The Department of Health (DOH) is not recommending the use of Ivermectin for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said this in a meeting with President Duterte on Monday, March 22.
"Idinidiin din namin na hindi nirerecommend sa ngayon ang paggamit ng Ivermectin para sa COVID treatment mga pasyente may COVID-19 (We want to emphasize that the use of Ivermectin is not currently recommended for the COVID treatment of patients with COVID-19)," he said.
In an advisory dated March 17, the DOH said they do not recommend the use of Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 as it has not been proven to significantly reduce mortality or improve other clinical outcomes.
The Health department also oted how Ivermectin did not significantly reduce the risk of mortality among patients with mild to severe COVID-19 disease.
Ivermectin is a drug used to treat many types of parasite infestations among humans and animals.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meantime, said that the anti-flu drug, Avigan, and anti-Ebola medicine, Remdesivir, remain available for use of selected COVID-19 patients.
"The Avigan is available in the ongoing clinical trials involving mild to moderate cases in hospitals," FDA Director General Eric Domingo said during the Laging Handa press briefing.
"The Remdesivir, we use for the severe...the FDA continues to issue compassionate special permits to hospitals for them to be able to use them," he added.