Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 22) — Philippine health authorities on Monday warned the public against the use of Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug for animals, to treat COVID-19 patients.
Department of Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said during a virtual briefing that the use of Ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 in humans is hounded by “uncertainties”.
“There are a lot of uncertainties, a lot of unknowns dito sa mga gamot na lumalabas dahil wala naman talagang proven to really address COVID-19,” Vergeire said.
[Translation: There are a lot of uncertainties, a lot of unknowns about these drugs because nothing has been proven yet to really address COVID-19.]
Vergeire revealed that trials conducted in other countries involving Ivermectin, a medication used to treat many types of parasite infestations such as head lice and scabies, have not indicated a positive outcome for it to be recommended for use as a treatment for COVID-19.
READ: Ivermectin drug is not effective at treating mild COVID-19, study finds
The DOH official also stressed that even the manufacturers of Ivermectin do not recommend the drug for the coronavirus.
This was echoed by Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo in a separate presser on Monday.
“Binabalaan po namin na ‘wag po tayong uminom ng mga gamot na para sa hayop,” he said.
[Translation: We warn you not to take medicines intended for animals.]
