Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) reiterated on Monday, May 3, its opposition to the prescription or use of Ivermectin for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prevention or treatment before more evidence of its efficacy is available.
Dr. Mario Panaligan, President of PCP, urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to urgently act on the matter of mass distribution of anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin recently.
This, after Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor and Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta distributed Ivermectin capsules to residents of Quezon City last week.
"Ito'y isang gamot na nagagamit po talaga para sa mga parasite, pero kung meron man po itong effect sa COVID-19, ito'y pinag-aaralan pa hanggang ngayon. Hindi sa sinasabi naming wala itong epekto, kung di gusto sana naming makita kung anong totoong epekto nito (It's a drug used to treat parasites, if it really has an effect on COVID-19, it's still being studied. We're not saying that it has no effect, it's just that, we want to prove it first)," Panaligan said.
"Mas magandang siguraduhin na ligtas ito kasi yun ang nakakabahala lalung-lalo na kung pinamimigay na ito basta-basta. Sabihin man natin na may doktor na nag-prescribe, pero alalahanin natin na may mga indication ito kung kailan dapat ibigay at binigyan man ito ng permiso para sa compassionate use, hindi naman ibig sabihin na basta-basta na lang magagamit lalo na kung sa labas ng ospital (It's better to make sure it's safe because it worries us that it's already being distributed. Even if we say that a doctor prescribed it, let's remember that is has indications as to when it should be given and even if it's already has a permission for compassionate use, doesn't mean that it can be taken anywhere, especially when outside the hospital)," he added.
In a statement Sunday, May 2, PCP advised against the distribution of Ivermectin and noted that "it does not significantly improve clinical outcomes or reduce death among adults with mild COVID-19 infection.
"We understand the desire of many concerned citizens to immediately find solutions to the threats of COVID-19 pandemic. However, amidst the chaos and controversies we find ourselves in, we call on everyone, particularly the thought leaders of communities and institutions, to stay firm with our resolve to be guided by science and medical information based on robust research," PCP said.
"Let us also refrain from thinking that we are saving our countrymen from the complications of COVID-19 by giving them medicines that are not proven remedies. We may be exposing them to unwanted and possibly harmful side effects," it added.
PCP said Ivermectin is associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial or limb swelling, neurologic adverse events, sudden drop in blood pressure, and liver injury.
Five hospitals in the country have so far been given compassionate special permits (CSP) to use human-grade Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients.
However, FDA clarified in April that the distribution of the anti-parasitic drug as part of treatment for COVID-19 is still prohibited.
The World Health Organization, United States Food and Drug Administration, European Medicine Agency, and Ivermectin manufacturer Merck have advised against the use of Ivermectin for the virus, saying there is lack of data and evidence of the efficacy and benefits for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.