Some who have taken ivermectin, which was first identified as an anti-parasitic drug in animals but is said to be able to use against COVID-19, have experienced various reactions in the body.
One week after taking ivermectin, the 3 barangay frontliners in Barangay Matandang Balara in Quezon City did not feel any different.
They were just a few of the residents there who received 10 capsules each of ivermectin distributed by Ankalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor and Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta.
“Wala naman po akong naramdaman na nahilo ako, nagsuka ako, wala naman pong ganu’n… Siyempre precaution is better than cure,” said Rico Abogadie.
But not everyone who takes ivermectin is lucky.
The 57-year-old mother of alias “Anne,” was just convinced by friends to take ivermectin as well.
But after 2 weeks, the mother was still hit by COVID-19.
She was not immediately taken to the hospital and she continued to take ivermectin for 5 days still based on the recommendation of her friends.
Women who self-medicated ivermectin acquires COVID-19
“On the 6th or 7th day nu’ng symptoms niya, nag-start siyang mag-worsen… That was the time na sinabihan na niya kami na hanapan na daw siya ng ospital, hindi na niya kaya, sobrang sama na ng pakiramdam niya,” said Anne.
When they found a hospital, the mother still had to be intubated and admitted to the ICU.
It was also learned that the mother took self-medicated and only took ivermectin without consulting a doctor, instead of going to the hospital immediately.
“Talagang ano na medyo kritikal na ‘yung case niya nu’n… If ganu’n kasi, for me, it just means the ivermectin did not work at all… Thankfully after 3 weeks in the hospital ok naman na siya ngayon, she was able to recover,” said Anne.
According to Dr. Iggy Agbayani, one of the doctors who promotes the use of ivermectin against COVID-19, there are studies that say ivermectin anti-inflammatory properties so it can be used prophylaxis or preventive medicine against COVID-19.
But in the case of Anne’s mother, it is said that she may not have taken enough doses and that she has a different health condition.
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