Ivermectin False Science or a Miracle Cure

Ivermectin is a medication originally developed in the late 1970’s to treat parasites in domesticated animals. A subsequent version treats head lice, scabies mites, and parasitic worms causing various diseases. Persistent posts on social media suggest Ivermectin may also treat the virus causing COVID-19. Today we ask is Ivermectin false science or a miracle cure, and we question the truth of these claims.

Have Reports Created Undue Confidence in Use of Ivermectin

It’s worth noting many proponents of Ivermectin also strongly oppose COVID-19 vaccinations, despite ample proof of the latter’s safety. Four experienced scientists teamed together to examine the research reports the proponents use to make their case.

Their analysis questions the reliability of more than third of the 26 major trials testing Ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug. BBC News reporters Rachel Schraer & Jack Goodman say they found ‘serious errors or signs of potential fraud’ in these. Moreover, they found no convincing evidence of a single trial proving Ivermectin prevents COVID deaths.

The four experienced scientists expressed the following concerns:

1… Multiple subjects with identical patient data

2… Evidence subject selection was not random

3… Patterns of numbers unlikely to occur naturally

4… Inaccurate calculations of percentages

5… Local health bodies unaware of the studies

So Is Ivermectin False Science or a Miracle Cure Then?

Inconclusive clinical trials cannot on their own fully discredit any medication. Although they should be cause for doubt if we follow the scientific method. But if there is no evidence of clinical efficacy either, then we can rightfully ask is Ivermectin false science or a miracle cure.

The U.S. National Library of medicine has questioned the wisdom of reaching conclusions based on summary data. We are maintaining a neutral position on this, because we have not read the detailed reports. Although this is largely academic because hospital records prove COVID vaccines do work.