Ivermectin ineffective vs COVID-19 – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH), citing a recent study in the US, remains steadfast in its position not to recommend Ivermectin as treatment for the coronavirus, saying the anti-parasitic drug was found not to have any effect on severe COVID-19 cases.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that “based on the latest article, the conclusion was that in comparison with standard care or placebo, Ivermectin did not reduce the all-cause mortality, length of stay or viral clearance with RCTs (randomized control trials) in COVID-19 patients with mostly mild disease.”

She said at yesterday’s press briefing that the article also stated that Ivermectin “did not have any effect on severe COVID-19.”

“It was stated in the final note that Ivermectin is not a viable option to treat COVID-19 patients,” she added.

The official was apparently referring to a June 28 article published by the National Library of Medicine of the United States’ National Institute of Health-National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Vergeire said the DOH and the government respond to COVID-19 based on science and evidence.