In an April 10th memorandum, Dr. Steven Solomon, Director of the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, warned against illegal administration of veterinary formulations of ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, to self-treat or to prevent COVID-19. The potential for abuse arises from a recent article in Antiviral Research, demonstrating activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.

Ivermectin was abused during the HIV epidemic and there is concern that self-medication using veterinary drugs will result in serious harm.  There have been no clinical trials on the safety and effectiveness of ivermectin to treat COVID-19, nor have dose levels been determined.

The FDA has established an interagency group tasked with the responsibility for monitoring fraudulent COVID-19 products. Veterinarians and human health professionals are requested to inform the FDA of any possible abuse or unsubstantiated claims.