Don't Carelessly Use Ivermectin For COVID-19 Drugs, First Know The Side Effects

JAKARTA - Ivermectin, known as an anthelmintic, is claimed to be able to reduce COVID-19 cases in East Semarang, Sragen, and Kudus. Research on the use of Invermectin is also currently underway.

The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has issued an approval for the implementation of clinical trials (PPUK) for the drug ivermectin. However, it should be noted that this permit is only for clinical trial research.

Before using Invermectin as a COVID-19 drug, know the following important points of using Invermectin.

- Do not carelessly consume

Despite issuing PPUK, Head of BPOM Penny K. Lukito emphasized that the public should not buy drugs carelessly as an effort to cure or treat COVID-19 patients.

"The use of anti-viral, anti-parasitic drugs, antibiotics which are strong drugs must be based on doctor's instructions that can be obtained from consultations," said Penny in a virtual press conference, Friday, July 2.

Penny said, a number of drugs circulating and trusted by the public are hard drugs and there is no official permit to be used for COVID-19 patients.

Therefore, all efforts to cure the corona virus must be carried out through direct consultation with doctors, or through telemedicine.

"People are advised to buy hard drugs, they must use a doctor's prescription. That is the BPOM appeal that we always remind the public," he said.

The Expert Council of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI) Yahdiana Harahap said the results of scientific studies stated that ivermectin did not provide a healing effect for COVID-19 patients.

He cited the results of a study from Oxford University from England. In that study, ivermectin with a placebo was administered to patients. As a result, there was no significant difference between ivermectin and the given placebo.

"In conclusion, this drug does not have an effect as an antiviral for COVID-19. Then, based on a journal in the United States, a study was conducted on 476 COVID-19 patients. It also had no effect," explained Yahdiana.

In addition, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI) Keri Lestari asked the public not to take ivermectin drugs just for the sake of preventing COVID-19. Moreover, only hearing information circulating without medical recommendations.

This is because the WHO stated that ivermectin has not been recommended as a drug for the treatment of COVID-19. WHO only provides guidance on the drug ivermectin in clinical trials.

"There is widespread information that ivermectin can be used for prevention. I emphasize that the recommended treatment for COVID-19 is for those with indications of severity," said Keri.

Keri said that the drug profile of ivermectin is an anthelmintic. In accordance with the distribution permit of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), it is stated that the drug is only used once a year.

"So if it is used for prevention in long-term routine use, it requires a special attention and requires further proof," he said.

- Watch out for side effects

Keri explained the side effects that will be felt for ivermectin users only for the sake of prevention and without consulting a doctor. Remember, ivermectin is a hard drug.

Based on reports received by IAI, the most common side effects of using ivermectin are nausea and dizziness. Not only that, there are also certain syndromes that can cause prolonged health problems.

"There have also been reports of multiorgan failure. This is something to watch out for when its use is not controlled," explained Keri.

"So, I ask all parties to refrain from working together so that this problem can be resolved without giving new problems," he added.