WSOC Charlotte: Local doctor sees spike in patients seeking parasite drug for COVID treatment. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/duke-researchers-study-possible-alternate-... Ivermectin CHARLOTTE — While there are three COVID-19 vaccines available, doctors and scientists continue researching other medications to fight the coronavirus. They’re focused on helping those who get it early on and to keep them out of the hospital. One medication -- ivermectin -- that is being studied treats parasite infections.Channel 9′s DaShawn Brown found out that a local doctor is swamped with requests for it, even though it hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The majority of the requests are from those who aren’t vaccinated.