News article
The Ministry of Health is aware of a media report describing a laboratory study that shows Ivermectin, a macrocyclic lactone medicine used to treat parasitic infections as being an effective treatment for COVID-19.
The study being reported is based on lab tests being conducted in petri dishes and the results are achieved using a very high dose of the drug that has not been tested on people. There is no evidence that the compound has any efficacy against Covid-19 in humans.
The Ministry of Health strongly recommends the public do not buy and treat themselves with Ivermectin for Covid-19.
When ingested in high doses, Ivermectin can have a serious effect on humans, with symptoms including low blood pressure, worsening asthma, severe autoimmune disorders, seizures and liver damage.
The Ministry of Health’s guidelines still stand around COVID-19. If you have any of the following symptoms and have recently been overseas, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please telephone Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor immediately.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a cough
- a high temperature (at least 38°C)
- shortness of breath.
- sore throat
- sneezing and runny nose
- temporary loss of smell
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
Our advice is under active review and is updated regularly.