[ad_1]
Authorities are cracking down on the dispensing of the drug, which is used to treat and kill parasites in animals.
A health worker shows a vial of ivermectin. Image: AFP.
JOHANNESBURG / CAPE TOWN – There are growing fears that a black market could emerge for the so-called COVID-19 miracle drug, Ivermectin.
Authorities are cracking down on the dispensing of the drug, which is used to treat and kill parasites in animals.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said on Sunday that the drug was not approved for human use in the country and that any attempt to import the drug was illegal.
A 43-year-old man was arrested last week at King Shaka International Airport for being in possession of hundreds of ivermectin tablets.
Some health professionals and political parties have touted ivermectin as a miracle drug for COVID-19 patients.
But SAHPRA warned the public and physicians against distributing or consuming ivermectin until the drug’s safety and efficacy is verified.
The regulatory body said there have been no positive recommendations for the drug’s use in managing COVID-19 infections to date from any authority, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Organization. Of the health.
While it is not the first drug to attract attention as a possible lifeline against COVID-19, there is concern that people taking the unregulated product may be putting their lives at risk.
CRIMINAL CASE OPENED IN DURBAN
Meanwhile, a criminal case was opened against a pharmacist and director of a Durban hospital implicated in the dispensing of ivermectin.
Ahmed Al-Kadi Hospital was recently attacked after a pharmacist dispensed the antiparasitic drug to a patient.
A representative from SAHPRA said they received a notice that the drug was available at the facility.
“We collected evidence and confronted the hospital with this evidence. This happened on January 7. It was a joint operation with the South African Police Service, eThekwini Metro and Organized Crime. We confronted the responsible pharmacist and he admitted that he had dispensed the medicine and this was confirmed by the hospital manager.
Their investigation revealed that the drug was dispensed to patients for free.
Additionally, SAHPRA will report the matter to the pharmacy council. The investigation into the prescribing physicians is ongoing and upon completion, the HBCSA will be informed. ”
Download the Eyewitness News app on your iOS or Android device.
[ad_2]
