President Duterte was hopeful that Ivermectin can be used as a “palliative” or “preventive” drug against COVID-19.
On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte was hopeful that Ivermectin can be used as a “palliative” or “preventive” drug against COVID-19.
In a televised address on Wednesday night, President Duterte admitted that he was hoping for favorable outcome of the studies on Ivermectin as a possible “preventive” or “palliative” drug against COVID-19.
The President even dropped hints about his readiness to try the medication if Ivermectin got the approval of the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“I am praying that Ivermectin could be of use to maski ano na lang, palliative na ma — hindi ka mahawa kaagad. There has to be an effect in that thing there that is being introduced into your body kasi kung for preventive mayroon ka, kung maglabas ‘yan that’s what also I am hoping that it will turn out that way that we can use it,” President Duterte said.
President Duterte made the remarks after asking FDA Director-General Eric Domingo on how soon the studies on the use of the said drug as a potential COVID-19 treatment will be completed.
Domingo then told President Duterte that the results of the clinical studies may be known in one or two months.
READ ALSO | Domingo: FDA No Authority Over Lawmakers In Ivermectin Distribution
Earlier, the Food and Drug Administration advised the public against the use of Ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 because of lack of data to support its efficacy and safety.
However, six hospitals had been given compassionate special permit (CSP) to use Ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment.
Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor have likewise been giving away free capsules to their constituents.
President Duterte said that thousands of people were also waiting for the positive result of the clinical studies on the use of the said drug. The President also noted that many doctors had already attested to the efficacy of the medication.
READ ALSO: PMA Warns Physicians vs Prescribing Ivermectin Outside Of Hospitals Granted Compassionate Use
President Duterte then asked Domingo if he knew of “an iota of success” about the said drug as a COVID-19 treatment.
Domingo maintained that it was prudent to wait for the completion of the clinical studies in order to get clearer evidence on the effect of Ivermectin.
He also noted that some studies would show benefits while others didn’t. Domingo also promised to update President Duterte as soon as the results of the clinical studies on the use of the said drug as a COVID-19 treatment were released.
President Duterte then expressed hope that doctors backing Ivermectin wouldn’t be ignored.
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