Is ivermectin safe for pregnancy?

The Safety of Ivermectin During Pregnancy: A Complex Issue
As the use of ivermectin has gained attention for its effectiveness against various parasitic infections, questions surrounding its safety during pregnancy have become increasingly pertinent. The consensus among health experts and recent studies indicates that while there is no definitive evidence proving that ivermectin is harmful to pregnant women, significant uncertainties remain.
Current Research Findings
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in *The Lancet Global Health* found no studies that demonstrated an increased risk of abnormal birth outcomes in women who received ivermectin during pregnancy 30490-5/fulltext). However, the authors caution that the evidence is still insufficient to draw firm conclusions about its safety profile. They emphasize the need for treatment campaigns to avoid inadvertently administering ivermectin to pregnant women 30453-X/fulltext).
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence linking ivermectin to adverse pregnancy outcomes, concerns persist. Ivermectin has been classified as a pregnancy category C drug by the FDA, indicating that animal studies have shown teratogenic effects, although these were observed at doses that also caused maternal toxicity. This classification means that while there may be potential risks, the benefits of treatment in certain situations could outweigh these risks.
The Risks of Inadvertent Exposure
One of the significant challenges in assessing the safety of ivermectin during pregnancy is the potential for inadvertent exposure. In mass drug distribution campaigns aimed at controlling diseases like onchocerciasis, pregnant women are often excluded from treatment programs due to safety concerns. This exclusion can lead to untreated infections, which may pose their own risks to both the mother and the fetus.
Research has indicated that during community-based distribution, there have been instances where pregnant women received ivermectin without prior screening. This raises the question of whether the drug’s benefits in treating parasitic infections might outweigh the potential risks of exposure, especially in regions where such infections are prevalent.
Conclusion: A Call for Further Research
In summary, while current evidence does not conclusively demonstrate that ivermectin is unsafe during pregnancy, the lack of comprehensive studies leaves many questions unanswered. Health authorities continue to recommend caution, advocating for further research to establish a clearer understanding of ivermectin’s safety profile in pregnant populations. Until more definitive data is available, the prevailing approach is to minimize exposure to the drug among pregnant women while addressing the public health needs of those at risk of parasitic infections.

Is it safe to give ivermectin to pregnant cows?

IVOMEC Plus controls 30 stages and species of parasites, and is also safe for use during all stages of pregnancy. Valbazen® is not safe for use in pregnant cows within the first 45 days of pregnancy.

How long does ivermectin stay in your system?

Ivermectin is metabolized in the liver, and ivermectin and/or its metabolites are excreted almost exclusively in the feces over an estimated 12 days, with less than 1% of the administered dose excreted in the urine. The plasma half-life of ivermectin in man is approximately 18 hours following oral administration.

Is Ivomec and ivermectin the same thing?

IVOMEC (ivermectin) Pour-On delivers internal and external parasite control in one convenient low-volume application. Discovered and developed by scientists from Merck Research Laboratories, IVOMEC Pour-On contains ivermectin, a unique chemical entity.

Is ivermectin safe for pregnant mares?

Pregnant mares should be administered ivermectin or a benzimidazole 1–3 days before foaling to prevent lactogenic transmission of Strongyloides westeri, which can cause diarrhea in young foals.

Is ivermectin safe for pregnant sows?

Safeguard (fenbendazole) and Ivermectin (Ivomec) are both safe for pregnant and nursing sows. These two medications should be given at least two weeks apart to avoid stressing the sow’s system. Ivermectin 1% injectable labeled for swine can be given orally at the dose of 0.2 ml per 10 lbs body weight.

What FDA pregnancy category is ivermectin?

Ivermectin has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of teratogenicity, but at doses that were also maternotoxic to the pregnant female. The manufacturer considers ivermectin contraindicated during pregnancy.

Does ivermectin cross the placental barrier?

The decision was supported by evidence that P-glycoprotein in the placenta prevents avermectins (the drug family to which ivermectin belongs) from penetrating the placenta.

Is ivermectin safe for pregnant dogs?

Doses used for heartworm prevention, such as those found in the combination of ivermectin + pyrantel, are safe to use in these breeds. Although ivermectin is considered safe in pregnant and nursing dogs, the other drugs in this combination produce haven’t been tested in pregnant and nursing dogs.

What does ivermectin do to a pregnant woman?

Overall, Nicolas and colleagues’ systematic review and meta-analysis identified no studies showing evidence for excess abnormal birth outcomes in woman who received ivermectin during pregnancy.

Which antiparasitic drugs are safe in pregnancy?

Flubendazole may be used in pregnant women, irrespective of the stage and even during the first trimester. Albendazole and mebendazole may be prescribed without any restriction during the last two trimesters of pregnancy, but they are usually administered as a second- line treatment during the first trimester.