by Jermaine Ocampo

The use of Ivermectin for treating COVID-19 has sparked debate in the medical community, and medical experts say there is insufficient proof for it to be used as an actual treatment. 

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug commercially available only in veterinarian grade in the country, which is unsafe for human consumption. 

The drug was first mentioned as a possible treatment that the DOH could look into for COVID-19 by Senate President Vito Sotto III in a Senate Plenary back in February 22, 2021.

It was then backed up by Doctor Allan Landrito, in a House health panel in March 30.

This has led to public officials such as AnaKalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor to give out Ivermectin to Quezon City residents despite warnings from both the Department of Health (DOH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and several medical groups warned that taking animal drugs can cause harm and is not recommended for treatment of the virus.

In a Facebook Post, Defensor said he will distribute Ivermectin for free to Quezon City residents while COVID-19 vaccines remain unavailable to the general public.

“Sagot ni Cong. Mike Defensor ang IVERMECTIN niyo habang wala pa ang bakuna. Uunahin muna ang mga may sakit, ang mga senior citizens habang limitado pa ang suplay ng IVERMECTIN.” read in the Facebook post.

The DOH, together with 10 medical societies, including the the Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID),  have released a statement saying that a  systematic review of controlled trials that showed Ivermectin did not significantly reduce the risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients.

“There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of ivermectin for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 infection,” PSMID said.

Currently, there is no approved treatment for COVID-19 and the public is reminded to take precaution with rumors about possible treatments or cures for COVID-19

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