Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on Troubling Reports of Spike in Florida Poison Control Cases Related to Ivermectin Exposure

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement in response to reports that the Florida Poison Control Center has seen a large uptick in calls and cases “related to inappropriate use of ivermectin made for livestock.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[ ] have issued warnings against self-medicating with animal drugs and that this medicine, even when prescribed for human use, has not been authorized or approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. Yet, a psychiatrist from California who has advised Governor Ron DeSantis continues to dangerously promote its use – even as public health officials, including the National Institutes of Health and the drug’s own maker Merck, have raised safety and efficacy concerns.

“The promotion of inappropriate use of this drug is irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous. There is no public health or scientific support for its use to treat or prevent COVID-19, and there are serious safety concerns when it comes to self-medicating and humans using medications intended for animals,” said Commissioner Fried. “Individuals should look to their medical doctors when it comes to medical treatments – not online quacks. We must not allow a platform for such misinformation that is putting the well-being of Floridians at risk. I urge the Governor to disavow those promoting false cures, and instead listen to the scientists and medical community when it comes to preventing and treating COVID-19 – promoting the safe and effective vaccines and encouraging mask wearing.”

For poison emergencies, immediately call the Florida Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. You may also text POISON to 797979 to add poison control as a contact in your phone.

Background on Ivermectin from the FDA:

• FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses).
• Taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm.
• If you have a prescription for ivermectin for an FDA-approved use, get it from a legitimate source and take it exactly as prescribed.
• Some forms of ivermectin are used in animals to prevent heartworm disease and certain internal and external parasites. It’s important to note that these products are different from the ones for people, and safe when used as prescribed for animals, only.
• Never use medications intended for animals on yourself. Ivermectin preparations for animals are very different from those approved for humans.

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