Why Ivermectin?

If you would like to be a patient and receive ivermectin (IVM), click the blue button below. You will be directed to our electronic medical record. Fill in your name, email address, street address, phone number and birthdate. Follow the prompts to finish, and you will be waiting in our docket for a call, text, or email. 

The cost of your appointment is $200, which includes sending your IVM prescription to a pharmacy.

Please send it to info@ArandaMDenterprises.com 

But wait! Also get some equipment for your home health - you will need it for telemedicine appointments. You will also need this equipment in case you get sick, so it is best to have them now. Go ahead and see Step 3. 

Thermometer

Blood pressure cuff (sphygmamometer)

Pulse oximeter (does % oxygen saturation and your heart rate)

In the same email with your CA driver's license, give us a picture of the following:

1. Your temperature reading

2. Your blood pressure reading

3. Your pulse oximeter reading (it includes your heart rate) 

4. Your heart rate

5. Your height

6. Your weight - this must be accurate, because IVM is dosed in milligrams per pound

See Step 4 and then email us everything.

We also need to know the following:

A. Medical Problems

B. Surgeries (List year and date)

C. Medications (name, dose, frequency)

D. Allergies

Once you are talking to the doctor, she will ask for more information. 

When you Pre-Register, your name and contact information will be sitting in our docket. We will connect with you to complete your chart, and then Dr. Margaret Aranda will call you to finalize your prescription. While waiting for her call, you have a little homework... 

You may find a pharmacy near you that has ivermectin, 3 mg tablets, about 2-3 boxes (they come in a box of 20). We find they usually have only 1-2 boxes and we are not sure that they will be good at refilling every 3 months when you run out of tablets. Some find their insurance will pay for it. Others like to use GoodRx for a good discount on a coupon.

If you have trouble finding a pharmacy, no worries. We have a pharmacy that can hand-mix your exact dose and ship it to your door. 

If you find a local pharmacy, we need their contact information. Send us an email with their name, address and phone number. Thank you for your patience as we find their special code needed to receive our electronic prescription. 

For Step 7, you need to decide how you want to use it: 

1) Prevention with low risk; 

2) Prevention with high risk; or 

3) Outpatient treatment for when you are sick

This is an important decision to make, so talk to your family and weigh not only how you want to use ivermectin, but also your exposure risk, the number of tablets in your hand, your budget, and perhaps most importantly, how you will be able to get refills for when/if it runs out. 

No matter which decisions you make, we are here to help guide you. 

The dose for ivermectin is different for every one, because it is based on your weight. The more you weigh, the faster you will go through boxed tablets. If you compound the medication for your exact weight, it is easier because each day is one capsule. If you buy a box of 20 tablets, you will be breaking opened several blister packs and getting them out of the packaging, which can be moderately difficult for those with arthritis. 

There are 3 basic ways to prescribe ivermectin according to the I-MASK+ Protocol:

1. Prevention, Low-Dose: Take on Days #1 and #3, then once every 2 weeks
2. Prevention, High-Dose: Take on Days #1 and #3, then 1-2 times per week
3. Outpatient Treatment: If you are sick, take 2-5 days in a row, then 1-2 times per week

If you just want to have it in your hand in case you get sick, we recommend #3. This way, you have a good quantity of tablets and you can be treated at home without going to the hospital. If you change your mind and decide to use ivermectin for prophylaxis, you can still do that, and you will have enough tablets to last a while. See our chart below on how long each dosing. regimen lasts for your weight. 

If you decide you just want the low-dose prevention, you cannot count on having enough in hand to take, should you become sick with COVID-19. If you have a low budget, #1 is the best way to go because for the least amount of money, you can stretch out a handful of doses to last a long time.

We like to prescribe 20 doses. 

For #1 dosing at Prevention, you have enough for 39 weeks, or 9.75 months.

