Question- should we use ivermectin to treat COVID?

By Dr Dhiren Gupta

Till now we didn’t had RCT to support or negate .

Look at this double blind RCT PUBLISHED in JAMA “Effect of Ivermectin on Time to Resolution of Symptoms Among Adults With Mild COVID-19”
(JAMA. 2021;325(14):1426-1435. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3071)

In this randomized clinical trial that included 476 patients, the duration of symptoms was not significantly different for patients who received a 5-day course of ivermectin compared with placebo . median time to resolution of symptoms was 10 vs 12 day.
Conclusion and Relevance – Among adults with mild COVID-19, a 5-day course of ivermectin, compared with placebo, did not significantly improve the time to resolution of symptoms. The findings do not support the use of ivermectin for treatment of mild COVID-19, although larger trials may be needed to understand the effects of ivermectin on other clinically relevant outcomes.

Take home message- this drug is used Rt and left . Physicians using two logic – something has to be given and this is safe drug . Second “look AIIMS protocol also mentioned it “. My point is that while counselling emphasis should be on monitoring, monitoring and monitoring ( of grade of fever ie more than 103 F without medication and 101 plus with antipyretic medication along with drop in oxygenation by 5 percent from base or less than equal to 94 percent) . Drug prescription like ivermectin , doxy , Azee gives them impression that these medication have cured them ( whereas 90 percent of people are going to escape pneumonia by innate immunity). Another problem arises – these so called cured patients by pseudo placebos become super doctors ( like super spreaders )and start prescribing to other contacts . These drugs are available over the counter but what is not available is advice of monitoring and red flag signs. We are harming the society. Wait for another disaster going to happen by change in microbiota due to use of antihelminthic and antibiotics .