The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public that antiparasitic drug Ivermectin is still not recommended as a possible treatment for coronavirus disease (COVID).
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made the statement as she cited the recommendation of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Inc. (PSMID).
“We reiterated the PSMID guidelines which states that based on the current evidence from randomized controlled trials, we do not recommend the use of Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19,” said Vergeire in an online press briefing on Friday, Sept. 17.
Vergeire said that as of now, Ivermectin has not been proven to “significantly reduce mortality nor to improve other clinical outcomes.”
“Right now, the medical consensus is that there is no evidence to support the use of Ivermectin in treating COVID-19. While the DOH is not against the use of investigational drugs, we emphasized that in using products under investigation, the safety of every Filipino should take at most precedence,” she said.
“Rest assured that the DOH and FDA are at the forefront of ensuring COVID-19 drugs and medicines are safe, effective, accessible, and affordable for use,” she added.
Meanwhile, Vergeire urged the public to keep themselves healthy and follow the health protocols to minimize their risk of contracting COVID-19.
“While we are always on the lookout for evidence on the use of such medications, the best way to protect ourselves now is to keep healthy and continue to practice the minimum health standards, and get yourselves vaccinated when it's your turn already,” she said.