Fact check: What are the FDA-approved uses of ivermectin in humans?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, ivermectin has several FDA-approved uses in humans for treating parasitic infections. The core FDA-approved indications consistently identified across sources include:

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness) - mentioned in multiple sources ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}
• Strongyloidiasis (intestinal strongyloidiasis) - confirmed by several analyses ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}
• Lymphatic filariasis - noted in multiple sources ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}
• Scabies - identified as an FDA-approved use ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Additional FDA-approved uses mentioned include rosacea ^[1] and treatment of pediculosis (lice) ^{[1] [4]}. One source specifically notes that ivermectin was first formulated for human use in 1987 when Merck registered it for treating onchocerciasis ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question focuses solely on FDA-approved uses but omits the broader context of ivermectin's extensive off-label applications and research potential. Several analyses reveal significant additional information:

• Off-label uses: Sources indicate ivermectin is used for cutaneous larva migrans and various ectoparasitic infections beyond its approved indications ^{[5] [4]}
• Research into non-parasitic applications: Multiple sources highlight ongoing research into ivermectin's potential antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties ^{[6] [7] [1]}
• COVID-19 research: Several analyses specifically mention research into ivermectin's potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 ^{[6] [7] [1]}, though this is not an FDA-approved use
• Experimental therapies: One source notes the use of ivermectin in experimental therapies beyond its licensed applications ^[5]

Pharmaceutical companies like Merck would benefit from emphasizing only FDA-approved uses, as this maintains regulatory compliance and limits liability, while researchers and alternative medicine advocates might benefit from highlighting the broader potential applications to secure funding and support for expanded research.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation but is notably narrow in scope. By asking specifically about "FDA-approved uses," it potentially excludes relevant information about the drug's broader therapeutic potential and established off-label uses. This framing could inadvertently:

• Minimize the drug's established utility in treating additional parasitic conditions that may not have formal FDA approval but are medically recognized
• Overlook the significant body of research into non-parasitic applications that, while not FDA-approved, represent legitimate scientific inquiry ^{[6] [7] [1]}
• Create an artificially restrictive view of the medication's therapeutic profile

The question's focus on FDA approval specifically may reflect either regulatory caution or an attempt to limit discussion of controversial off-label uses, particularly given the contentious debates surrounding ivermectin's potential role in treating viral infections like COVID-19.