The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must conduct an investigation of alleged ivermectin prescriptions written in a bond paper during the drug’s distribution in Quezon City, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Representatives Rodante Marcoleta and Mike Defensor initiated the distribution of ivermectin to over 30 residents of Barangay Old Balara, Quezon City on Thursday.
The residents had to sign a waiver and undergo consultation with doctors from the Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines before getting the drug.
After the doctor explained the medicine, the recipients were given 10 capsules of ivermectin and a prescription.
The prescription, as shown in a viral photo, was written in a bond paper and not on a prescription pad. It said the residents must take one tablet per two weeks.
“Kung totoo man yon na nakalagay sa isang tissue or bond paper lang, so part of what the FDA needs to do is investigate such reports. The accountability is clear it is the doctor who prescribed it who will answer for his action,” Duque said in an ANC interview.
Duque says FDA must probe ivermectin prescriptions written on bond paper
(If the reports that the prescription was written on a tissue or bond paper, then the FDA needs to investigate such reports. The accountability is clear that it is the doctor who makes the prescription who is responsible for his action.)
According to the DOH chief, under the law, all prescription must contain specific details such as the name of the prescriber, address, professional registration number, and tax receipt number.
The prescription should also show patient’s name, age, sex and date of prescription, among others.
“Dapat sundin ito, hindi puwedeng token prescription lang [They should follow the standards. They cannot issue token prescriptions],” he said.
While there is a prescription issue, Duque admitted that there is nothing illegal with the ivermectin’s distribution if the issuance of compassionate special permit to specific hospitals, and the said drug should be prescribed by a doctor and was compounded by a duly licensed pharmacist.
“With all those conditions in mind, I don’t think there’s anything illegal on the actions but I don’t know the whole story. I don’t know the details of the dispensation and prescription, and how it is done,” Duque said.
“This would have to be looked into by the field investigating agents of FDA.”
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.