Posted on 05/08/2021 9:16:43 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
By late 2020, there was a wave of published results from therapeutic trials of medicines reporting a lack of impact on mortality with use of remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon, convalescent plasma, tocilizumab, and monoclonal antibody therapy. One year into the pandemic, the only drug with proven benefits was dexamethasone (for patients who were already hypoxaemic). One drug that had received relatively little attention until recently was ivermectin.
Ivermectin has been widely used to treat a variety of human parasites since its introduction in 1981. It is estimated that four billion doses have been taken over the past 40 years. Such was its impact that the two scientists who discovered and developed ivermectin subsequently received the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Ivermectin is on the WHO’s model list of essential medicines.
A number of clinical trials with ivermectin have been running since early in the pandemic and it has become clear that ivermectin has activity against SARS-CoV-2 and that it is effective both for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19. A rigorous meta-analysis of the 15 randomised controlled trials and observational controlled trials that have so far reported their results has been carried out by Lawrie, in the UK.2 The results show that ivermectin treatment reduces deaths by an average 83% (95% CI 65%–92%). It also reduces the risk of deterioration by 53% (95% CI 23%–71%). Prophylactic ivermectin given to health care workers or relatives of infected persons reduces the risk of infection by 88% (95% CI 82%–92%).
A group of intensivists in the USA – the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care (FLCCC) Alliance has called for the rapid introduction of ivermectin to stem the tide of infections.3 Furthermore, Marc Wathelet, a Belgian virologist has argued that SARS-CoV-2 could be eradicated in Belgium in the space of six weeks if ivermectin were used. Similar results could be expected in other countries if the same protocol was followed.
Wathelet’s proposal hinges on the use of ivermectin at all stages of COVID-19 infection – “a multi-pronged approach”, as advocated by the FLCCC Alliance. Critically, it calls for ivermectin prophylaxis to control the spread of the disease. He suggests two doses of 0.3mg/kg 72 hours apart every month, for health care workers and for family members of those who test positive for SARS-CoV-2. Transmission within households in one of the major drivers of the pandemic and prophylactic ivermectin could cut this dramatically. Contacts of cases should also receive prophylactic treatment. The next step is ivermectin for early treatment of people with symptoms of COVID-19 infection to reduce the severity and duration of the disease.
At present only paracetamol is recommended. The third step is the use of ivermectin in severe COVID-19 infection to reduce mortality.
Wathelet acknowledges that the successful implementation of such a plan would require “tremendous leadership”. Scientific counter arguments and practical hurdles would have to be overcome.
The most frequent counter-argument is that there is insufficient evidence and/or that studies have not been peer-reviewed. Lawrie’s meta-analysis includes nearly 4000 patients. Furthermore, the author of this analysis has systematically removed trials of low quality and/or high risk of bias so it is hard to see how the estimates of effect size will be significantly improved by waiting for more studies. Several more randomised, controlled trials are due to report before the end of January 2021. Assuming that they are included in an updated analysis, we can reasonably expect to see the confidence intervals narrow still further. There would now be a problem with planning additional placebo-controlled trials; given the weight of evidence in favour of ivermectin, it could no longer be considered ethical to commission a placebo-controlled trial.
Regarding the lack of peer review for some studies, the manuscripts for all the studies are available for all to see and appraise. Wathelet argues, “…it would be foolish to wait for the slow and flawed peer-review process in the context of a pandemic, when lives are at stake”. Others have noted that that remdesivir, corticosteroids, monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma and vaccines have all been adopted for clinical use before peer review and publication.3
Another common counter argument is that the effect cannot be real because the concentration of ivermectin needed to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro was about 2.5µM, a level that cannot be reached in the plasma in vivo in people. Ivermectin is highly lipid-soluble and consequently tissue levels are higher than plasma levels. Ivermectin has broad spectrum antiviral activity. It also has some anti-inflammatory activity. Several mechanisms of action have been identified but it is not known which are most important.
An unspoken counter argument appears to be a belief amongst decision-makers that vaccines will solve everything and no more treatment is required. This is clearly wrong because it will be many months before large enough numbers have been vaccinated to protect the population.
If we consider practical hurdles, the first is actually making the drug available. Some 20 countries have already included ivermectin in their COVID-19 management strategies and so there must be some lessons to be learned from them. Wathelet says, “The drug itself must be made widely available in all our pharmacies, and any regulatory red tape that would delay the rapid distribution of ivermectin for oral administration must be circumvented expeditiously.” In the UK, clearly the best way forward would be for the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to authorise use of ivermectin for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 on the basis of the published evidence to date. The next step would be to put in place the mechanisms for the drug to be made available through community pharmacies either using a Patient Group Direction (PGD) or by making the drug a Pharmacy (P) medicine. It is worthy of note that the drug is available over the counter in several South American countries.
