Ivermectin prescriptions have surged 24x higher than pre-pandemic levels

Prescriptions for Ivermectin, a deworming drug that has become popular as a Covid treatment despite no evidence it works, increased 24 times from pre-pandemic levels in August, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ivermectin has been touted by some as a cure for Covid-19. It was originally created an antiparasitic treatment for horses but has been given approval for human use in certain instances.

More than 88,000 prescriptions were administered by pharmacists in the week ending 13 August, according to a report by the CDC, a massive spike from pre-pandemic levels. The CDC also said there is no conclusive evidence that the drug is a suitable or effective treatment for Covid-19.