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09/01/2021

OSMA’s Statement on Prescribing Ivermectin to Treat COVID-19

The Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) announces today its support of the joint statement by the American Medical Association (AMA), American Pharmacists Association, and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists strongly opposing the ordering, prescribing, or dispensing of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 outside of a clinical trial.

Recent news reports reflect an increasing interest in Ohio on the part of patients and their families in the experimental use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Most alarmingly, an Ohio court recently overruled a hospital’s decision to not administer the drug per their safety protocol.

This off-label use of ivermectin, without further controlled study and testing, has the potential to do more patient harm than good. That is why physicians and pharmacists discourage this practice and oppose attempts to use the legal system to bypass hospital and clinical safety protocols and procedures in place to determine if allowing the off-label use is appropriate.

“We all want safe treatment options and preventative measures to rid us of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Lisa Bohman Egbert, OSMA President. “However, the use of off-label drugs outside of standard controlled study and testing protocols is irresponsible and prevents us from identifying best practices for our patients. The best way for us to combat this pandemic is to trust the physicians, clinicians and scientists who are testing and evaluating treatments to guide us in best practices for those afflicted with this deadly disease. Until a reliable cure is found, our best defense is for all eligible people to get vaccinated, and for Ohioans to wear masks and continue following recommended health measures. If you have questions about COVID-19 treatments, talk to your doctor.”

The OSMA recommends vaccination as the best protection from COVID-19. We strongly urge any Ohioan who has questions or concerns about prevention or treatment of COVID-19 to contact their primary care physician or local health department and review resources and guidance provided by the FDA and CDC.


On behalf of the thousands of physicians, medical residents, and medical students we represent, OSMA encourages Ohioans to do their part and to work together to promote the safety and well-being of our families, friends, neighbors, and others in communities across the state.

 

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