MARGARET ARANDA, MD, PHD
SOLO PRIVATE PRACTICE
ARANDA MD ENTERPRISES, 2018 - PRESENT
Regenerative medicine, age and pain management,
COVID prevention & treatment
AUTHOR
Most recent book on Amazon,
Guidebook to Low Back Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment
No More Tears: A Physician-Turned Patient Inspires Recovery
Little Missy Two-Shoes Likes a Ladybug
Little Missy Two-Shoes Likes to Go to School
Archives of the Vagina: A Journey through Time
CAR ACCIDENT, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) 2003-2017
Recovered from TBI after twelve years disabled in bed
UCLA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE,
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR 2001-2003
Attending Physician, Chief of SICU,
West Los Angeles Veterans Administration
General Anesthesia, Critical Care
Director of Surgical Intensive Care Unit
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
2000-2001
Chief of Anesthesia, Philadelphia Veterans Administration
General and Peripheral Anesthesia; Critical Care
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
1997-2001
FACULTY IN THREE DEPARTMENTS:
ANESTHESIOLOGY, TRAUMATOLOGY AND RADIOLOGY
EDUCATION
Fellow, Age Management | CENEGENICS BEVERLY HILLS, CA
2017-2020
FELLOW, CRITICAL CARE, STANFORD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE; STANFORD, CA - 1995-1996
RESIDENT, ANESTHESIOLOGY, STANFORD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE; STANFORD, CA - 1994-1995
RESIDENT, ANESTHESIOLOGY, KECK USC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE; LOS ANGELES, CA - 1992-1994
INTERNSHIP, TRANSITIONAL, KECK USC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE; LOS ANGELES, CA - 1990-1992
MEDICAL SCHOOL, KECK USC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, LOS ANGELES, CA 1988-1990
MEDICAL SCHOOL, FULL SCHOLARSHIP ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY, TULSA, OK - 1985-1988
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE, CA
1980-1985 (CUM LAUDE)
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER
TWITTER @THEREBELPATIENT
STEP 1: VITAL SIGNS
We appreciate your supporting our efforts for quality in telemedicine.
STEP 2: PAPERWORK
Fill out and sign your paperwork
STEP 3: EMAIL US
Gather your paperwork and a large pic of Driver's License
Our Fee Schedule:
I-MASK PROTOCOL for PREVENTION: $300
I-MASK+ PROTOCOL for OUTPATIENT TREATMENT (SICKNESS): $450
"TODAY" "HOLIDAY" or "WEEKEND" APPT: ADD $150
MEDICATIONS ARE EXTRA
QUESTIONS? SEE OUR BLOG
You need the following vital signs
for any telemedicine appointment at home:
Height
Weight
Temperature
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Breaths per minute
And most importantly for COVID-19,
Oxygen saturation
Equipment to have at home includes:
A weight scale, thermometer, blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximeter.
Order yours today by using the Step 1 link below
then by the time your paperwork is ready,
you will be all set for your telemedicine appointment.
Of course, if you already have these items, do not order them!
Do Step 1 before going on to Step 2.
Any patient without vital signs is rejected from the system.
We appreciate your supporting our efforts for quality in telemedicine.
QUESTIONS? SEE OUR BLOG.
Get your paperwork on the link below
Please do not do Step 2 unless
you have equipment to give us your vital signs:
Height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate,
oxygen saturation
YOU WILL EMAIL THEM TO US IN STEP 3
Emails without vital signs are automatically delayed or rejected
Thank you for trusting us with your care.
QUESTIONS? SEE OUR BLOG.
STEP THREE
EMAIL US:
A. FOR COVID-19 PREVENTION:
EMAIL US 3 ITEMS:
1) Your Vital Signs: Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Respirations per Minute, and Pulse Oximeter Reading
2) Your Paperwork
3) A large copy of your Driver's License, front & back
B. FOR COVID POSITIVE OR MILD COVID-19 SICKNESS::
EMAIL US 4 ITEMS:
1) Your Vital Signs: Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Respirations per Minute, and Pulse Oximeter Reading
2) Your Paperwork
3) A large copy of your Driver's License, front & back
4) The name, address and phone number of your local pharmacy.
We prefer Walgreens, RiteAid, Walmart and Costco.
QUESTIONS? SEE OUR BLOG.
Maximizing a blend of stepwise accents to provide a most comprehensive portfolio to enhance COVID-19 treatment for Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, we can help you avoid or better optimize your symptoms of Long Haul Syndrome.
