Healthcare group warns against use of unproven Ivermectin drug vs COVID-19
A healthcare group has issued a warning against the use of Ivermectin against COVID-19, joining a chorus of experts cautioning the public in using the anti-parasitic drug.
In a statement, the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) noted that there are ongoing trials now regarding the use of the drug against the coronavirus.
“However, these trials are also proof that the final verdict is pending,” said HPAAC.
Ivermectin has been gaining buzz following reports that it is being used as an off-label drug in some Latin American countries among others to treat COVID-19, despite its questionable efficacy to date.
HPAAC said medical practitioners should wait for the results of the clinical trials before prescribing it.
“As healthcare professionals, we must be responsible for the unintended effects of our actions, especially if they can lead to confusion,” the group said.
The Food and Drug Administration has earlier issued an advisory against the use of Ivermectin, which they have only allowed for animal use in the country as veterinary products.
“Animal drugs are often highly concentrated and can be highly toxic to humans,” the FDA said in a March 15 advisory.
“Any use of Ivermectin veterinary products for the prevention of COVID-19 should be avoided as the benefits and safety for this purpose has not been established.”
The FDA said that Ivermectin has not been approved for treatment of any viral infection.
The Department of Health has also warned the public against using the unlicensed drug.
“I have been monitoring social media and I have been seeing people selling Ivermectin online and this is really dangerous para sa ating public,” said. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
The Department of Health warns the public on the use of Ivermectin as treatment for and protection against SARS-CoV-2. DOH Undersecretary and Spokesperson Ma. Rosario Singh-Vergeire also emphasizes that there are no sufficient studies and evidences in support of those claims. pic.twitter.com/7jndmLbDwt
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) March 22, 2021
The US Food and Drug Administration has also stated that Ivermectin should not be used to treat or prevent COVID-19.