Obtaining a supply of ivermectin tablets might also be a modest hurdle because the drug is not in routine use in the UK and therefore supplies would need to be imported or manufactured in the UK. It is listed in the British National Formulary as an (unlicensed) oral treatment for onchocerciasis, chronic Strongyloides infection and for hyperkeratotic (crusted) scabies. It is also available as a 1% topical treatment for papulopustular rosacea.
Alongside the introduction of the drug via community pharmacies, Wathelet also advocates the rapid organisation of a prophylaxis trial among health care workers, and a treatment trial for the severe cases. He says, “The criteria for randomisation, including specific occupation of these workers, must be defined and the randomisation and drug distribution must be carried out promptly. The faster we act, the quicker we will be able to lead a life unencumbered by this virus.”
So where does this leave us? Ivermectin is cheap, well tried-and-tested over the past 40 years and already available as a generic product in many countries. It is effective in preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and also in treating the disease. The evidence for effectiveness of ivermectin continues to grow and deserves our attention and action. Failure to act swiftly on this evidence might begin to look like dereliction of moral responsibility.
1. Idda ML, Soru D, Floris M. Overview of the first 6 months of clinical trials for COVID-19 pharmacotherapy: The most studied drugs. Front Public Health; 21 August 2020. doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00497.
2. Lawrie T. Ivermectin reduces the risk of death from COVID-19 – a rapid review and meta-analysis in support of the recommendation of the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance. www.e-bmc.co.uk/ (accessed January 2021).
3. Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance: Prophylaxis & Treatment Protocols for COVID-19. https://covid19criticalcare.com/ (accessed January 2021).
4. Wathelet M. Ivermectin to save lives. December 2020 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/plan-eradicate-sars-cov-2-from-belgium-emergency-trial-marc-wathelet/ (accessed January 2021).
Look at how India had very good numbers when it was using Ivermectin and HCQ - and then the numbers “soared” (still percentage-wise lower than us) when the opted to “concentrate on the jabs” instead.
Some predictions are educated guesses from experience...
“The results show that ivermectin treatment reduces deaths by an average 83% (95% CI 65%–92%). It also reduces the risk of deterioration by 53% (95% CI 23%–71%). Prophylactic ivermectin given to health care workers or relatives of infected persons reduces the risk of infection by 88% (95% CI 82%–92%).”
Not just speculation any more - Ivermectin works -— without messing with your inner workings.
Thanks for the link!
https://www.americasfrontlinedoctors.org/covid-19/how-do-i-get-covid-19-medication
India has vast inventories of both hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. Not working out well for them.
https://covexit.com/the-covid-crisis-in-india-an-interview-with-dr-dhananjay-bakhle/
“4. Today, are there states where early treatment is being given more pro-actively?
This is clearly the case looking at the example of Uttar Pradesh, which has double the population of Maharashtra but 2.5 times less the number of active cases as seen from the graph below: This is simply because UP is providing home treatment kits containing Ivermectin to each positive case.
Goa is another state, though much smaller than any of the 7 states listed above, that is providing Ivermectin home treatment kits as shown in the picture below.
This has made it possible for both states to avoid lockdowns whereas Maharashtra is in full lockdown. Even as compared to Mumbai, its twin metropolis of Thane has a much wider use of Ivermectin and lower fatality rates.”
there’s a special order page link at the bottom of their pages for covid meds like ivermectin (not the paste):
https://form.jotform.com/202321099620447
first make an account at insulinhub so your orer form connects up with your account so you’ll have a record of your orders online ...
give them minimal health info (like just one thing so it looks legit) ... best deal on ivermectin is the 12 mg tabs (my last order when i called to give ‘em cc info, they said you actually get 100 tabs if you order the 90 tab lot) ... they also have ALL the other covid meds, like HCQ and zith ... the meds are legit and made by legit indian companies, some of which are indian subsidiaries of U.S. big pharm ...
shipping is direct (and trackable) from their doc in india who fufills the script and it takes about two weeks ... i’m expecting a shipment Monday ...
