QC gov't urges DOH, FDA to make clear stand on use of ivermectin

The Quezon City Health Department  (CHD)called on the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health to make a clear stand on the safety and general use of anti-parasitic drug ivermectin.

In a statement on Thursday, CHD officer-in-charge Esperanza Arias said a firm position by both departments will help set the record straight on the legality and efficacy of the drug, including its distribution to the public.

This came following reports of the distribution of ivermectin to residents of Old Balara where each beneficiary supposedly received a minimum of three capsules or tablets, the CHD said.

"We were not given a go-signal by the FDA to use ivermectin as prophylaxis or cure against COVID-19 since it's still pending further studies. Hence, we cannot use it nor endorse it," Arias said.

"But on the other hand, we cannot also stop the distribution since use of it against COVID has not been declared illegal as well," she added.

The CHD advised residents to remain vigilant as the drug has yet to be proven effective against COVID-19.

"The city government continues to stand by the science-backed recommendation that vaccine is still the safe and effective way of protecting people against COVID-19, together with the strict adherence to minimum health standards," Arias said.

Further, Arias hopes that Anakalusugan Partylist Representative Mike Defensor and House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta would accept accountability for any adverse effects their distribution activity may cause the general population in the future.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the Department of Justice has yet to determine whether the exemptions set by FDA on the use of ivermectin as COVID-19 treatment has sound legal basis, following the plan of two congressmen to distribute the anti-parasitic drug.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News