Together, let's put this behind you.
This is an intense treatment workup with more paperwork.
If our first MILD COVID-19 SYMPTOMS appointment
does not meet your needs after about one month, you may return as a monthly patient for our comprehensive workup that includes blood work and other testing, as needed.
We check all your major organs, including liver, kidneys, blood count, Vitamin D level, inflammatory markers, and your endocrine system: thyroid gland, adrenal glands, as well as your sex hormones.
Then we replace hormones and refer you to specialists, as needed.'
YOUR APPOINTMENT IS THE SAME AS IN STEP 3, #B
SEE OUR BLOG FOR QUESTIONS
Providing a customized protocol for lower back pain. Located in Canoga Park, in Los Angeles county, we integrate you back to the life you had before pain. Dr Margaret Aranda excels at anti-aging, hair loss, weight loss, and sex hormone balance. Join us from Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks, or wherever you are in the world. Because we can make a difference.
Located in Los Angeles, in Canoga Park near Woodland Hills and Northridge, we also do house calls. Call us for questions or ivermectin consultation for the outpatient treatment of COVID-19, especially for those who health care providers and are at high risk.
NOTE: Be sure to read our COVID Question and Answer Blog.
"I feel 1000 times better!" KC, New York
"Woot-woot!! My hot flashes have disappeared! I have so much more energy and stamina, and feel great." MK
"Simply the best! My wife has long suffered from severe debilitating pain, and been through countless doctors and clinics for treatment. Dr Aranda's treatment over the past year, while not totally curing her pain, has allowed my wife to finally function and enjoy everyday life and activities, something very elusive for many years." TK, California
"Great Dr who gets it. Not rushed in or out. Dr Aranda takes the time to get to know her patients and tries her best to actually treat them and get them to a better life. Highly recommended." LA, California
Helping Home Health by optimizing your Air and Water with air purification that removes 98% of size 0.003 micron particles. Sourcing Kangen(R) Water as well as bringing you supplements Extraordinaire like the MATH+ COVID-19 protocol, NAD and SPM-Active, which are anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-oxidant for optimal health.
Getting you ready for any telemedicine appointment with any doctor with our new TELE-KIT® packages for home vital signs, ready to mail today!
I just want to order medications for COVID-19 treatment at home.
After we have a discussion to add your patient profile into our records, we customize ivermectin and/or fluvoxamine treatment for you. We can then individualize the remaining I-MASK+ medications and supplements to fit your health care needs as well as your budget.
Read more on our blog here.
Dr. Margaret Aranda knows pain. Inquire about her comprehensive treatment plans, because she is here to keep you in the family.
Send us:
Your vital signs
Your Driver's License, large pic front & back
Paperwork
Suffering from chronic fatigue, post-viral syndrome, insomnia, pain and lack of motivation? Could be your body is deficient in adrenal, thyroid and/or sex hormones.
Ask us about
DHEA, pregnelolone, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone.
We have an aggressive protocol that strives to halt intractable low back pain in its tracks, determine co-existing disease(s), and make healthier parts of your body healthier.
Regenerative medicine is an alternative to regular medical treatment plans. Here, we focus on healing from the inside out, and do not just “cover” pain up ~ we hope to decrease and reverse the source of the pain. Our goal is to turn you back into the person you used to be.
The COVID-19 vaccination may not be all that you need, or it may be contraindicated due to severe allergies. Rest assured that other treatment plans are available, such as ivermectin. With a long history of safety, ivermectin is on the WHO list of essential drugs.
Balance your immune system and fight viruses, bacteria, inflammation, dysregulation of the immune system, and micro-clotting. Fluvoxamine adds powerful anti-inflammatory properties to prevent clots, lung injury and Long Haul Syndrome associated with severe and prolonged chronic fatigue.
Dr. Margaret Aranda has prepared one-hour lectures on each of the following topics. Feel free to peruse at your leisure, and learn more about how your body may be enhanced so that you can participate in life. Because if you participate in your family, you have a better chance of keeping it.
Bone, Joint and Nerve Stability
Inflammation, Steroids and Regeneration
Topical and Regional Anesthesia
Microglial Cell Inhibitors and CRPS
Feel free to post a comment after viewing, as we look forward to your thoughts and input.
