Ivermectin does seem to have real potential as a therapeutic treatment for COVID-19, with on-going clinical research underway, well beyond in-vitro studies. This is not hydroxychloroquine all over again.
The Arkansas prison doctor administering the drug without informed consent is a direct human rights criminal, as is the sheriff who is his immediate supervisor, although it’s possible he’s negligently so. Ex post facto doesn’t excuse the crime, but the truth of the matter is that sick inmates may have actually benefited.
People who oppose Trumpism should be cautious when making broad-brush negative statements about ivermectin. They, and the public health / medical community risk ending up furthering the manipulators who gnaw at our society by fostering distrust, doubt and confusion if, as appears more likely than not, it is found to be useful in treatment of the disease.
Yes, it is stupid to guzzle veterinary nostrums on the basis of politics and conspiracy theory. People should wear masks and get vaccinated before choosing the feed store option out of ignorance, delusion, fear or self-righteousness. But it is equally stupid to simply dismiss therapeutic potential out of hand on the basis of opposite political views, as does some commentary above. [ed. - and below.]
A significant reason people are taking horse dewormer is the harsh reality that many cannot afford medical care in these United States, and desperately seek alternatives to impoverishment by our corporate industrial health care system. No excuse for not taking advantage of sensible, no-cost preventative measures, but if you have irrationally refused to do so, are financially challenged and getting sick, the feed store becomes a rational choice.