House to quiz FDA on barring use of

anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin vs

COVID-19
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is slated to probe the use of anti-
parasitic drug Ivermectin—a drug used in veterinary medicine—as a possible treatment
for the coronavirus. 

To recall, the country's Food and Drug Administration, an attached bureau of the
Department of Health, has barred the use of the parasite medication for the prevention
and treatment of the coronavirus.

In a statement, Rep. Helen Tan (Quezon 4th District), who chairs the House health
panel, disclosed that she scheduled a hearing on Tuesday to investigate the decision of
FDA to prevent the use of Ivermectin despite its potential and promise as a drug
treatment for virus in other countries.

“We want to know what causes the skyrocketing spike in cases, we want to know the status of
the government’s contact tracing efforts, and we want to know what treatments are available out
there so we can save as many patients as possible from this deadly disease,” Tan, a medical
doctor, said.

On Thursday, Rep. Enrico Pineda (1-PACMAN Party-list) filed a House resolution

demanding the FDA explain its decision on Ivermectin.

Pineda claimed Ivermectin "was found to reduce the effects of COVID-19 on infected
patients when used with vitamins and supplements."

“While we understand the prudence being exercised by the FDA, this is quite an
unprecedented international health emergency,” he said.

Pineda tested positive for COVID-19 in September 2020 but is not a medical doctor. 

Can it actually cure COVID-19?

Experts have acknowledged that claims of success taking the animal drug are
anecdotal at best, however.  

Regardless of supposed gains, the FDA has said that using animal drugs like Ivermectin
in humans can cause serious harm as these are “often highly concentrated and can be
highly toxic to humans.”

In its advisory, the FDA also said that the drug, used for the treatment of external
parasites such as head lice, "should only be administered according to its approved
indication, or as prescribed by a duly-licensed veterinarian." 
“Any use of Ivermectin veterinary products for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19
should be avoided as the benefits and safety for this purpose has not been established,”
it said, adding that clinical trials are needed to determine whether the drug is safe and
effective in treat or preventing COVID-19.

Experts warned last year that the FDA's failure to hold anyone accountable for the use
of unauthorized and smuggled Sinopharm vaccines by the Presidential Security Group
would set a dangerous precedent and would cast doubt on the credibility of the
regulatory agency. — Franco Luna