Dr. Margaret Aranda has also authored seven books:
No More Tears: A Physician-Turned-Patient Inspires Recovery
Stepping to the Edge
Archives of the Vagina: A Journey through Time
Little Missy Two-Shoes Likes a Ladybug
Little Missy Two-Shoes Likes to Go to School
UPCOMING NEW BOOKS:
GUIDEBOOK TO LOW BACK PAIN:
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
PAIN PROTOCOL FOR LOW BACK PAIN
If you suffer 24/7 pain there is much to learn! Check out our teaching videos on wellness, sex hormones, pain management and anti-aging.
Bone, Joint and Nerve Stability
Inflammation, Steroids and Regeneration
Topical and Regional Anesthesia
Microglial Cell Inhibitors and CRPS
When SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus occupies a cell, it requires an enzyme called RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp). This is an enzyme SARS-CoV-2 uses to start making copies of its genetic material. The material is used to make proteins that create more viruses. Zinc inactivates RdRp, preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Zinc prevents the virus from replicating, essentially inactivating it.
Quercetin, a supplement that acts like hydroxychloroquine, can be thought of as "softening" the virus cell membrane, allowing zinc to penetrate and inactivate viral replication.
Remember that no one is saying only to take ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine or any one drug to combat COVID-19; there are a plethora of medications and supplements needed to surround the viral spiked protein particles, prevent viral replication, eliminate it from your stool, and stop the particles from entering the nucleus of your cells to cause damage while your immune response remains untriggered.
In this regard, ivermectin not only stops viral spiked protein particles from entering the nucleus of the cells, but it also allows your natural immune system to be triggered as it recognizes the particles as invaders. Because your natural immunity is triggered, you will develop antibodies to fight any subsequent encounter with viral particles. These antibodies will not only allow you to fight the invasion, but it will do so against any COVID-19 mutations or variants.
If you are already taking zinc for COVID prevention, remember to also take quercetin.
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) allows zinc to enter the cell and start working against SARS-CoV-2. The supplement quercetin acts similarly, which is why it is on the newest I-MASK+ Protocol for both COVID-19 prevention and outpatient treatment of mild symptoms.
Hydroxychloroquine or Ivermectin (IVM), or Both? For COVID-19, many feel HCQ is stronger and has more side effects than IVM, which also has a higher safety profile. Both are associated with prolonged QTSyndrome, so many feel it better to prescribe the one usually used less often, ivermectin.
One special note on common side effects of IVM: it may cause a beneficial increase in soft stools; many find this similar to a "colon cleanse". For those with a history of constipation, ivermectin's side effect profile may also increase quality of life in this regard. Remember also that if you turn positive for COVID or have mild symptoms, IVM may eliminate more stool, eradicating the COVID-19 spiked protein particles commonly found in the stool for months in COVID-positive patients.
Zinc can then stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus from multiplying itself, inactivating it.
If you take HCQ, you also need to take Zinc. Both hydroxychloroquine and quercetin act similarly to allow zinc into a viral cell, stopping it from multiplying.
Quercetin is a non-carbohydrate flavonoid or phenolic acid, belonging to a group of water-soluble plant pigments. Because it is the most abundant flavonoid found in vegetables and fruits, it is the most studied. Quercetin suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome by affecting the regulators TXNIP, SIRT1 and NRF2. Its effects include biologic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, regulation of the immune system, cardioprotective and neuroprotective. It is therefore thought to be very important in suppressing the inflammatory response, specifically the cytokine storm that causes acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute lung injury, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
Remember that no one is saying only to take ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, zinc, or any one drug or supplement to combat COVID-19.
There are a plethora of medications and supplements needed to surround the viral spiked protein particles, prevent viral replication, eliminate it from your stool, and stop the particles from entering the nucleus of your cells to cause damage while your immune response remains untriggered.
In this regard, ivermectin not only stops viral spiked protein particles from entering the nucleus of the cells, but it also allows your natural immune system to be triggered as it recognizes the particles as invaders.
Because your natural immunity is triggered with ivermectin, you will develop antibodies to fight any subsequent encounter with viral particles. These antibodies will not only allow you to fight the invasion, but it will do so against any COVID-19 mutations or variants.
The virus loves to replicate in the nasopharynx, the upper back part of the throat that shares space with the nose. It lives there in high concentrations, then you swallow it.
