Is it necessary to test for Loa loa before starting ivermectin? I have seen various articles about it online. Most of them say that the Loa loa parasite is predominately in Africa, but it still makes me worried. I have traveled to Mexico and South America a few times, and after getting Lyme, I really don't know what I have/could have...
Posted by kocon013 (Member # 41508) on :
ok, this has me really freaked out!! I was planning on taking iver soon but now I don't know.
really scary
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
Hopefully this is something one shouldn't be concerned about if they have not left the US?
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
Ivermectin is a good broad spectrum drug. I've used it several times to kill parasites (not Loa loa). I feel better on it.
Parasites are a big factor for people with lyme. It was stated at the annual ILADs conference last year that parasites are THE number one co infection for lyme patients. You don't have to travel outside the US to get them. All you have to do is breathe air, and eat food, especially anything prepared in a restaurant.
Try not to freak out. They are part of this earth and everyone has them, IMO. Check out THE PARASITE WARRIOR'S THREAD. It is loaded with good info.
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
They say this parasite is mostly found in Africa and India. Wouldn't it be safe to assume you could take iver if you have never left the US?
Posted by kocon013 (Member # 41508) on :
I am probably being overly cautious about it, but it does worry me. I took 1/2 a 3 mg pill with no discernible problems, but I am worried if I start herxing at a higher dose I will freak out and think it is a side effect from the Ivermectin. I guess the main thing that worries me is that the Loa loa reaction is so serious--i.e. it can kill you if you have it and take Ivermectin. I know that all medicines have serious/rare side effects, and anything can happen, but if there is a way to test for this particular parasite it would ease my mind and clear the way for me to start the treatment.
Also, unrelated, but are there other meds to treat parasites without this side effect? I don't know a ton about parasite treatment, but have been reading about it. I bought the Ivermectin from an online pharmacy, as my doctor doesn't treat parasites, but I'm sort of convinced it might be one of my main issues with getting all the way better from Lyme...
Posted by kocon013 (Member # 41508) on :
Can 1/2 a 3 mg Ivermectin pill have any impact on parasites???
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
I think loa loa is a big #ss worm. That's why the effects would be so bad. If you ramp up slowly, you should be fine.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
I doubt it.
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
Thanks Haley that makes me feel better. I absolutely plan to ramp up very slow.