From the Guidelines
Ivermectin is not recommended for treating Long COVID symptoms due to insufficient evidence supporting its effectiveness and potential harm. The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) and Number Needed to Harm (NNH) for ivermectin in Long COVID cannot be reliably established due to lack of high-quality clinical trials demonstrating clear benefits 1. Current medical guidelines from major health organizations, such as the Infectious Diseases Society of America, do not support ivermectin use for Long COVID, with recommendations against its use in both hospitalized and ambulatory patients 1.
Some key points to consider include:
- The IDSA panel suggests against ivermectin in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, citing very low certainty of evidence and potential undesirable effects outweighing desirable effects 1.
- The IDSA panel recommends against ivermectin in ambulatory persons with COVID-19, with a strong recommendation and moderate certainty of evidence 1.
- The management of Long COVID typically involves a multidisciplinary approach tailored to individual symptoms, focusing on evidence-based approaches for symptom management, rehabilitation, and addressing specific manifestations like fatigue, cognitive issues, or respiratory problems.
- While ivermectin has established safety profiles for its approved uses (parasitic infections), repurposing it for Long COVID lacks scientific foundation and could potentially delay appropriate treatment while exposing patients to unnecessary risks of adverse effects 1.
Given the lack of evidence and potential for harm, the use of ivermectin for Long COVID symptoms is not supported by current medical guidelines and should be avoided in favor of evidence-based approaches. Patients with persistent symptoms should seek care from healthcare providers who can offer tailored, multidisciplinary care focused on symptom management and rehabilitation.
From the Research
Ivermectin for Long COVID Symptoms
- The current evidence on the use of ivermectin for Long COVID symptoms is limited and inconclusive 2, 3.
- A study published in 2021 found that a 5-day course of ivermectin may reduce the duration of illness in patients with mild COVID-19 4.
- However, the evidence on the efficacy and safety of ivermectin for Long COVID symptoms is mostly based on small, low-quality studies, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness 2, 3.
Number Needed to Treat (NNT) and Number Needed to Harm (NNH)
- The NNT and NNH for ivermectin in the treatment of Long COVID symptoms are not well established due to the limited and inconclusive evidence 2, 3.
- A study published in 2021 found that ivermectin may have little or no effect on clinical improvement and duration of hospitalization in patients with COVID-19 2.
- However, the study also found that ivermectin may reduce the risk of mortality and clinical worsening in patients with COVID-19, although the evidence is very low-certainty 2.
Long COVID Management
- The management of Long COVID symptoms focuses on symptom-based supportive care, including energy conservation strategies, addressing comorbidities and modifiable risk factors, and validating the patient's experience 5.
- Medication management for Long COVID symptoms is limited, and treatment recommendations should be delivered with humility due to the many persistent unknowns related to Long COVID 5.
- Ivermectin may be considered as a potential treatment option for Long COVID symptoms, but its use should be based on individual patient needs and preferences, and in consultation with a healthcare professional 3, 4.