By NG Seruela
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reiterated on Friday (April 30) that they do not recommend the use of the drug ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19 because of “insufficient scientific evidence.”
FDA Director-General Eric Domingo emphasized that they do not recommend the drug’s use because its “purpose has not been established.” He urged the public to wait for the results of the clinical trial conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The two agencies clarified that investigational drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 may be used if “all regulatory processes in place are strictly followed.”
“Specifically, off-label use can be allowed under a compassionate special permit (CSP) or when it is compounded by a duly licensed pharmacy and properly dispensed by a pharmacist to a patient with a valid prescription.”
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque also reminded the public that “while we recognize recent calls for its use, the positive effects of ivermectin have yet to be proven. Moreover, the danger of self-administering this drug is concerning, which is why we call on the public to refrain from self-medicating and indiscriminately using this potentially harmful product.”
Moreover, Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases President Dr. Marissa Alejandria said in an online media forum on Thursday (April 29) that there is still no sufficient evidence for the efficacy of ivermectin as prophylaxis and treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.
“We still hold on to our statement based on our review of evidence that there is still insufficient evidence until this time, which is why we are waiting for the results of ongoing clinical trials and why we have embarked on a clinical trial,” she said.
Meanwhile, the DOH warned the public against invalid prescriptions following the report of the ivermectin capsule distribution in Quezon City wherein individuals were allegedly given invalid prescriptions.
“The DOH likewise assured that it will officially endorse the reports to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to investigate the veracity of the reports and impose sanctions as deemed necessary, based on existing laws,” the department said.
According to the department, “a valid prescription should contain the date of prescription, the patient’s name, age, and sex. Pertinent details about the prescribing physician should also be included such as name, office address, professional regulation number, and professional tax receipt number (if applicable).”
The DOH and FDA urged the public to be “vigilant and sufficiently assess any prescriptions” given to them. -jlo
