DOH, FDA tell Go: Use of human-grade Ivermectin not illegal
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, April 13, reiterated that the use of Ivermectin that is registered as "human-grade" is not illegal.
There is, however, a condition: ‘’Provided that the regulatory processes to ensure its safety and efficacy are followed in accordance with our existing laws and procedures.’’
The position of the FDA and DOH on the Ivermectin issue was restated to Senator Christopher ‘’Bong’’ Go and former senator Joey Lina by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III and DFA Director Rolando Enrique D. Domingo during a meeting Tuesday morning.
Go said Lina reached out to him regarding his concerns on Ivermectin.
‘’We immediately clarified matters with Health Secretary Francisco Duque and FDA DG Eric Domingo through a conference call this morning,’’ he said in a statement.
‘’I continue to urge our health officials to facilitate a thorough scientific study and consult local and international medical experts on the possible uses, side effects and risks of Ivermectin as a potential medication for treating COVID-19,’’ Go emphasized.
‘’Let me clarify that I am not advocating the use of any specific drug, but I am simply urging the government to have an open dialogue with proponents and facilitate a thorough scientific study of these proposals,’’ he added.
Go said that is important is for all to be pro-active about the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘’Huwag natin pahirapan yung mga nais tumulong (Let us not make life difficult for those who want to help). At klaruhin natin ang ating mga patakaran para masigurong ligtas at epektibo ang mga gamot na pwedeng gamitin ng mga tao (Let us make our rules clear so that the medicines that people take are safe and effective),’’ he added.