MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the distribution of Ivermectin is illegal since the drug is not yet allowed for compassionate use.
FDA chairman Eric Domingo made the warning after Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor said on Monday is eyeing to distribute Ivermectin to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and the elderly in Quezon City.
“Kung unregistered po kasi bawal po talaga iyon o unauthorized. ‘Di ko po alam baka meron silang compounding pharmacy na kausap na magrereseta at gagawin,” Domingo told ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo on Tuesday.
However, Domingo said people can access the anti-parasitic drug through a licensed pharmacist who can do compounding provided they have doctor’s prescription.
“Ivermectin compounded by a licensed pharmacist in the country is not illegal because the presumption behind that is that there was a prescription from a doctor before that,” Domingo said.
“Iba ang components ng veterinary Ivermectin. Iba rin ang Ivermectin compounded by a pharmacist for humans kaya kailangan ang proper prescription diyan,” he added.
Meanwhile, Defensor defended his plan to distribute the veterinary drug – which is used against worm infestations and parasites in animals – to the sick and senior citizens in the city.
“We’re following the law,” Defensor said. “I am not selling Ivermectin or prescribing it. I am only giving people access to it.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH) have warned against the use of Ivermectin for COVID-19.
Ivermectin manufacturer Merck, also said there is no scientific basis showing that the anti-parasite drug is effective against the virus./PN
