What is Ivermectin and Why is the FDA Asking Customs Brokers Not to Facilitate its Clearance?

Ivermectin is a drug used typically as an anti-parasitic for animals. It may be specially prepared to treat similar ailments In humans that are similarly caused by falling victim to parasites. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extensively tested and approved of the prescriptions that are specifically meant for humans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported a sharp spike in cases of individuals being treated for the adverse health effects of Ivermectin for animals after attempting to self medicate as COVID-19 treatment. This has become so pervasive that that FDA’s Office of Enforcement and Import Operations (OEIO) has noticed an increase in imports of Stromectol, a brand of Ivermectin.

The OEIO has partnered with the import community in an attempt to prevent the importation of animal Ivermectin that is intended to be used on humans. The FDA’s main goal is to educate the public of the potential health risks of taking animal Ivermectin and the very likely adverse effects that will stem from attempting to treat COVID-19 symptoms with the drug. On August 30, 2021 the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) released “Letter to Veterinarians and Retailers: Help Stop Misuse of Animal Ivermectin to Prevent or Treat COVID-19 in Humans.” Additionally, the CVM encouraged veterinarians and retailers of animal products to hang this safety alert sign around their businesses.

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