Ivermectin Explained: , Why the Anti-Parasite Drug, Has Emerged in COVID Debate. An anti-parasite drug called ivermectin has become a flashpoint in the public debate over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. An anti-parasite drug called ivermectin has become a flashpoint in the public debate over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Proponents of the drug claim it is effective in combating COVID-19 infections, while critics cite a lack of evidence, potential harm and the effect interest in the drug has on vaccination efforts. Proponents of the drug claim it is effective in combating COVID-19 infections, while critics cite a lack of evidence, potential harm and the effect interest in the drug has on vaccination efforts. Yahoo points out that many have questioned the promotion of any COVID-19 therapeutic, even ones that have proven effective against the virus, such as monoclonal antibody drugs. Yahoo points out that many have questioned the promotion of any COVID-19 therapeutic, even ones that have proven effective against the virus, such as monoclonal antibody drugs. They argue unvaccinated people will avoid getting vaccinated if they believe there is an effective treatment for COVID-19. Scientists who developed ivermectin won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 2015. Yahoo points out that while many media outlets and commentators have claimed ivermectin is primarily a horse drug, it is also widely used in human medicine. Yahoo points out that while many media outlets and commentators have claimed ivermectin is primarily a horse drug, it is also widely used in human medicine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends most refugees coming to the United States take ivermectin as a “presumptive therapy.”. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends most refugees coming to the United States take ivermectin as a “presumptive therapy.”. While many on social media have mocked interest in the drug as a COVID-19 treatment, doctors in the U.S. write tens of thousands of prescriptions for ivermectin every year. While many on social media have mocked interest in the drug as a COVID-19 treatment, doctors in the U.S. write tens of thousands of prescriptions for ivermectin every year. The FDA has issued strong warnings about the dangers of using animal versions of ivermectin to combat the virus. The FDA has issued strong warnings about the dangers of using animal versions of ivermectin to combat the virus. The FDA has not reviewed data to support use of ivermectin in COVID-19 patients to treat or to prevent COVID-19; however, some initial research is underway, FDA, via statement. According to an analysis in the 'American Journal of Therapeutics,' a review of data from 15 ivermectin trials found that the drug did reduce deaths among COVID-19 patients. According to an analysis in the 'American Journal of Therapeutics,' a review of data from 15 ivermectin trials found that the drug did reduce deaths among COVID-19 patients