Perhaps intending balanced coverage, the Tribune-Review let the public be misled about ivermectin and covid-19 with the letter “Ivermectin information slanted” (Oct. 22, TribLIVE), which stated, “Ivermectin has been safely used for human treatments for years, and won its inventor a Nobel Prize.” That’s misleading. The treatments involved parasitic worm infections, and the Nobel Prize in Medicine covered that use only. When the prize was awarded, covid-19 had not yet jumped to humans.

The letter further claimed, “Studies have shown improvements in covid-19 patients who used the form of Ivermectin intended for human use early in their treatment.” False. The Food and Drug Administration, which approves medications for use in the United States, says that while clinical trials continue, “currently available data do not show ivermectin is effective against covid-19.”

Data published in the New England Journal of Medicine Oct. 21 lists toxic effects of ivermectin and concludes, “There is insufficient evidence to support the use of ivermectin to treat or prevent covid-19, and improper use, as well as the possible occurrence of medication interactions, may result in serious side effects requiring hospitalization.”

The FDA titled its article “Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent Covid-19.” Suggesting otherwise is irresponsible.

Eugene V. Torisky Jr.

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