A new study confirmed that taking ivermectin — an anti-parasite drug that paradoxically became a favored COVID-19 treatment by many conspiracy theorists and right-wing figures — does not reduce one's risk of COVID-19 hospitalization.
The inexpensive prescription drug, which is also sold as a horse dewormer at farm and feed stores, has sickened hundreds of Americans who took too much of the drug in an attempt to cure or ward off COVID-19. Ivermectin became well-known thanks in part to Joe Rogan, the comedian-turned-podcaster who has become a prominent champion of the anti-vaccine movement, who announced after contracting COVID-19 that he was taking ivermectin and other drugs to try to combat it. Rogan has been one of the most outspoken ivermectin boosters in digital media, particularly on his show "The Joe Rogan Experience," which has an estimated 11 million listeners.
