Popular podcast host and UFC commentator Joe Rogan says he was sickened with COVID-19 and took ivermectin and monoclonal antibodies to treat it.
Rogan, who hosts “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast on Spotify, posted an Instagram video Wednesday revealing he began feeling ill Saturday night with a fever and a test the next morning confirmed he had the coronavirus.
“We immediately threw the kitchen sink at it,” Rogan said. “All kinds of meds. Monoclonal antibodies, ivermectin, Z-Pak, prednisone — everything. And I also got an NAD drip and a vitamin drip. I did that three days in a row and so here we are on Wednesday and I feel great.”
Here's what you need to know about ivermectin
FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses).
- Taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm.
- If you have a prescription for ivermectin for an FDA-approved use, get it from a legitimate source and take it exactly as prescribed.
- Never use medications intended for animals on yourself. Ivermectin preparations for animals are very different from those approved for humans.
Rogan said he “really only had one bad day” and his condition improved throughout the week.
Ivermectin is not approved by the FDA as an antiviral and the agency has advised against using it to treat COVID-19. In people, the drug is used to treat diseases like river blindness and scabies. It’s used to treat heartworm disease and other infestations in animals.
Taking unprescribed doses intended for animals could seriously harm your health and poison control centers across the U.S. have reported an increase in calls related to the drug.
“I'm not an anti-vaxx person. In fact, I said I believe they're safe and I encourage many people to take them. My parents were vaccinated. I just said I don't think if you're a young healthy person you need it."
Rogan, who’s also a comedian, has previously said on his podcast that the public is turning away ivermectin’s potential in the pandemic. He also said in April that young, healthy people shouldn’t get a COVID-19 vaccine.
“I’m not an anti-vaxx person,” Rogan later said after pushback, according to CNN. “In fact, I said I believe they’re safe and I encourage many people to take them. My parents were vaccinated. I just said I don’t think if you’re a young healthy person you need it.”
The FDA in August approved the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, which now has the brand name Comirnaty.
In the Instagram video, Rogan apologized for canceling upcoming shows and said “obviously it’s nothing that I can control.”
“Crazy times we’re living in,” Rogan said. “But a wonderful, heartfelt thank you to modern medicine for pulling me out of this so quickly and easily.”
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