For #2 dosing, where you start at Prevention and get sick somewhere in that 39 weeks, you increase the dose and frequency to #3. Depending on when you get sick, and how long it takes to get better, the same number of doses can last you 2-9 months.

For #3 dosing, you can start Outpatient Treatment on Days #1 and #3, then dose 2x/week for 6 weeks.

Most like to start #1, the Prevention or Prophylaxis dose, then keep at least 5 doses in your hand, in case you get sick and want to take 2-5 days, or. 2-5 doses. 

When you talk to the doctor and your prescription is written, you will know how long it will last because she will tell you. If you forget, you can simply read the bottle label and it will say the number of days it lasts. 

Before your appointment, you can get an idea of how long all 3 different kinds of prescriptions last. Remember that the 3 different prescriptions are:

 1) Prophylaxis = Prevention, low-dose for you when you are not exposed and not near anyone sick with COVID 

2) Exposure = Prevention, high-dose for when you are exposed or near someone who is positive

3) Outpatient Treatment for when you are sick with COVID 

This is how to determine how many pills or tablets you will have, and how long it will last: 

1. First, we use our table to calculate your dose. It is based on weight, either mg/kg or mg/lb. 
2. Then we calculate the number of DOSES you will need and for how long. How long depends on whether it is for prophylaxis, exposure or outpatient treatment. 
3. Then, we add up the total number of doses.
4. We then multiply your dose by the number of tablets needed for your weight.

Remember that no one is advocating ivermectin use by itself. The I-MASK+ protocol utilizes supplements like vitamins D and C, quercetin and Zinc. Please review the protocol and boost your immune system, as recommended by the protocol. 

• Take ivermectin on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. 
• Drink it with a full glass of water. 

Remember that the dose can be split in half. So if you are on tablets, you can take 1/2 of them in the morning and the other half 12 hours later, completing one day's dose. If you have compounded capsules, the only way to split the dose in half is to open the capsule, pour it in orange juice, then drink 1/2 of it in the morning and 1/2 of it 12 hours later. 

The advantage of splitting the dose in half is for when the virus is in your body and replicating, or multiplying itself. The morning dose may target older virus particles and the evening dose may target younger ones that just started multiplying. Splitting the dose offers the unique advantage of targeting virus particles in different life cycles, and may be better at ridding you body of it.

If you take ivermectin every 12 hours, this may also decrease the common side effects. At any rate, take it at the time you are supposed to take it. Do not miss a dose and take it on time. - set an alarm if needed.

If your dose of ivermectin is, for example, 6 mg for one day, you would simply take 3 mg at 7 am and 3 mg at 7 pm. 

Melatonin has been used for insomnia and correcting the circadian rhythm, depression, and drug addiction. It has also been shown to have effects that are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and enhancing the immune system. That is why it is on the I-MASK+ Protocol. In animal studies, it lowers the same cytokines that cause COVID-19 related lung injury. It also blocks the lung fibrosis associated with severe COVID-19. 

Doctor and scientist Sanjay Sethi, MD and a group of internationally-known doctors at the University at Buffalo (UB) started a clinical study on melatonin in September, 2020, that looks at the role melatonin may play in reducing COVID-19 complications. They have a compendium of expertise in the fields of brain research on melatonin, pulmonary and infectious disease. Margarita Dr. Sethi is co-investigator in the study.

The FDA approved a pilot study in only 30 patients that undergo Dr. Sethi's research using melatonin under a special research provision, as an Investigational New Drug. They are looking primarily at safety; this will provide a basis for further research. You can even participate in melatonin research here. 

We like a proprietary blend of melatonin called Benesom(R) from Metagenics, a company that makes physician-grade supplements and one that Dr. Aranda uses (please note she may get a small commission from your purchase). One serving size is 2 tablets and it includes:

Melatonin, 3 mg

Magnesium citrate, 140 mg

Calcium lactate 70 mg

Chinese skullcap, 400 mg

Passionflower, 200 mg

Melissa lemon balm, 150 mg

Valerian root extract, 100 mg

Hops, 50 mg

Because of the other supplements listed, use caution if you are also on: sedatives, hypnotics, benzodiazepines, blood thinners, or have depression or a history of seizures. If you have severe sleep difficulties, talk to a doctor about re-establishing a circadian rhythm with day:night cycles. 

