Pharmacists concerned with distribution of ivermectin to QC

Some health professionals are outraged after the controversial ivermectin distribution of two lawmakers in Quezon City despite the lack of information on the prescriptions presented.

On Thursday, news broke about the distribution of free ivermectin capsules by Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor to about 200 QC residents even without the doctor’s information on the prescription, other than the need for a “waiver.”

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They ignore earlier warnings from the Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the drug manufacturer itself, which initially said there was “no scientific basis” for its use against COVID-19.

“Lubos po kaming nababahala sa paraan ng pamimigay ng ivermectin bilang panangga laban sa COVID-19. Malinaw po ‘yon na mga violative prescription kung ‘yon ang ginagamit nila,” said Gilda Saljay, president of the Philippine Pharmacists Association, in an interview with Teleradyo this Friday.

“Walang panghahawakan ang mga pasyente kung sakaling may mangyaring hindi kanais-nais sa kanila. In the health-care practice, we always believe in accountability, lalo na po dito sa gamot na ivermectin na under CSP o compassionate special permit.”

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Pharmacists concerned with distribution of ivermectin to QC

Although ivermectin is not yet registered in the Philippines for human use against COVID-19, the FDA has already granted a compassionate special permit (CSP) to some hospitals in the Philippines to use it in such a manner, something that needs to be applied. of the doctor to their patients. Without a CSP, it is illegal to give, use and purchase a drug that is not registered.

“Ibig sabihin po, hindi puwedeng gawin para sa karamihan. Otherwise, hindi na ito compounding. Ito po ay tinatawag na naming manufacturing,” Saljay said.

Just yesterday, Dr. Gene Nisperos of the University of the Philippines – Manila said that it is not the job of a real doctor to issue these kinds of prescriptions, which are just written on paper, without name, license numbers and professional tax receipt numbers.

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“How many doctors do you know asks for a waiver before they give you a prescription, then do not write their name, license number, and signature on the prescription?” said Nisperos.

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