A U.S. senator set off a firestorm of misinformation after claiming that the FDA has approved or otherwise endorsed ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Many high-profile vaccine opponents are now circulating this misinformation, claiming that the public was lied to about the effectiveness of the anti-parasitic drug against COVID-19.
The high-profile source and widespread circulation of this misinformation elevate its risk. Debunking messaging may explain that the senator’s claims are false. The FDA has never recommended ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19. An FDA representative recently stated that doctors have the authority to prescribe ivermectin to treat COVID-19 against the agency’s recommendations. No FDA guidance or approval related to ivermectin has changed. Multiple large studies have consistently shown that the drug is not effective against COVID-19.