Seventy-five percent of all colds are caused by a coronavirus. Vitamin C is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant that is crucial to the immune system. A large study of 11,000 patients found that vitamin C decreases your risk of catching a cold in the first place. If you do catch a cold, it isn't too late - vitamin C also reduces your symptoms like runny nose and headache. 

If you are low on iron and take iron supplements, be sure to take iron with vitamin C, which increases the absorption of iron. 

Besides being anti-oxidant, vitamin C supports the immune system and is essential for the production of connective tissue and collagen, which supports skin, hair, bones, ligaments, tendons, and gums. We like a proprietary Metagenics(R) chewable Vitamin C that contains as much vitamin C as eating 4 oranges. 

NOTE: Dr. Aranda may get a small commission from purchases made on the Metagenics website.

After iron, zinc is the second most common trace metal found in every cell in your body. Zinc is also a potent anti-inflammatory mineral that is essential for:

•  Immune function
• Cell division and growth
• Enzyme biochemical reactions
• Making DNA
• Protein production
• Wound healing
• Skin health
• Growth and development
• Nerve function
• Digestion
• Taste and smell

Zinc is more than that to the novel coronavirus. It it thought to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spiked protein, preventing it from replicating its genetic material. 

As with vitamin D, the zinc supplement you take matters because it has to be absorbed through the gut. To determine if you are zinc deficient, Metagenics has a Zinc Tally(TM) test solution - if you can taste it right away, your zinc level should be fine. If you cannot taste it, you may be deficient even though you are on a supplement. 

We like either 

1) a liquid zinc sulfate drink you add to water or juice for increased gut absorption, or 

2) a gut-friendly, highly absorbable zinc tablet chelated with the amino acids arginine and glycine

James A. Robb, MD, pathologist and virologist from the University of Colorado School of Medicine recommends using zinc lozenges and letting them dissolve at the back of the upper back of the throat, near the nose. 

In 2009, the FDA recommended against using a nasal zinc spray, because it caused some patients to lose their sense of smell. 

NOTE: Dr. Aranda may get a small commission from purchases on the Metagenics links. 

Patients low on vitamin D were found to have an increased chance of being hospitalized or dying. Nations having many patients low on vitamin D had increased outbreaks and higher death rates. Elderly men in nursing homes with low vitamin D and low testosterone levels were more likely to die. 

Vitamin D boosts the immune system, and many patients cannot count on getting enough vitamin D from the sun. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor about testing your blood vitamin D level. While taking too much vitamin D is not beneficial, most believe it is better, in the COVID environment, to have higher rather than lower levels.

You must take a good vitamin D, preferably D-3 plus vitamin K-2 that increases its absorption. We prefer physician-grade supplements found at Metagenics(R). 

Quercetin has a molecule called ECGC, a potent anti-inflammatory found in high concentrations in green tea. Quercetin binds to the coronavirus' spiked proteins, preventing it from infecting cells.

• Wear a mask, or even a double-mask, as currently recommended in your area
• Stay 6 feet apart from others outside your household
• Hydrate. Dehydration leads to pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and increases your risk of bacterial and viral infections.
• Seek medical care early if you have symptoms

NOTE: Dr. Margaret Aranda may get a small commission from products purchased on her Metagenics website. 

To understand how COVID-10 vaccines work, one needs to understand how the immune system works. The immune system is called into action when the body is invaded by germs. While red blood cells and platelets work to provide blood supply and oxygen to tissues, platelets stop bleeding from cuts. The following cells are involved in mounting an immune response against germs: macrophages, B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. Macrophages digest dead germs and debris, B-cells make antibodies that attach to germ pieces left by macrophages. T-cells attack the body's cells that got infected. 

