COVID-19: Think Twice if You're Considering Ivermectin

Previously, proponents of Ivermectin were hopeful the drug may be considered in current COVID-19 treatments. However, come Wednesday (Oct 3), The Ministry of Health released a statement regarding the ineffectiveness of the Ivermectin drug against COVID-19 infections. A recent clinical study conducted locally found that the drug does not inhibit severe cases of COVID-19. Neither does it prevent severe cases of COVID-19, said the Health Ministry. Health director-general Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah mentioned the the I-tech study was conducted by the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR). Findings revealed those prescribed with Ivermectin instead experienced effects three times more adverse, with the most common effects being diarrhoea. The 'COVID-19 Drug' Proven Ineffective In a statement on Wednesday, Dr. Noor Hisham explained the study involved a total of 500 hospitalised COVID-19 patients of Stages Two to Three. The study was to investigate if Ivermectin administered during the first week of illness is successful in preventing the deterioration of the patients' stage of COVID-19 infection. They were all aged 50 years and above, with at least one comorbidity. Patients in the study were randomly divided into two groups: those enduring five-day Ivermectin treatment (0.4mg/kg/day) with standard care and those prescribed only standard care. Data from the study showed no difference in the patients' rate of progression to severe stages. The drug therefore cannot be used in current COVID-19 treatments as there is no supporting data proving its effectiveness to this date. Principal investigator of the I-Tech study, Dr. Steven Lim Chee Loon is an infectious disease specialist at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh in Perak. According to him, patients administered with Ivermectin displayed no significant difference. This was in terms of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, symptom recovery, blood parameters and chest x-ray resolution. “Based on the outcomes of the I-Tech study, Ivermectin cannot be recommended for inclusion in current Covid-19 treatment guidelines as Ivermectin does not reduce the risk of severe illness from Covid-19,” - Health director-general, Dr. Noor Hisham. Presently, the Health Ministry warns the public and practitioners that Ivermectin can only be used within clinical trial settings with monitoring. Until further evidence are obtained, practitioners are cautioned against recommending and prescribing the Ivermectin drug. This includes illegal advertising or sale of the drug for COVID-19 treatment. Ivermectin Doesn't Treat COVID-19 Image credit: Shutterstock For years or even decades, the drug Ivermectin was used to treat very specific indications. They were chiefly, animal diseases and certain anti-parasite treatments like head lice, river blindness, filariasis and hookworm infections most common in tropical countries. “Our studies show that Ivermectin is not recommended for treatment of COVID-19. Those claiming otherwise should accept this. We hope people will stop using Ivermectin for Covid-19 immediately." -Malaysian Pharmacists Society president, Amrahi Buang. When the pandemic started its course around the globe, people began to adopt Ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment drug. Unfortunately, the truth is that this fell under a misinformation of the drug's use and effects on COVID-19 symptoms. Many manufacturers of the Ivermectin drug still carry warnings of its side effects on its packaging. Considering findings from the clinical study, health experts echo a unanimous agreement Ivermectin still requires rigorous process of technical evaluation. The Use of Ivermectin as a COVID-19 Drug Is Illegal The Ministry of Health, along with numerous medical experts of the country now warns the public and practitioners against the use of Ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Dr. Koh Kar Chai, president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), declared any attempts to purchase or prescribe Ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment goes against the law. He reaffirms instead, any doctors wishing to use this drug needs to proceed first with an application for use in clinical trials. More experts such as Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association president Datuk Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar also share the same sentiments. He stated, the drug currently is never used for prescriptions or general treatments. Prescriptions are obtained under very limited indications instead. So, think twice this time before even considering Ivermectin to treat COVID-19. As attested by experts, further supportive evidence still needs to be obtained prior to its administration as a form of COVID-19 treatment drug. For plenty more entertaining, insightful reads and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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