Because ivermectin is a FDA approved drug for parasitic infection, like strongyles, worms, and bots in horses and heartworm disease in dogs, it is widely available and may hold potential for future research in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the FDA is cautioning that people should not self-medicate by taking ivermectin products for animals. While ivermectin tables are approved for use in people for the treatment of some internal parasitic worms and other external conditions, like head lice and rosacea, the FDA explains that people should never take animal drugs, because their safety and effectiveness has only been evaluated for a particular species. Furthermore, people should not take ivermectin unless it has been prescribed by a licensed health care provider.