management strategies, consult with healthcare professionals.