Ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic soared far above pre-pandemic levels
U.S. outpatient prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin increased 2- to 10-fold above pre-pandemic rates, respectively, to treat COVID-19, despite strong evidence disproving their effectiveness, new UCLA-led research shows. Nearly three million COVID-related prescriptions were issued in the three and a half years between January 30, 2020 and June 30, 2023, totaling $272 million in estimated spending. Usage was three times higher among adults aged 65 and older compared with those aged 18 to 64. Ivermectin use in particular was higher among people living in the most socially vulnerable neighborhoods and markedly higher in the Southern United States. These findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Health Affairs, may inform future policies aimed at reducing the harms caused by reliance on non-evidence-based treatments, especially among vulnerable communities. “Our findings underscore the urgent need for policy reforms to combat misinformation and mistrust in scientific institutions. Eliminating…