If the same germ comes back into the body, T-cells "remember" the germ and mount a stronger attack. 

While COVID-19 vaccines may differ in how they are made, all create specific B and T-cells that "remember" COVID-19. It usually takes the body 2-3 weeks to generate these T and B cells, during which time you may still be able to get the illness. After the vaccine, a fever and muscle aches are a sign that the body has mounted an immune response.

After the last booster vaccine in the series, the time for the vaccination to work varies person to person. In general, it takes about 1-2 weeks for your body to develop antibodies. 

Keep wearing your mask, stay 6 feet away from others, avoid touching your face or eyes, and wash your hands frequently. 

Getting the vaccine does not mean you can stop being cautious. Keep all the same precautions. 

Again, it varies person to person. And no one really knows, because not enough time has gone by. In general, it is thought the vaccine may offer protection against a form of COVID for 5 - 12 months. 

There are geographic areas having more serious and deadly mutations of SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations. These areas include:

South Africa: variant 20H/501Y.V2 or B.1.351 and E484K.

The UK: variant 20I/501Y.V1, VOC 202012/01, or B.1.1.7.

Brazil: P.1 and E484K. This mutation increases resistance to several COVID vaccines by 3 x, and 10 x resistance to most convalescent antibodies.

California: B.1.427 and B.1.429 or CAL.20C, or 20C/S:452R;/B1429, a different mutation scheme, having a 4.8 x risk of an ICU stay and an 11 x increased risk of death. It impacts antibody effectiveness: it was 4 x less susceptible than coronavirus to neutralize antibodies from people who recovered from COVID-19, and 2 x less susceptible to antibodies from the blood of people vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. 

So far, the California mutation has been identified in 19 states and Washington, DC, as well as in six other countries.

Nigeria: variant B.1.525. It has also been found in the United Kingdom, France, and elsewhere. It may increase transmissibility, virulence, and escape from immunity.

Since the vaccinations are made against a particular form of the virus, it is thought to have diminished effectiveness against other strains or mutations.

What does this mean for you? It means that just because you get the vaccination, you do not have a 100% chance of immunity to more lethal mutations. Since ivermectin is not dependent on just one mechanism or way to protect you, it will work in many different ways against any mutations. Most believe that in these areas or in any case of mutation, it is worthwhile and adds protection to also take ivermectin, even if you already had the vaccination, and even if you already had coronavirus infection. 

Many believe ivermectin will become the standard of care against COVID-19 and future strains, including Dr. Pierre Kory, President and CEO of the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care (FLCCC) Alliance. 

For those who have not taken the vaccination, ivermectin may be taken as in the I-MASK+ protocol. If you start ivermectin on Day #1, you may take the vaccination on Day #2, then take the 2nd dose of ivermectin on Day #3. Perhaps this leaves you best protected. 

Information on the vaccinations is constantly being updated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). For those who do not want to take the vaccine due to personal or religious beliefs, ivermectin is an excellent choice to either prevent or treat COVID.

The first thing to know is that in the clinical studies testing the vaccinations, patients with anaphylaxis were not included, due to the increased risk of anaphylaxis and death.

Common risks of virtually all vaccinations include a sore arm, fever, chills, headache, nausea, myalgia, rash, the development of an autoimmune disorder like Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Severe risks of the COVID vaccines include clotting problems, anaphylaxis and death. If you have an allergic reaction to the first vaccine, most recommend you do not take the second vaccination. 

For example, if anaphylaxis occurs and especially if the tongue or lips swell or if breathing problems occur, an emergency epinephrine or an EpiPen® may need to be immediately given to prevent your throat from closing. This leads to suffocation, a life-threatening matter.

One 56-year old doctor died after the vaccination, after going into ITP, a clotting disorder. Others with allergies, especially anaphylaxis, may also have anaphylaxis against the vaccine and these individuals should not get the vaccination. At the very least, they should carry the EpiPen to get the vaccine. If you don't have an EpiPen for airway issues, you should immediately call 911. 

