QC rejects Ivermectin
THE Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) is not distributing, endorsing or supporting the use of antiparasitic drug Ivermectin as a preventive drug or cure for COVID-19.
The QCHD made the pronouncement as it called on the public to heed the recommendations of regulatory agencies mandated to review and approve consumer products, including drugs and medicines, for general use.
QCHD chief Dra. Esperanza Arias stressed that they will follow the stand of the Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the issue since this is under their jurisdiction, and given their mandate to review consumer products.
“And if they don’t authorize the use of this drug for COVID-19, we will rely on their expertise. We are issuing this statement because it is a public health issue and our QCitizens’ well-being is our mandate,” Arias said.
Arias added that the QCHD is one with the public in seeking fast measures to address the disease but said this should not come at the expense of regulatory processes that test products and medicines for their safety and efficacy.
“There are also other factors we need to consider if we will use this, such as the correct dosage to get maximum benefit. Public health should never be compromised at any given time,” said Arias.
The DOH-FDA have released an official statement informing the public that they strongly advise against the purchase and use of Ivermectin veterinary products for the treatment of COVID-19.
“At present, Ivermectin veterinary products are only approved for use in the prevention of heartworm disease and treatment of internal and external parasites in certain animal species,” the agencies added.
In the meantime, the QCHD reminds the public to stick to proven minimum health standards to curb the further spread of COVID-19.
“Let us not forget to keep our guards up by washing our hands regularly, wearing our face mask and face shield, and by socially distancing,” said Arias.