The I-MASK+ Protocol therefore starts hitting the virus with a yucky-tasting chlorhexidine gargle. It then surrounds the viral spiked protein particles from a variety of facets: quercetin allowing zinc into the cells, zinc stopping replication, vitamins D3 and C as immune boosters and anti-inflammatories, and melatonin as a lung protectant and inflammatory. The Protocol allows ivermectin to further eliminate spiked proteins in the stool, renewing your body to return to its usual state of health in a very short period of time.
When SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus occupies a cell, it requires an enzyme called RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp). This is an enzyme SARS-CoV-2 uses to start making copies of its genetic material. The material is used to make proteins that create more viruses. Zinc inactivates RdRp, preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Zinc prevents the virus from replicating, essentially inactivating it.
Quercetin, a supplement that acts like hydroxychloroquine, can be thought of as "softening" the virus cell membrane, allowing zinc to penetrate and inactivate viral replication.
In one of the first outpatient studies on SARS-CoV-2 treatment, Zelenko et al developed a protocol where zinc, low-dose HCQ and azithromycin were taken for 5 days to prevent COVID-19. They showed it decreased hospitalizations and deaths by 5 times. Adding the antibiotic azithromycin prevented lung infection complications. There were no reported cardiac complications of HCQ versus public reference data in a general population.
HCQ has been reported to prolong the cardiac rhythm's QT interval, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia, shortness of breath, sudden cardiac arrest, and if severe, death.
If you have a history of sudden cardiac death in your family, especially for males with other males in their family having undergone this, then you should have an EKG prior to taking any drug that may cause Prolonged QT Syndrome. This way, the actual numeric length of the QT interval can be precisely measured before starting HCQ or ivermectin, then measured after a bit of time goes by, to see if it becomes longer. If it becomes longer, stop taking it; always discuss this with your doctor.
In this regard, most reported deaths from COVIS-related HCQ therapy have been debunked and retracted by the authors of such studies. Article retractions occurred n more than one prestigious journal, the Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The American Association of Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) states HCQ is safer than most over-the-counter medications.
Zinc is okay to take with the adenovirus vaccine for two reasons:
1) the vaccine is replication deficient in the first place; and
2) the vaccine does not rely on RdRp for its mechanism.
Taking zinc will not inactivate or reduce effects from the adenovirus vaccine, because it has no effect on ribosomes.
When the virus travels from the lungs to the blood vessels, antibodies that develop can cause microclots. In the early stages of the I-MASK+ Protocol, it was not appreciated that clotting can also occur in outpatients with mild symptoms who are not hospitalized.
The current I-MASK+ Protocol, updated in May 2021, recommends that if you have mild COVID symptoms, start taking a full dose of aspirin, i.e., not "baby aspirin" at 81 mg, but a better dose of 325 mg.
Hospitalized patients have many blood tests done; one of the most important to prevent clotting is called "D-Dimers". If elevated, your doctor may want to put you on a blood thinner.
Talk to your doctor about using aspirin, based on your age and medical history.
Bamlanivimab is a monoclonal antibody available by prescription from your doctor for outpatient treatment of SARS-CoV-2. It requires an intravenous needle stick, fluid, and may not be covered by insurance. It is not for the last stage of COVID.
Avostatin is in the MATH+ protocol for hospitalized patients, not outpatients or prophylaxis.
When SARS-CoV-2 attaches to cell receptors, it activates the enzyme MyD88 that triggers NF-KB, transcription, and release of interleukins and chemokines that cause severe inflammation. Statins inhibit the MyD88 enzyme and prevent the inflammatory cascade.
Supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows that dietary supplement manufacturers do not need FDA approval; instead, the manufacturer is responsible to ensure their products are safe. Additionally, the FDA cannot test every product to ensure it does not contain potentially harmful additives or fillers, including cancer-causing ones. In the case of Vitamin D, beware that even if you are taking a vitamin D supplement, there may not actually even be any Vitamin D in it, and your blood level may still show essentially a zero level.
Additionally, Vitamin D needs help to be absorbed by the body. We recommend our patients use a high-quality Vitamin D3 supplement that Iis either: 1) modified for increased absorption or 2) adds Vitamin K2, which increases Vitamin D3 absorption.
If after 3 months of a good product your blood level does not go up, you may need a higher dose or increased absorbability, i.e., an injectable or topical route. To optimize absorption, take Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, after eating high-fat food or after a meal. In general, many doctors recommend taking 800 IU of Vitamin D3 per day.
