Mike Defensor to give away ivermectin to QC's COVID-19 patients

Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor on Monday said that he would distribute anti-parasitic drug ivermectin to treat patients infected with coronavirus disease in Quezon City even if it's still unregistered for human use.

In a Facebook post, Defensor said those with comorbidities and senior citizens would be prioritized while the supply was limited.

"Magpadala ng private message sa itong Facebook Page: Malayang Quezon City upang makuha ang kumpletong detalye para makakuha ng ivermectin," he said.

[Please send a private message to Malayang Quezon City to get a complete detail for getting ivermectin.]

In a Viber message to reporters, the lawmaker claimed that the drug is still "safe" and might be effective despite zero clinical trials on using the ivermectin to treat virus-hit patients.

"It is very very safe. So while the studies are not yet conclusive, taking it will not harm our bodies. What if it proves to be effective?" Defensor said.

"We were able to save thousands of lives who would not have died because the hospitals cannot anymore accommodate them or the medication was not effective," he added.

The  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had yet to approve the application for compassionate use of ivermectin for humans.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the FDA will look into Defensor's distribution of the drug.

"This has been forwarded to the FDA Enforcement Unit. We will provide updates once available," the department told reporters. --NB, GMA News