As I write this article, over 2.4 million people have reportedly died from COVID-19 worldwide.[1] Experimental vaccines with no long-term safety data (many of which use first-of-its-kind technologies like genetically-modified viral vectors or messenger RNA) are being touted as the only solution to the global pandemic. But “Warp Speed” coronavirus vaccines aside, are there any therapeutics that can be used to prevent or treat COVID-19? Let’s see what the emerging science can tell us about what looks to be one of the more effective therapies for COVID-19.

Ivermectin – a wonder drug

One of the most promising therapeutics for COVID-19 is a “wonder drug” from Japan called Ivermectin. Discovered in the late-1970’s, ivermectin is a derivative of avermectin – which originated from a single microorganism isolated from Japanese soil (despite decades of searching around the world, the Japanese microorganism remains the only source of avermectin ever found). Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic medication that has had “an immeasurably beneficial impact in improving the lives and welfare of billions of people throughout the world.”[2] For this contribution to society, the scientists who developed ivermectin won a Nobel Prize for the research that led to its development.[3]

How many lives can ivermectin save?

A preprint paper titled Preliminary meta-analysis of randomized trials of ivermectin to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection found that there was a 75% reduction in COVID-19 deaths, in patients treated with ivermectin who had moderate or severe infection, with favorable clinical recovery and reduced hospitalization. This would mean we could have potentially saved 1.8 million people from dying of COVID-19 had they been given ivermectin.

Similarly, a paper titled Review of the Emerging Evidence Demonstrating the Efficacy of Ivermectin in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19 found a 71% reduced odds of dying from COVID-19 in patients treated with ivermectin.[4] Along these same lines, a real-time meta-analysis found a 78% reduced risk of dying from COVID-19 with administration of ivermectin.[5]

Can ivermectin be used prophylactically?

Ivermectin can be used prophylactically, while also being effective in treating both early and late stages of COVID-19. Results from the real-time meta-analysis cited above show an 89% improvement with prophylaxis, an 81% improvement with early treatment, and a 52% improvement with late treatment of ivermectin against COVID-19. Although more research is needed, ivermectin may even be effective in treating “long haul” COVID.[6]

Is ivermectin safe?

One of the benefits of using ivermectin is its long history of use and well-established safety profile. About 3.7 billion doses of ivermectin have been distributed in mass drug administration campaigns globally over the past 30 years.[7] Ivermectin is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines and is FDA-approved as an antiparasitic agent.[8] That said, it is a prescription medication in the United States and you should consult your healthcare provider as ivermectin can interact with certain medications and may be contraindicated in some cases.[9]

Treating COVID-19 with ivermectin

The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance has created the I-MASK+ Prophylaxis & Early Treatment Protocol for COVID-19. In addition to ivermectin dosage guidelines, the protocol also includes recommended nutritional supplements (vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, melatonin, and quercetin) to help support one’s immune system in the fight against COVID-19. For hospitalized patients experiencing more severe COVID-19 symptoms, please reference their MATH+ Hospital Treatment Protocol for COVID-19.

Disclaimer: The above protocols are solely for educational purposes regarding potentially beneficial therapies for COVID-19. Work with your trusted healthcare provider and seek their advice with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Professional-grade supplements recommended in the above protocols are available through our Gut Resolution Online Supplement Dispensary.