Revista de informes de casos clínicos

Ivermectin Use in COVID-19 Prophylaxis

Abstract

Prof. Abdelmonem Awad Hegazy

Ivermectin is a safe, non-expensive and available drug. It has been previously approved by US FDA as a well-tolerable safe drug used previously for treatment and even mass prophylaxis of several parasitic drugs. It has been investigated in the current pandemic and proved a high effectiveness for chemoprophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2. Use of ivermectin can provide temporary protection that is not long-term immunity as occurs with a vaccine. Therefore, its use may be repeated. Ivermectin could be one of the hopes for ending the current dilemma of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic if used properly under medical supervision. It can be used for mass prophylaxis of the whole population at the same time especially for poor and middle-income countries that do not have the facilities to deliver good effective vaccines. Otherwise, it can be used as an emergency in case of exposure or contact with the patient and even used at the onset of infection. However, it may not be useful in treating severe cases because the virus can cause many organs to fail. We recommend further studies to confirm the effectiveness of ivermectin in preventing COVID- 19 rather than dismiss it on the basis of insufficient evidence. Studying is very easy, does not take much time and does not cause economic or health burden. This also does not require special equipment or abilities except for volunteers to join through the investigation.