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Treatment

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Seek expert advice.

Ivermectin is the drug of choice. A single dose clears microfilariae from the skin for several months and repeating the dose every 6-12 months prevents progression (1)

Diethylcarbamazepine or suramin should no longer be used because of toxicity.

Reference:

  1. Gardon J, Boussinesq M, Kamgno J, et al. Effects of standard and high doses of ivermectin on adult worms of Onchocerca volvulus: a randomised controlled trial.; Lancet. 2002 Jul 20;360(9328):203-10.

 

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