“Dosage is once a week for 2-3 weeks unless you want to take it as a preventative.”
not sure where you get your info., but here are three links for ACTUAL ivermectin usage for covid treatment, and NONE of them are even close to the misinformation you posted:
zelenko:
https://vladimirzelenkomd.com/zelenko-treatment-protocol/
marik:
dr dhananjay bakhle:
https://covexit.com/the-covid-crisis-in-india-an-interview-with-dr-dhananjay-bakhle/
C’mon, man! Follow the 💰cience 🤑
zelenko has modified his protocol several times ... you posted an old one ... you have to go to his website to get the latest, which i’ve posted below based on the link i originally posted to zelenko’s website and post AGAIN because people here are apparently not bothering to read it (no surprise), but instead post out-of-date, non-authoritative information:
https://vladimirzelenkomd.com/zelenko-treatment-protocol/
[do note the “Ivermectin 0.4-0.5mg/kg/day for 5-7 days”, which is actually a much higher dose than anyone else is recommending right now]
Zelenko Protocol
Treatment Plan for Patients with Covid-19 symptoms
Prehospital Management
Dr. Vladimir Zelenko
Website: Vladimirzelenko
Fundamental Principles
Treat patients based on clinical suspicion as soon as possible, preferably within the first 5 days of symptoms. Do not withhold treatment pending confirmatory testing results.
Risk Stratify Patients
Low risk patient - Younger than 45, no comorbidities, and clinically stable
High risk patient - Older than 45, younger than 45 with comorbidities, or clinically unstable
Treatment Options
Low risk patients
Supportive care with fluids, fever control, and rest
Elemental Zinc 50mg 1 time a day for 7 days
Vitamin C 1000mg 1 time a day for 7 days
Vitamin D3 5000iu 1 time a day for 7 days
Optional over the counter options
Quercetin 500mg 2 times a day for 7 days or
Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) 400mg 1 time a day for 7 days
Moderate / High risk patients
Elemental Zinc 50-100mg once a day for 7 days
Vitamin C 1000mg 1 time a day for 7 days
Vitamin D3 10000iu once a day for 7 days or 50000iu once a day for 1-2 days
Azithromycin 500mg 1 time a day for 5 days or
Doxycycline 100mg 2 times a day for 7 days
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 200mg 2 times a day for 5-7 days
and/or
Ivermectin 0.4-0.5mg/kg/day for 5-7 days
Either or both HCQ and IVM can be used, and if one only, the second agent may be added after about 2 days of treatment if obvious recovery has not yet been observed etc.
Other treatment options
Dexamethasone 6-12mg 1 time a day for 7 days or
Prednisone 20mg twice a day for 7 days, taper as needed
Budesonide 1mg/2cc solution via nebulizer twice a day for 7 days
Blood thinners (i.e. Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Aspirin)
Colchicine 0.6mg 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days
Monoclonal antibodies
Home IV fluids and oxygen
TRY TO KEEP PATIENTS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL
Thanks. I got that protocol graphic straight from his website that you linked to.
🤷♀️
“I got that protocol graphic straight from his website that you linked to.”
interesting ... that image comes from a generic “upload” page, so looks like his webmaster isn’t keeping his website cleaned of old, out-of-date stuff, which is too bad:
https://vladimirzelenkomd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/treatment-min.png
however, from the home page, one can directly access his latest and greatest protocols from the “Zelenko Protcols” tab, where the treatment protocol page also includes a button to download the the latest protocol texts:
https://vladimirzelenkomd.com/zelenko-treatment-protocol/
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TaRDwXMhQHSMsgrs9TFBclHjPHerXMuB87DUXmcAvwg/edit
(there’s also a “Prophylaxis Protocol” entry on the “Protocols” tab:
https://vladimirzelenkomd.com/zelenko-prophylaxis-protocol/
but even more interesting zelenko uses only HCQ for prophylaxis, whereas most other HCQ-Ivermectin-aware docs are recommending ivermectin for prophylaxis)
Yes...his protocols have saved thousands of lives....and, imagine the lives that could’ve been saved, had these gov’t hacks put lives before profits, and heeded his good advice.
I see that he has a supplement now...that includes the daily Vit C, Vit D, quercetin and zinc, all in one capsule (didn’t check to see how many capsules/day = one serving).
Sure would make it a lot easier to take them all. Good for him.
Dr. Zelenko’s Z Stack Vitamin Cocktail
$55 for a month supply(free shipping)
2 capsules/serving
Suggested use: 2 capsules once per day with food
Serving=
800 mg Vitamin C
5000 IU Vitamin D3
30 mg zinc (from 130 mg zinc sulfate)
500 mg Quercetin
Thanks.
A little spendy, but....depending on where made/sourced, may be worth the $$ to support the good doc!
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