Fact check: Can ivermectin formulated for animals cause liver damage in humans?

1. Summary of the results

The question of whether ivermectin formulated for animals can cause liver damage in humans is complex and has been addressed by various analyses. According to ^[1], ivermectin has been associated with minor, self-limiting serum aminotransferase elevations and very rare instances of clinically apparent liver injury, with only a single case of clinically apparent liver injury reported ^[1]. However, ^[2] found six cases of serious hepatic disorders associated with the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 in adults, including hepatitis, hepatocellular injury, and cholestasis ^[2]. The FDA has not approved ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 in humans and warns that its use for this purpose is not supported by scientific evidence, and ivermectin products for animals are not intended for human use and can cause serious harm, including liver injury ^[3]. Other analyses, such as ^[4] and ^[5], report on ivermectin toxicity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases of patients taking higher than recommended doses and developing neurologic symptoms, but do not specifically mention liver damage ^{[4] [5]}. ^[1] suggests that ivermectin can cause liver damage in humans, but the likelihood is classified as 'D' (possible rare cause of mild clinically apparent liver injury) ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key point missing from the original statement is the dosage and formulation of ivermectin, as the analyses suggest that taking higher than recommended doses can lead to serious harm, including liver injury ^{[3] [4] [5]}. Additionally, the context of use is crucial, as ivermectin's safety profile may differ when used for COVID-19 treatment versus other approved uses ^[2]. Alternative viewpoints include the potential protective effects of ivermectin on the liver, as suggested by ^[6], which found that ivermectin attenuated valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats ^[6]. It is also important to consider the species difference in ivermectin metabolism and toxicity, as ivermectin formulated for animals may have different effects on humans ^{[1] [3]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading, as it implies a direct and certain link between ivermectin formulated for animals and liver damage in humans, which is not supported by the analyses ^[1]. The statement may benefit those who oppose the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment, as it highlights a potential risk associated with its use ^{[2] [3]}. On the other hand, the statement may be detrimental to those who advocate for the use of ivermectin as a potential treatment for COVID-19, as it may exaggerate the risks associated with its use ^{[2] [6]}. A more nuanced understanding of the potential risks and benefits of ivermectin use is necessary to inform public health decisions ^{[1] [4] [5] [2] [6]}.