Need for a sustainable use of medicinal products: the impacts on the environment of ivermectin
Authors
Laura Mancini, Ines Lacchetti, Filippo Chiudioni, Walter Cristiano, Kevin Di Domenico, Stefania Marcheggiani, Mario Carere, Luciana Bindi, Silvio Borrello
Abstract
It is worldwide recognized that the use of pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary
purposes could lead to unsustainable effects on the environment. A strategy to reduce
the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment has been recently established at European level, where guidelines to evaluate the impacts of veterinary drugs used to treat
animal diseases are in place. The aim of this article is to focus on the worldwide used antiparasitic drug ivermectin (IVM) and its potential impact on the environment. A specific
section is related to the IVM resistance that the massive use of this drug could generate
enhancing the risk scenarios also for human health. The application of stringent measures
for the veterinary use of this substance, in line with the recommendations provided
by International frameworks such as One Health and EcoHealth, is recommended.
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