Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian warned the public against “abusive” online sellers of ivermectin products that are allegedly effective in treating COVID-19.
“We appreciate that online e-commerce sites like Lazada have clearly classified Ivermectin as a veterinary drug, however, there may be unscrupulous individuals who will use the leniency of these online sites that make the drug easily accessible, to prey on the public especially now when word has spread that Ivermectin may be used as a cure for COVID-19,” Gatchalian said.
The lawmaker added some online sellers were manipulating the price of ivermectin.
“I just want to remind the public that this drug has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use and may be highly harmful to the health of our consumers,” Gatchalian said.
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said that it is open to conducting a clinical trial on Ivermectin if it can be used as a drug against COVID-19.
But DOH Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire reminded people who use Ivermectin not to have false hope that COVID will not hit them again.
Public warned vs. ‘abusive’ online sellers of ivermectin
She said it is possible that there is another factor so it was said that they recovered after taking the said drug which is registered not for humans but for the treatment of animals such as pigs and horses.
Explaining this, it is necessary to go through a scientific process to ensure that the drug is safe and effective.
The DOH has previously said there have been no positive results in people enrolled in clinical trials for Ivermectin as a drug with COVID-19.
Merck, the manufacturer of Ivermectin, admits that there is no scientific basis for its potential therapeutic effect on COVID-19 based on “pre-clinical” studies.
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises the public against the purchase and use of Ivermectin veterinary products against COVID-19.
Currently, the registered Ivermectin products in the country for human use are in topical formulations under prescription use only. This is used for the treatment of external parasites such as head lice and skin conditions such as rosacea.