Numerous CNN personalities reported that Joe Rogan, a popular podcast host, tested positive for COVID-19, and despite warnings, was taking a “horse dewormer” (ivermectin) to treat the virus.
- Erin Burnett claimed Rogan had COVID and was taking a drug intended for livestock.
- Anderson Cooper criticized Rogan and claimed ivermectin is something more often used to deworm horses.
- Brian Stelter accused Rogan of taking a horse deworming medication that’s discouraged by the government.
- Don Lemon reported Rogan tested positive for COVID and that he said he is taking several medications including a drug meant for deworming livestock.
- Bakari Sellers said it was unfortunate that people like Joe Rogan won’t take an experimental vaccine but will take horse dewormer.
- Jim Acosta criticized Rogan for taking ivermectin, claiming it is a deworming medicine made to kill parasites in farm animals which is being promoted by right-wing media figures.
Joe Rogan said he was prescribed ivermectin by his doctor, not a vet, and insisted it was NOT a “horse dewormer”. He also claimed CNN knowingly lied and spread false information about him in an attempt to undermine his credibility, and he demanded an apology.
CNN responded by saying the only thing they did wrong was bruise his ego.
What is ivermectin?
It is an FDA approved drug developed for use in people to treat a variety of parasitic infections including parasitic worms, hookworm and whipworm. It can also be used to treat onchocerciasis, intestinal strongyloidiasis, onchocerciasis or river blindness, and a number of other conditions.
In 2015 the developers of ivermectin, William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for developing the drug that “revolutionized the treatment of some of the most devastating parasitic diseases” in people.
Ivermectin is not a horse dewormer.
The FDA has put out a statement explaining that while ivermectin can be used in animals, the drug used to treat people is not the same as the drug used for animals. Ivermectin was developed for use in humans, is approved by the FDA, and has been shown to be safe and effective. And while ivermectin can (and is) used in animals, it was actually developed for use in people. Describing it as “horse dewormer” is intentionally misleading, which is just a nice way of saying it’s a lie.
Using FDA approved drugs for unapproved uses.
The FDA has not approved the use of ivermectin in the treatment of COVID-19. Does this mean it can’t be used to treat COVID-19? Does that mean it is not safe to be used to treat COVID-19? Does it mean the drug is not effective in treating COVID-19? The answer to those questions is no.
According to the FDA, once a drug is approved healthcare providers may prescribe the drug for unapproved uses if they judge that it is medically appropriate for their patient. In other words, an FDA approved drug can be prescribed for an unapproved use.
Meta-analysis of 15 trials found that ivermectin may significantly reduce risk of death from COVID-19. Additionally, studies have shown the use of ivermectin soon after infection may reduce the chance of a COVID0-19 infection becoming severe.
The apparent safety, effectiveness, and low cost of ivermectin suggests that the drug is likely to have a significant positive impact on the COVID-19 pandemic globally, with little health risk to patients.
To recap:
- Ivermectin is an FDA approved drug that was developed for, and approved for, used in people.
- According to the FDA the ivermectin used for animals is DIFFERENT from the drug prescribed to people.
- In clinical trials ivermectin has been shown to be effective in reducing deaths from COVID-19, and in reducing the chance of a COVID-19 infection becoming severe.
- Even though the FDA has not approved the use of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19, because it is an FDA approved drug, doctors can prescribe it for non-approved uses if they feel it could benefit their patients.
So yes, CNN and their “news” personalities have lied (and continue to lie) about ivermectin.
- https://news.yahoo.com/lie-joe-rogan-accuses-cnn-151300650.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8248252