Ivermectin is primarily used for parasites and its use for COVID-19 has been controversial in the US, despite over-the-counter availability elsewhere.

“You know, it's this antiparasitic, and there are all sorts of drugs like this. I mean, there is zinc and quercetin and I mean, you know, hydroxychloroquine. There was so much debate about these drugs and whether they could use for COVID. And obviously, we have to weigh side effects. And you know, it's not an indication, but it's just that's how the FDA works in the United States. If it's not studied, we're not going to prescribe it. And it's like, wow, maybe it could help people. Let's weigh the risks and the benefits. It's quite controversial topic.”