Adverse reactions following annual ivermectin treatment of onchocerciasis in Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to document and underscore the need to monitor adverse reactions following repeated ivermectin treatment under the current dispensation of the implementation of the Community-directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) Program. As communities are empowered to distribute ivermectin, monitoring of adverse reactions by health care professionals is important in achieving the onchocerciasis control objectives through mass ivermectin therapy. Methods: Eight hundred and ninety subjects from 204 randomly selected households (based on cluster of households) were interviewed using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Responses concerning the adverse effects of ivermectin at the first and sixth rounds were obtained using self-report and treatment records. Results: Of the 890 individuals, 40.67% presented with adverse reactions at the first round of treatment (TX 1). This was reduced to 15.06% at the sixth (TX 6) round of treatment. Pains in joints were more frequently reported at TX 1 and TX 622.7% and 8.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The relatively mild adverse reaction rates observed at TX 1 did not affect future participation in community treatment with ivermectin, due to adequate community mobilization with health education messages. The current CDTI program has a good chance of achieving the onchocerciasis control program's objectives in Shao, Kwara State, Nigeria.