If you end up using an EpiPen, the allergic reaction may last longer as the pen wears off. In this case, many advocate starting a steroid to decrease inflammation and swelling around the airway. 

Another patient died after the Pfizer injection in Belgium. It is unknown whether the vaccine played a role and an autopsy is pending in Belgium.

Finally, if you get a sore arm or other mild reactions to the vaccination, that is considered to be a good thing, as your immune system. is triggered. 

Messenger RNA (mRNA): Moderna or Pfizer. The Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines use mRNA for the spiked protein. It goes into the cell’s ribosomes, which then produce more spiked protein. The spiked protein is then transferred outside the cell and inactivated. Ivermectin cannot change or modify this chain reaction, so ivermectin will continue to be active.

Adenovirus vaccination: AstraZenica. The AstraZenica vaccine is a spiked COVID virus attached to adenovirus. It arrives in the cell, and its spikes dissolve. It causes the inner part of the virus to come out, allowing the adenovirus to connect and cross into the nucleus. It then injects DNA into the nucleus. Ivermectin cannot stop this, so the adenovirus-based vaccines may be safely taken together with ivermectin. Because ivermectin is also anti-inflammatory, if you are already on ivermectin and then you take the vaccine, you may have fewer inflammatory side effects like a swollen arm. 

Sinovac. The Sinovac vaccination has not compiled a comprehensive review of their own data.

Both mRNA and adenovirus vaccines act differently than ivermectin. Ivermectin continues to be protective against the actual virus, while the vaccine uses the body’s immune system. 

Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines were each studied in large groups of 15,000 – 19,000 people given vaccine, and the same amount given placebo. The Pfizer vaccine was studied to show that post-vaccine, the highest antibody levels occur at Day 7. If your antibody levels are zero on Day 7, your body may still be making them and the test can be repeated in 7-10 days. If your body undergoes the cytotoxic pathway, you may not generate antibodies. Usually, the antibody levels continue to go up for about 30 days. 

The Lancet medical publication reported on the Safety and Efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, the AstraZenica adenovirus vaccine in two populations each, those given two doses of vaccine and those given placebo. Findings in Brazil show only 4,088 people studied and in the UK, 7,548 people were studied with the vaccine showing about 70% efficacy. There is an ongoing trial in the US to study the AstraZenica vaccine in a larger group of people.

After a SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, many experience a feeling of chronic fatigue and severe tiredness that can sap all energy and render one bedridden. It can last for months and months, dragging along with no seeming end in sight. 

This kind of fatigue makes one long for better days and seeing the world in vivid colors again. 

This is also known as a post-viral syndrome.  It is real, and takes a great deal of patience to treat. 

Caring for these "complicated" patients really is not complicated. They all have the same things: chronic fatigue, depleted energy, bedridden or severely limited physical status, inability to exercise due to worsened fatigue, loss of sexual enjoyment, and possibly some depression or anxiety, or both. Chronic pain may be implicated as well.

It is super important to first determine all the variety of diagnoses that go along with post-viral syndrome. Patients need a blood draw. As one problem here and one problem there is diagnosed, it may be that for a time, you simply stop getting worse. Months later, you may start feeling better, or much better. 

These are the kinds of diagnoses one may find with post-viral syndrome:

Epstein-Barr positive serum

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Fibromyalgia

Systemic lupus erythematous

Anemia

Chronic pain

Electrolyte imbalance

Vitamin D deficiency

Insomnia and loss of day:night cycles

Loss of sexual libido

Hypothyroidism

Panhypopituitarism

Hypogonadism, a lack of sex hormone production

Adrenal fatigue or failure, a lack of cortisol stress hormone

Hypercholesterolemia

Pre-diabetes

Kidney dysfunction

Dysautonomia

Anxiety due to multiple medical conditions

Depression