Merck & Co. is the company that manufactures ivermectin [1]. The drug is sold under the brand name Stromectol [2].
What is ivermectin used for?
Ivermectin is primarily used to treat parasitic infections in humans, such as river blindness (onchocerciasis), strongyloidiasis, and scabies [3][4]. It is also used to treat heartworm disease in animals [5].
How does ivermectin work?
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that works by paralyzing and killing the parasites [4]. It binds to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates, leading to increased permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, hyperpolarization, and ultimately paralysis and death of the parasite [4].
When does the patent for ivermectin expire?
The original patents for ivermectin have long since expired, as the drug was first approved for human use in the late 1980s [6]. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent expirations for various drugs.
Are there generic versions of ivermectin available?
Yes, generic versions of ivermectin are available [2]. This is common for drugs whose patents have expired.
Who else makes ivermectin besides Merck?
While Merck & Co. is the original developer and manufacturer of Stromectol, other pharmaceutical companies produce generic versions of ivermectin [2]. This is typical for off-patent medications.
What are the risks and side effects of ivermectin?
Common side effects of ivermectin can include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, and itching [4]. More serious side effects are rare but can occur, particularly at higher doses or with prolonged use [4].
Is ivermectin effective against COVID-19?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that current data does not show ivermectin is an effective treatment for preventing or treating COVID-19 [7]. Clinical trials have not shown that ivermectin decreases the risk of contracting COVID-19 or that it improves outcomes in patients with the virus [7].
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Sources:
[1] https://www.merck.com/
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ivermectin
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535405/
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ivermectin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20064155
[5] https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworm-parasite
[6] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[7] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/ivermectin-what-you-need-know