Former National Task Force against COVID-19 special adviser Dr. Tony Leachon reacted to the free distribution of the antiparasitic drug Ivermectin by Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta and Anakalusugan Partylist Representative Mike Defensor in Barangay Matandang Balara, Quezon City, on Thursday, April 29.
According to Dr. Leachon, it’s illegal to distribute unregistered products that could pose a risk to people’s health.
“It’s unlawful to prescribe and distribute unregistered products that can potentially cause adverse events and deaths with this illegal practice,” he said.
“Randomized controlled trials are needed to prove efficacy and safety of products before FDA approval,” he noted.
He added: “As doctors, we should adhere to the promise of the Hippocratic Oath, ‘First do no harm.'”
The Hippocratic Oath is the oath of ethics of physicians. It is associated with Hippocrates, the Greek physician recognized as the Father of Medicine.
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration Philippines (FDA) issued an advisory regarding patronization of the veterinary product Ivermectin.
According to the FDA: “Per FDA Advisory No. 2021-0526 issued on 15 March 2021, the FDA advises the public AGAINST the purchase and use of Ivermectin veterinary products against COVID-19.”
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