The in vitro effects of ivermectin on COVID-19–like hydroxychloroquine–make it worth a few clinical studies, and it’s safe enough if used properly. Drugs developed for one purpose can sometimes be useful for other purposes. Hydroxychloroquine itself is an example–it’s used for both malaria and lupus.
Having said that, neither hydroxychloroquine nor ivermectin did jack shit in clinical trials. It’s not unexpected; the vast majority of drugs that work in vitro don’t make it through clinical trials for various reasons (they don’t work, side effects too severe, etc.).
The best treatment for COVID-19 remains prevention with one of the vaccines, social distancing and widespread use of masks.
