Ivermectin for fatty liver: What research says

In this article:

• Ivermectin as a treatment for fatty liver disease
• Ivermectin side effects and warnings
• Who should not take ivermectin for fatty liver disease?
• How much does ivermectin cost?
• Will insurance cover ivermectin for fatty liver disease?
• Other options for fatty liver disease

In this article

• Ivermectin as a treatment for fatty liver disease
• Ivermectin side effects and warnings
• Who should not take ivermectin for fatty liver disease?
• How much does ivermectin cost?
• Will insurance cover ivermectin for fatty liver disease?
• Other options for fatty liver disease

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication approved to treat river blindness (Onchocerciasis) and intestinal infections caused by threadworms (Strongyloides). It gained attention as a “wonder drug” during the pandemic, leading some to wonder if it could help with other health problems, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although ivermectin is not approved to treat fatty liver, some early research has looked at its possible effects on liver health. While some evidence suggests it may be beneficial, other studies show that it could have potentially negative effects on the liver. In any case, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for the safest and most effective treatment options for your condition.

Ivermectin as a treatment for fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease, also called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. This often develops in people with a high-fat diet, obesity, or high cholesterol levels. NAFLD can lead to more serious problems like liver damage and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), a more severe form of NAFLD.

There have been discussions online and in the medical community about whether ivermectin can help people with fatty liver. Studies suggest it may reduce liver fibrosis, improve liver function, and help control the activation of liver cells that lead to scarring. Other research finds that it works by affecting certain proteins in the liver, such as the FXR receptor, which help regulate fat and cholesterol metabolism.

Some studies have found that ivermectin suppresses proinflammatory factors in the liver and prevents certain cells from producing more scar tissue in mice with liver fibrosis. In addition, ivermectin may reduce the buildup of triglycerides (a type of fat) in cells, which could help decrease fat accumulation in the liver.

Early results look promising, but there isn’t enough strong evidence yet to show that ivermectin works for treating fatty liver disease, and more research is still needed. For now, ivermectin should only be used as prescribed for its approved uses.

Ivermectin side effects and warnings

For most people, ivermectin is safe when used as directed. However, taking too much or using it without medical guidance may increase the risk of side effects. The side effects of ivermectin can range from mild to serious. Certain people, such as older adults and those with kidney or liver problems, may need to be particularly cautious due to an increased risk of side effects. 

The most common side effects of ivermectin include: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Itching or skin rash
• Muscle or joint pain

More serious side effects of ivermectin include:

• Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, and hives
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Seizures
• Confusion, altered mental status, or coma, in severe cases
• Elevated liver enzymes, which could indicate liver injury
• Eye problems, such as vision changes, swelling, and pain
• Severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Although ivermectin might help with fatty liver disease by lowering inflammation and fat in the liver, the drug is broken down by the liver and may cause liver problems in rare cases. Most cases involve minor, temporary changes in liver enzymes, but serious injury is possible, especially in people who already have liver disease.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some people used ivermectin hoping it would help prevent and treat COVID-19. However, research has found that adults using ivermectin for SARS-CoV-2 infection might be at higher risk of liver injury. 

In one clinical study, out of 1,393 reports of people using ivermectin, around 4% experienced serious adverse reactions. Six out of 25 people who took ivermectin for COVID-19 developed serious liver problems.

Who should not take ivermectin for fatty liver disease?

Ivermectin isn’t right for everyone. Although it may be an effective drug, some people have a higher risk of problems and adverse effects than others.

Those who may need to avoid ivermectin include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Ivermectin may not be safe during pregnancy or while nursing.
• People with severe liver disease: The liver breaks down ivermectin, so those with liver impairment may experience increased side effects.
• Children under 15 kg (33 lbs): The safety of using ivermectin in young children is unknown.
• People allergic to ivermectin: Anyone with a known allergy to ivermectin or any ingredients in the drug should avoid taking it.
• People using certain other medications: Drug interactions may increase side effects or reduce the effectiveness of this medication.

For those considering ivermectin for any reason, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider before starting treatment. A healthcare provider will look at underlying health conditions or other medications being taken to help determine if ivermectin is safe.

How much does ivermectin cost?

Insurance may help pay for ivermectin when taken for an approved indication, but the out-of-pocket costs will depend on the plan. If it’s not covered, you may have to pay the full retail cost of the medication.

The retail price of generic ivermectin can differ based on different factors, such as where you live, the quantity of tablets being purchased, and which pharmacy you use. On average, a 20-tablet supply of 3 mg ivermectin tablets costs around $157 without insurance. If you’re wanting brand-name Stromectol, you’ll be looking at a higher cost than the generic versions.

If cost is a problem, using discount programs may help lower the price. For example, with a SingleCare prescription discount card, people can pay around $60 for the same 20-tablet supply of 3 mg ivermectin tablets. More details about these savings can be found on the SingleCare coupon page.

Will insurance cover ivermectin for fatty liver disease?

Most insurance companies won’t cover ivermectin for fatty liver disease because ivermectin is not approved for this purpose, and healthcare providers don’t typically prescribe it for fatty liver disease. Insurance usually only covers medicines that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for specific indications. Since there are no guidelines supporting the use of ivermectin for fatty liver disease, insurance companies are likely to deny coverage.

Some private plans may have different rules, but many will not pay for drugs used off-label. In special cases, a healthcare provider may request prior authorization. This process lets the healthcare provider explain why a patient might need a drug for a use not typically covered.

Consider these steps to see if you have insurance coverage:

• Check the insurance plan’s drug list (formulary).
• See if ivermectin is listed for liver conditions.
• Ask your healthcare provider if requesting prior authorization is possible.

If you’re considering ivermectin or other medications for fatty liver disease, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about approved treatment options and your insurance coverage. You can check with your insurance company before starting a new medication to avoid unexpected costs.

Other options for fatty liver disease

The current recommended ways to manage fatty liver disease involve lifestyle changes, which may help reduce liver fat and prevent the disease from worsening. Although researchers are exploring medications like ivermectin, improved health habits are still the main treatment methods.

Some common ways to manage fatty liver disease include:

• Losing weight through diet and physical activity
• Eating a balanced diet low in sugar, saturated fat, and processed foods
• Exercising regularly, such as brisk walking, strength training, or cycling
• Managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels if you have diabetes or high cholesterol
• Avoiding alcohol to reduce further stress on the liver
• Taking medications if prescribed for related conditions like diabetes or high triglycerides

These changes can greatly improve liver health for most people. A healthcare provider can recommend a treatment plan based on a person’s overall condition and risk factors.

Bottom line

Ivermectin isn’t typically prescribed for fatty liver disease, as it’s approved to treat infections caused by certain parasites. However, some studies suggest ivermectin might help reduce fat in the liver in animal models. Therefore, ivermectin could be a potential option for fatty liver disease as further research on human use is done. 

Because ivermectin can come with serious side effects and drug interactions, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider about proven treatments for fatty liver disease. Balanced eating, regular exercise, and weight control are generally the main ways to manage this condition.