Can't Be Carelessly, COVID-19 Task Force Asks Local Government To Monitor Use Of Ivermectin Drugs

COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito (Photo: BNPB dock)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, asked local governments that have received assistance for the drug ivermectin to monitor its distribution and use.

This is because the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) reminds the public that the use of ivermectin must be according to a doctor's prescription and should not be consumed carelessly.

"Prudence is very important in using this drug and it must be under recommendations, based on observations and certain indications by doctors. Please for areas that have received ivermectin assistance to ensure that its use is by BPOM recommendations", said Wiku in a Youtube video broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat, Friday, June 11th.

Wiku said, in principle, until now research related to the discovery of drugs and therapeutic efforts for COVID-19 is still being carried out and the results are developing.

"As a follow-up, to ensure the efficacy and safety of using ivermectin in the treatment of COVID-19, the Indonesian Ministry of Health's Balitbangkes will soon conduct a follow-up study involving several hospitals", he explained.

Previously, the Head of BPOM Penny K. Lukito said that Ivermectin has antiviral potential in in-vitro tests in the laboratory.

However, more convincing scientific evidence is needed regarding its safety, efficacy, and effectiveness as a COVID-19 drug through further clinical trials.

It is known that ivermectin 12 mg caplet is registered in Indonesia for worm infection indications (worm medicine). Ivermectin is a strong drug that must be purchased with a doctor's prescription and its use under the supervision of a doctor.

"Ivermectin used without medical indications and a doctor's prescription in the long term can cause side effects, including muscle/joint pain, skin rash, fever, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome", Penny explained in his statement.

As a precaution, the Drug and Food Supervisor of the Republic of Indonesia has asked the public not to buy Ivermectin drugs freely without a doctor's prescription, including buying through online platforms.

"For the sale of Ivermectin drugs, including online without a doctor's prescription, sanctions can be imposed by applicable regulations", he concluded.