CDC Warning - Ivermectin

Hello nurse clinicians, 

I wanted to share this important information that is forthcoming (9/20/2021) from the CDC regarding the widening use of healthcare providers prescribing, as well as community members seeking this medication on their own commonly at Feed Stores and on the internet.  Sierra View Medical Center has seen a rise in patients seeking care, with some admitted due to Ivermectin related illness.  Patients have stated they are taking the medication to "prevent" and as a "treatment" for the illness.  I have posted the latest information from the CDC for your review:  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday alerted health care providers and the public to reports of severe illness associated with using products containing ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. While ivermectin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat infections caused by parasites, it is not authorized or approved to prevent or treat COVID-19. Dispensing of ivermectin by retail pharmacies and calls to poison control centers involving the drug have increased sharply during the pandemic, however. In some cases, people have ingested products purchased without a prescription, including topical formulations and veterinary products, CDC said. Clinical effects of ivermectin poisoning can range from gastrointestinal symptoms to hypotension and neurological effects.

If you have questions related to patient ingestion or any patient care issues or questions consult the interprofessional team, poison control, and/or the hospital pharmacist.  

Stay well, 

                  Jeffery