DOH to endorse reports of invalid ivermectin prescriptions to PRC

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said reports of invalid prescriptions issued during two lawmakers’ distribution of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin will be "officially endorsed" to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

In a statement, the agency said it will forward the reports to the PRC to determine their veracity and “impose sanctions as deemed necessary, based on existing laws.”

“Those who received the prescriptions and the drugs [may] report any invalid prescriptions to the PRC, and any adverse reactions to the FDA at (02) 8809-5596 or pharmacovigilance@fda.gov.ph,” the DOH said.

During an ivermectin distribution project led by Representatives Rodante Marcoleta and Mike Defensor, members of the Concerned Doctors and Citizens PH wrote prescriptions on a sheet of paper instead of a prescription pad.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III pointed out that prescriptions must contain the doctor’s name, address, professional registration number, and tax receipt number as well as the patient’s name, age, sex, and date of prescription, among others.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had launched a probe on the allegations.

The DOH and FDA urged the public to be “vigilant and sufficiently assess any prescriptions provided to them, as these prescriptions will protect them and ensure accountability from the issuing professional.”

The agencies also maintained that current evidence does not support the use of ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment.

“Moreover, the danger of self-administering this drug is concerning, which is why we call on the public to refrain from self-medicating and indiscriminately using this potentially harmful product,” Duque was quoted as saying.

The World Health Organization, US FDA, European Medicines Agency, and ivermectin manufacturer Merck also do not support the use of the drug as a COVID-19 treatment.

The Philippines’ clinical trial for ivermectin will start in May or June in a bid to gather more data on its effects on COVID-19 patients.  — DVM, GMA News