DCH Declines Comment On Overdoses, But Warns Against Ivermectin

TUSCALOOSA, AL — DCH Health System is facing down a brutal fourth surge in coronavirus hospitalizations, unprecedented ICU numbers and a shortage of nurses. But another problem relating to the latest "fad treatment" for COVID-19 could make the situation at hand that much more complicated for an already inundated hospital system and its staff.

As Patch reported last week, local farming supply stores have reported a run on ivermectin — an over-the-counter treatment for parasites in livestock that, prior to the recent interest, was readily available for purchase at most county co-ops.

The drug comes in many forms, as we have noted in the past, including tablets, liquid and a topical paste. In some instances, people have reported putting small doses of the livestock dewormer under their tongues as a means for everything from treating symptoms of COVID-19 to preventing infection altogether.

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"Ivermectin tablets have been approved by the FDA for two specific conditions caused by parasitic worms," said DCH Health System spokesperson Andy North on Thursday. "According to the FDA, any other usage or taking large doses 'is dangerous and can cause serious harm.'”

When asked to confirm unsubstantiated reports of a local uptick in overdoses due to ivermectin exposure, North said DCH does not currently provide statistics on the number of individuals who have sought hospital treatment due to issues related to taking the drug.

"The FDA has also said that it has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans," he said. "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). COVID-19 is a virus."

Hospital officials hope those in the public will heed the warnings provided, instead of taking the risks and being the next patient to require hospital space at a time when it is needed most for those with COVID-19.

DCH Health System reported 19 new patients were added on Thursday, bringing the system's overall total to 161. Of those patients, 41 are being treated in the ICU, while 36 of those patients are receiving treatment on ventilators — both highs for the pandemic in Tuscaloosa.

In perhaps the biggest shift since the data first starting being reported, DCH also said the number of fully vaccinated COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization had seen a sharp rise to 26 inpatients or 16%.

Over the latest two weeks, a total of 31 people have died at DCH after testing positive for COVID-19, as the death toll for the hospital reached 626 on Thursday.

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