Arkansas Poison Control has seen an increase in calls from people who have been taking the drug Ivermectin, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a news conference Tuesday.Ivermectin is being promoted on social media, Hutchinson said. He first learned of it in a community conversation over COVID-19.Ivermectin, given to horses and other livestock, can reduce the risk of intestinal parasites. But the product sold at feed stores is not for human consumption.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration points out that this product is designed and made specifically for livestock, horses and cows. And that if a person uses it, it could be dangerous.”What we’re seeing across the south and not just in our state is that veterinary-grade Ivermectin is being taken by humans,” Dr. Jose Romero, Arkansas Secretary of Health said. “There is an increase in the numbers of cases both in adults and children.”Lower-grade Ivermectin can be prescribed to humans off-label for other uses, but only by a physician, Romero said.”It has gotten to the point where it is important to make that public announcement that you have to be careful and not take that which is designed for large animals,” Hutchinson said.Romero urged anyone who has taken Ivermectin and had nausea, vomiting or neurologic symptoms to call the poison control center or your doctor for advice.Call 1-800-222-1222 for the Arkansas Poison Center.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —
Arkansas Poison Control has seen an increase in calls from people who have been taking the drug Ivermectin, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a news conference Tuesday.
Ivermectin is being promoted on social media, Hutchinson said. He first learned of it in a community conversation over COVID-19.
Ivermectin, given to horses and other livestock, can reduce the risk of intestinal parasites. But the product sold at feed stores is not for human consumption.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration points out that this product is designed and made specifically for livestock, horses and cows. And that if a person uses it, it could be dangerous.
“What we’re seeing across the south and not just in our state is that veterinary-grade Ivermectin is being taken by humans,” Dr. Jose Romero, Arkansas Secretary of Health said. “There is an increase in the numbers of cases both in adults and children.”
Lower-grade Ivermectin can be prescribed to humans off-label for other uses, but only by a physician, Romero said.
“It has gotten to the point where it is important to make that public announcement that you have to be careful and not take that which is designed for large animals,” Hutchinson said.
Romero urged anyone who has taken Ivermectin and had nausea, vomiting or neurologic symptoms to call the poison control center or your doctor for advice.
Call 1-800-222-1222 for the Arkansas Poison Center.