Ivermectin is a name many have heard—some with hope, others with concern. Often celebrated as a powerful anti-parasitic, its story spans decades of pharmaceutical history, global health campaigns, and controversial science. But what is iverm ofectin, how is it made, and how safe is it really?

A Closer Look at River Blindness and Its Dubious Origins

Much of ivermectin’s fame stems from its use in treating onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness—a condition long associated with black fly bites in certain African regions. But the proof that black flies cause river blindness has never been proven.

In 1922, a paper claiming black flies caused river blindness presented 8 experiments—but none proved the flies caused the disease.

Out of 2000 people with symptoms in another experiment, only one person was found to have larvae.

Despite this, patients were given extremely toxic drugs like:

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)

Originally developed as a pesticide.

Known to cause severe allergic reactions when parasites die off too rapidly (Mazzotti reaction).

Side effects include fever, nausea, blurred vision, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and lung inflammation.

Not recommended for people with heavy parasite loads or compromised immune systems due to risk of severe systemic inflammation.

Suramin

Originally developed in 1920s as a dye for textiles before being used pharmaceutically.

Highly toxic and not orally bioavailable—must be given via IV in controlled settings.

Linked to adrenal gland damage, liver dysfunction, kidney toxicity, and neurological effects including confusion and coordination problems.

Known to disrupt cellular energy metabolism and block RNA synthesis.

Banned or restricted in several countries due to its long half-life and systemic toxicity.

Then came the next step: in 1974, the World Health Organization began spraying toxic chemicals along riverbanks in Africa and killed the black flies. Yet people still kept getting sick.

The Start of Ivermectin

In 1971, a Japanese scientist, Satoshi Omura, discovered a natural compound (Avermectin) while working for Merck. This was a fermentation product:

Streptomyces avermitilis (source organism for avermectin)

A soil-dwelling bacterium that naturally produces avermectins, which are neurotoxic to parasites.

While natural, derivatives are chemically modified 25 x more potent and concentrated in pharmaceutical versions like ivermectin.

Naturally occurring strains are not toxic at trace environmental levels, but synthesized versions interfere with GABA neurotransmission in non-target organisms at higher doses.

Merck soon developed a chemically modified derivative—Ivermectin (Avermectin B1). The WHO ran large-scale trials, and the drug was purportedly hailed as a solution to river blindness. It quickly became a bestselling product for Merck, with much of the purchases made by WHO-associated charities for donation to countries.

How Is Ivermectin Made?

The process of manufacturing ivermectin includes:

1. Culturing Streptomyces avermitilis (strain 41445)

2. Feeding it with growth media such as yeast extract, malt extract, YMG

3. Ethidium Bromide

Used in labs to stain DNA—highly toxic mutagen.

Intercalates into DNA, disrupting replication and causing mutations.

Considered a probable carcinogen.

Absorbed through the skin, can damage eyes and mucous membranes.

Strict handling protocols are required; even contact with contaminated surfaces poses risks.

4. Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS)

A potent chemical mutagen used in research to induce DNA mutations.

Alters genetic material by alkylating guanine bases, leading to replication errors.

Known to be teratogenic, carcinogenic, and cause infertility.

Exposure can lead to chromosomal aberrations and organ damage.

Highly toxic even in minute amounts; use is restricted in most settings.

5. Exposing the culture to UV radiation

6. Feeding the organism additional substances like glucose, starch, amylase, and soy flour

It’s important to note: Streptomyces avermitilis is toxic to 84% of all animal species. In insecticides, it’s used at just 0.05% to kill ants and cockroaches.

The MSDS (Manufacturer Safety Data Sheet) Says…

According to safety documents:

Ivermectin is Category 1: capable of permanent damage with a single exposure

With repeated exposure, it targets the central nervous system, potentially causing:

Blindness

Meningitis

Carpal tunnel

Seizures

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Paralysis

Severe headaches

Skin discoloration

Tuberous sclerosis

It contains 10%

Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone, MEK)

A volatile organic solvent used in plastic welding, paint removers, and varnishes.

Neurotoxic, causing dizziness, headaches, nausea, and nerve damage with prolonged exposure.

Highly flammable and absorbed through the skin and lungs.

Repeated exposure is linked to liver and kidney toxicity.

Often found as a solvent in chemical formulations like ivermectin pastes or injectables.

It damages fertility, may harm unborn babies, and carries a skull pictogram, meaning a single dose can be acutely toxic

Reported Lesser Side Effects in Humans

1. Digestive issues: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

2. Neurological: Headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures

3. Skin: Rashes, swelling, itching

4. Liver toxicity: Especially in those with preexisting conditions

5. Low blood pressure (hypotension)

6. Vision disturbances

7. Immune reactions: Fatigue, joint pain, fever

8. Severe allergic reactions

9. Drug interactions with other medications

Concerns over long-term use include potential links to infertility and cancer.

Animal Sensitivity

In dogs particularly herding breeds like Collies and Australian Shepherds there is a problem with the proper clearance of ivermectin. This leads to dangerous accumulation in the brain, resulting in tremors, seizures, coma, and death.

Final Thoughts

From its questionable beginnings to its chemical composition and potential risks, it deserves deeper scrutiny—especially when used as a blanket solution for public health concerns.

Nature always provides. You cannot poison yourself to health. Health and wellness can be achieved naturally.