Gut absorption is a factor in Vitamin D3 supplementation, because it is absorbed in the small intestine, just after passing the stomach. Things that influence absorption include stomach juices and pH, secretions from the pancreas and gallbladder, liver bile, and small intestine integrity. The following diagnoses can limit Vitamin D3 absorption: celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, liver dysfunction, kidney disease, and gastroparesis. In end-stage kidney disease, Vitamin D levels are undetectable.
NOTE: For physician-grade supplements, visit Dr. Margaret Aranda's website here. Use Practitioner Code: DrMargaretAranda. Dr. Aranda may receive a small commission from purchased goods.
While not on the I-MASK+ Protocol, many patients with pain or inflammatory conditions are already on turmeric or curcumin supplements. For many reasons, this is a good supplement.
Tumeric or Curcuma longa L., is part of the ginger or Zingiberaceae family and grows in native India and Southeast Asia. The plant contains rhizomes having secondary metabolites including curcuminoids, sesquiterpenes, and steroids. Curcumin is the primary component of the yellow color, and is the major substance that is bioactive in humans.
Curcumin has important properties against SARS-CoV-2, including the ability to interact with a cysteine residue on the myeloid differentiation protein 2 and transcription factor STAT-3; it inhibits MyD88-dependent and independent lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cell response pathways, hence its role in suppressing the immune response to bacterial infection.
Curcumin also has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV and as a polyphenol, it protects lung tissue affected by severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. It decreases the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10.
Cytokine storms have been attributed with causing pulmonary edema, atelectasis, acute lung injury, and fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The low incidence of gastric cancer in India is attributed to dietary curcumin, making it useful for chronic inflammatory diseases, especially those caused by bacterial infections. It also has anti-angiogenic and anti-neoplastic properties.
Curcumin acts against the following pathogens: influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV, strains of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas.
This is a Metagenics® physician-exclusive product comprised of marine long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both are metabolized into 18-HEPE, having potent anti-inflammatory properties, and 17-HDHA, a "pro-resolving mediator".
The immune response can be described in two phases: initiation and resolution. SPMs target phase II of the immune response, helping the body to initial natural repair and healing. They reprogram immune cells to be more protective and less likely to amplify the adverse effects of a negative stressor. SPMs are naturally made by our body in response to physical challenges and are critical to wound repair and healing. The goal is resolution and return to function; SPMss tell your body to finish healing.
Metagenics® first introduced SPMs to the market in 2015. These are high-quality, physician-grade supplements that are trustable to contain few fillers and additives. SPM instructs the body’s inflammatory response to calm down, making it a treatment product for cytokine storm.
Research also shows that in patients with chronic pain, SPMs improved quality of life and pain intensity, interference, depression and anxiety.
The I-MASK+ Prophylaxis & Early Outpatient Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 and the MATH+ Hospital Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 are only for informational and educational purposes, and is not medical advice. Never disregard professional medical advice due to something you read on the internet. This is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment in regards to any specific patient. Treatment for an individual patient should always rely on the judgement, opinion, and advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider. Always seek their specific advice with your questions about your health or medical condition.
Andrade BS, Rangel FS, Santos NO, Freitas ADS, Soares WRA, Siqueira S, Barh D, Góes-Neto A, Birbrair A, Azevedo VAC. Repurposing approved drugs for guiding COVID-19 prophylaxis: a systematic review. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Dec 14;11:590598.
Callan N, Hanes D and Bradley R. Early evidence of efficacy for orally administered SPM-enriched marine lipid fraction on quality of life and pain in a sample of adults with chronic pain. J Transla Med 18:401. Oct 21, 2020.
Caly L, Druce JD, Catton MG, Jans DA and Wagstaff KM. The FDA-approved drug ivermectin inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Antiviral Research 178, 104787, June 2020.
Deire P, Caporuscio F, Saviano M, Mangiatordi GF. Repurposing known drugs as covalent and non-covalent inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease. Front Chem. Nov 16, 2020.
Gradišar, H, Keber MM, Pristovšek P and Jerala R. MD-2 as the target of curcumin in the inhibition of response to LPS. J Leukocyte Biol 82, 968-974, 2007.
Hahn H, Kim S-J, Choi B-Y, Cho K-C, Bandu R, Kim KP, et al. Curcumin interacts directly with the cysteine 259 residue of STAT3 and induces apoptosis in H-Ras transformed human mammary epithelial cells. Sci Rep. 8:6409; 2018.
