The South Africa Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has once again made its concerns clear that the public should not be using Ivermectin for the treatment of Covid-19.
In a statement, SAHPRA said that they agree with the stance of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA): “SAHPRA echoes the USFDA’s stance that Ivermectin does not have proven antiviral properties against SARS-COV-2, but it is currently used to treat parasitic conditions in animals.”
“It is also used to treat certain conditions in humans such as very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea,” SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela said.
Soolantra Cream, which contains ivermectin, is registered with SAHPRA. The cream is used for the topical treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory lesions of papulopustular rosacea in adult patients. It is stated clearly that this is also not suitable for the prevention or treatment of Covid-19.
SAHPRA to keep an eye on illegal sales of Ivermectin
According to Semete-Makokotlela, SAHPRA is monitoring the illegal sale of Ivermectin by unprincipled individuals.
“As SAHPRA’s focus is on the health and well-being of the South African public, we continuously engage the scientific and medical community to explore the options for controlled, monitored access to reliable quality ivermectin-containing products for human use with simple but essential reporting requirements,” he said.
SAHPRA reminds the citizens that they should not buy and drug online or from unauthorised dealers. It is also reminded that only medical professionals should oversee medical treatment of any disease.