Key Takeaways:
- Ivermectin, a drug originally used to treat parasitic infections, has gained a reputation as a cure-all, despite evidence it doesn’t work for COVID-19 or cancer.
- The drug’s popularity has been fueled by conservative political circles and online misinformation, leading some patients to forgo conventional treatments.
- Doctors are concerned about the risks of ivermectin, including side effects and the potential for patients to delay or forego effective treatments.
- The use of ivermectin has become a symbol of the alternative right-wing movement to defy government institutions and trust personal intuition.
- Five Republican-led states have voted to make ivermectin available over the counter, and Florida is funding research on its use in cancer, despite a lack of medical evidence.
Introduction to Ivermectin
Ivermectin, a drug that was once used to treat parasitic infections, has gained notoriety as a disproven COVID-19 treatment. However, its reputation as a kind of cure-all, even for cancer, continues to grow, especially in conservative political circles. This is despite evidence that it does not work for these purposes. The drug’s popularity has been fueled by online misinformation and the testimony of individuals who claim it has helped them, such as MaryJo Perry, who has used it to treat animals on her farm and claims it has prevented her from getting COVID-19.
The History of Ivermectin
Ivermectin was first discovered in the 1970s and has been used to treat parasitic infections such as roundworm, lice, and scabies. It has also been used to treat river blindness, a disease that is prevalent in certain parts of the world. Initially, scientists hoped that it might be effective in treating COVID-19, but dozens of studies have since confirmed that it does not work for this purpose. Despite this, some people, such as Perry, continue to believe in its effectiveness, citing personal experience and anecdotal evidence.
The Concerns of Doctors
Doctors, such as New Orleans oncologist Jonathan Mizrahi, are concerned about the growing popularity of ivermectin. Mizrahi has seen patients who have been asking about the drug as a treatment for cancer, and he is worried that they may be putting their health at risk by forgoing conventional treatments. He has had patients who have chosen to use ivermectin instead of proven cancer treatments, which he believes is a mistake. Mizrahi has also seen cases where patients have delayed or foregone treatment, which can have serious consequences.
The Risks of Ivermectin
The use of ivermectin can have serious consequences, including side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and itchy skin. However, the greatest risk is that patients may forgo conventional treatment, which can lead to delayed or foregone care. This is what happened with one of Mizrahi’s patients, who refused chemotherapy in favor of ivermectin and another antiparasitic drug, fenbendazole, to treat Stage 4 cancer. The patient eventually resumed recommended treatment, but not before the cancer had progressed.
The Role of Politics
The use of ivermectin has become a symbol of the alternative right-wing movement to defy government institutions and trust personal intuition. Five Republican-led states have voted to make ivermectin available over the counter, and Florida is funding research on its use in cancer, despite a lack of medical evidence. Doctors, such as John Mafi, who specializes in geriatrics, believe that this is a political decision rather than a medical one. Mafi has tracked ivermectin prescriptions and found that they are especially common in the South and among older adults.
The Importance of Patient Education
Doctors, such as Mizrahi, believe that it is critical to spend time getting to know patients and understanding their fears, sources of information, and how politics shape their views on health. This is especially important in today’s political climate, where misinformation and conspiracy theories can spread quickly online. By taking the time to educate patients and address their concerns, doctors can help them make informed decisions about their health and avoid the risks associated with unproven treatments like ivermectin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the growing popularity of ivermectin as a cure-all is a concern for doctors and medical professionals. Despite evidence that it does not work for COVID-19 or cancer, the drug continues to be promoted by some as a miracle cure. The use of ivermectin has become a symbol of the alternative right-wing movement, and its popularity has been fueled by online misinformation and political ideology. Doctors must be aware of these factors and take the time to educate patients and address their concerns in order to provide the best possible care. By doing so, they can help patients make informed decisions about their health and avoid the risks associated with unproven treatments like ivermectin.