There are enough studies to say that ivermectin does not work as a drug for patients with COVID-19.
This was said on Monday by infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, based on a study in Malaysia released on February 18.
“The conclusion was really important ‘no, it significantly tells us that ivermectin doesn’t work and is not effective in the prevention of severe infection or severe COVID among those who will be getting this treatment,” said Solante.
Last year, the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases said not to use the drug ivermectin for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
It may be recalled that last year the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a compassionate special permit (CSP) to some hospitals to use ivermectin in those with COVID-19.
According to Solante, the FDA should revisit the data.
“Kaya binigyan pa rin siya ng CSP kasi wala pa tayong masyadong malawak na data on that,” said Solante.
“That should be revoked because of that data, and I think it’s up to FDA to revisit the data and inform the evaluation and give a recommendation again,” he added.
Ivermectin does not prevent severe COVID-19: expert, study
Because the study was conducted in Malaysia, it can be said that it applies to Filipinos because Malaysia is a country in Asia.
According to Solante, apart from its ineffectiveness against chronic COVID, its side effects may add to the medications you are taking.
According to Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, they will study and make a recommendation based on the new study released.
Meanwhile, according to the latest Department of Health (DOH) records, just over 3.4 million were vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines in the third “Bayanihan, Bakunahan.” It falls short of the 5 million target.
One of the visible slack is the vaccination of booster shots.
According to Cabotaje, one of the visible ways is to schedule booster shots before the employees’ day off, so they do not have to miss work due to side effects.
The DOH continues to work with local governments and private groups to distribute vaccines better.