Kory, P, Meduri GU, Iglesias J, Varon J, Berkowitz K, Kronfeld H, Vinjevoll E, Mitchell S, Wagshul F, and Marik, PE. Review of the Emerging Evidence Demonstrating the Efficacy of Ivermectin in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19. FLCCC Alliance; updated Jan 12, 2021.
Lescheid, David. Enriched marine oil supplements increase peripheral blood specialized pro-resolving mediators concentrations and reprogram host immune responses: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Nutritional Fundamentals for Health, Inc. October 14, 2020.
Liu Z and Ying Y. The inhibitory effect of curcumin on virus-induced cytokine storm and its potential use in the associated severe pneumonia. Front Cell Dev Biol. 8:479.
Lu R, Zhai X, Li J, Nju P, Tang B, Wu H, et al. Genomic characterization and epidemiology of 2019 novel coronavirus: implications for virus origins and receptor binding. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32007145/395, 5665-574.
Pinzi L, tinivella A, Caporuscio F and Rastelli G. Drug repurposing and polypharmacoloty to fight SARS-CoV-2 through inhibition of the main protease. Front. Pharmacol. Jan 12, 2021.
Polonikov, Alexey. Endogenous deficiency of glutathione as the most likely cause of serious manifestations and death in patients with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19): a hypothesis based on literature data and own observations. ResearchGate. April 25, 2020.
Praditya D, Kurchhoff L, Brüning J, Rachmawati H, Steinmann J and Steinmann E. Anti-infective properties of the golden spice curcumin. Front Microbiol. 10:912, 2019.
Sharun K, Dhama K, Patel SK, Pathak M, Tiwari R, Singh BR, Sah R, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Leblebicioglu H. Ivermectin, a new candidate therapeutic against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19). Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2020 May 30;19(1):23.
Steinmann J, Buer J, Pietschmann T, Steinmann E. Anti-infective properties of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea. Br J Pharmacol. 2013 Mar; 168(5);1059-1073.
CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus (CoV) belong to a larger family Coronaviridae, within the order of Nidovirales. Several human pathogenic strains (HCoV) cause mainly respiratory disease, some cause a mild cold and others lead to severe infection. Fatal infections are caused mostly by SARSCoV and MERS-CoV, having 10% and 39% mortality, respectively. For example the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2002-2003 caused 8,098 deaths.
IVERMECTIN
The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) developed ivermectin protocols.
Ivermectin is FDA-approved for onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis as an anti-parasitic drug used safely and worldwide since 1975.
It won the Nobel Prize in 2015 and eradicated parasitic infections in several countries.
It is on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.
It has been given safely 3.7 billion times around the world.
There is growing published medical evidence showing ivermectin’s highly potent capability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and suppress inflammation.
The I-MASK+ protocol was created by the FCCCA, a group of critical care doctors caring for patients with COVID in the ICUs.
All the I-MASK+ prophylaxis and early treatment regimens are FDA approved.
As of January 14, 2021, the NIH no longer advises against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19.
Ivermectin is not a clear therapeutic option for patients.
It is felt by FLCCC that placebo-based controlled trial studies are unethical because every patient should be given ivermectin.
After invading a cell, the SARS-CoV-2 virus emits cargo or particles. These particles are actually an enzyme molecule that goes into the human nucleus and instructs it not to defend itself. The surrounding cells then are indefensible. Thus, it invades the nucleus, bypassing the body’s immune system and allowing SARS-CoV-2 to run rampant through all cells.
The SARS-CoV-2 particles are brought into the nucleus by our bodies’ protein complex, and they enter the cell nucleus together.
In parasitic worms, ivermectin paralyzes worm muscles, causing loss of breathing.
In SARS-CoV-2, ivermectin is not antiparasitic. It prevents a protein complex from carrying SARS-CoV-2 particles into the nucleus. If the virus cannot cross into the nucleus, it cannot instruct it to remain dormant.
Oppositely, ivermectin allows the nucleus to ramp up its defenses and fight SARS-CoV-2. The nucleus defends itself, producing interferons that instruct other cells to be alert against SARS-CoV-2 invaders. This mounts a good immune response.
After exposure, it can take from 2-14 days to get sick. Some have reported sickness after 28 days, and the mean average time is 5.1 days. Variability is related to one’s immune system.
This is key to understanding the dosing regimen for ivermectin. If it is dosed on Day #1, SARS-CoV-2 may be inactivated. However, in some people the virus does not start replicating until Day #3 or Day #14, which is why the second and third doses are spread apart.
Here is a link of a review of emerging evidence demonstrating the efficacy of ivermectin in both the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19. Properties of ivermectin are listed here and include the following:
· Ivermectin inhibits the replication of many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and the flu.
· It is anti-inflammatory.
· It decreases viral load and protects against organ damage in animals.
· When taken either pre- or post-exposure, ivermectin prevents COVID-19 transmission.
· It hastens recovery, decreases hospitalization and mortality in patients with COVID-19.
· Ivermectin leads to far fewer COVID fatalities in regions where it has been widely used.
The total number of studies done on ivermectin for COVID-19 include 27 controlled trials in 6,612 patients placed in well-matched control groups. There are 16 trials with over 2,500 patients in prospective, randomized, controlled studies. 11 of the 27 trials are published in peer-reviewed journals. An estimated 3,900 more patients have been in trials that are in press.
A meta-analysis by an independent research consortium calculated the chances that ivermectin is ineffective in COVID-19 to be 1 in 67 million. The FLCCC Alliance, based on evidence totality, supports an “A-1” recommendation in the NIH rating scheme, showing strong level, high-quality evidence in both the prophylaxis and treatment of all phases of COVID-19. Finally, multiple, population-wide ivermectin distribution program data show a significant reduction in cases and mortality rates.
The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) developed ivermectin protocols.There are two protocols for outpatients, developed by an awesome group of critical care doctors who grew weary of watching ICU patients suffocate and die on ventilators.
1) Prophylaxis or prevention, for when you are not yet sick, and
2) Early treatment for when you are sick.
Note there are a lot of unknowns when prescribing ivermectin, and that originally ivermectin was used every 3-6 months or even once per year. There are also different treatment protocols. The I-MASK+ protocol is for outpatients not in the hospital, and the I-MATH+ protocol is for hospitalized patients sick with COVID-19.
Home monitoring with pulse oximetry is recommended for COVID-symptomatic patients. Be aware that low oxygen levels can otherwise be impossible to detect, as the patient may have no hypoxic symptoms. Home pulse oximeters have limitations and it is preferred to use a validated device. Take multiple readings throughout the day, watching for downward trends that require 911 or hospitalization. Most believe that a baseline less than 94%, or a saturation of 94% upon walking is a reason to hospitalize.
Warm a cold extremity and take off nail polish prior to using. Use the middle or index finger; avoid toes or the ear lobe. Only believe values that also give a strong light with each pulse, i.e., a strong pulse signal. Take a reading for 30-60 seconds, and use the most common number.
While ivermectin has a very safe profile, common side effects of ivermectin include dizziness, headache, muscle pain, kidney and liver issues. Testicular dysfunction and infertility have been described. Those with allergies, asthma or liver disease should avoid it. If ivermectin kills internal parasites, dying microbes release toxins; some gastrointestinal complaints include nausea, soft stool, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Some have reported drowsiness and take their dose at bedtime. Rarely, adverse side effects include seizure and hypotension.
Do not operate machinery, drive or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can safely do so. Limit alcohol consumption, especially if you have liver dysfunction. Note that ivermectin passes through breast milk.
Anecdotal reports state some patients have less pain from such conditions as spondylolysis and arthritis, as well as knee pain; both increased and decreased cervical lymph nodes have been reported.
If you are being treated for “river blindness” or onchocerciasis, reactions may include eye swelling, pain or redness; fever; joint pain; rash or itching; tender or swollen lymph nodes and vision changes.
Many take ivermectin with selenium and/or vitamin E, to protect against hepatic and renal toxicity. Low selenium levels are associated with higher COVID-19 mortality, as selenium redistributes both Vitamin D and dexamethasone from liver storage to the immune system. Talk to your doctor about selenium supplementation, which may be preferred for those with low Vitamin D or liver dysfunction.
High-exposure risk individuals may take 1-2 doses of ivermectin every week. Others may take a dose every 2 weeks.
No one knows how long it will be necessary to be on ivermectin and/or the I-MASK+ Protocol, but it will be necessary as long as COVID-19 is here, and as long as vaccine boosters are a consideration.
Between two people, the virus must travel in the air by attaching to a medium like a particle of water. If the water evaporates, the virus travels through the air to increase transmission. At 100% humidity or if there was just water between two people, it blocks transmission. It is thought that 40% humidity is optimal to decrease transmission.