Ivermectin still not authorised for Covid-19 treatment
SAHPRA said its position remains steadfast and that it has not issued a green light yet for the use of Ivermectin.
THE South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) on Monday refuted claims that it has authorised Ivermectin for the treatment of Covid-19.
This comes after Afriforum sent out a press statement saying “doctors can prescribe Ivermectin to patients if they deem it necessary”.
“This is grossly untrue, misleading to the public and irresponsible and could have dire consequences,” said the regulator.
SAHPRA said its position remains steadfast and that it has not issued a green light yet for the use of Ivermectin.
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“Ivermectin may be prescribed and dispensed to patients without awaiting Section 21 authorisation, but is still subject to receiving Section 21 authorisation, informed consent and all reporting requirements normally required under Section 21,” SAHPRA explained.
SAHPRA said the unregistered Ivermectin-containing finished pharmaceutical products may only be accessed under SAHPRA’s Ivermectin Controlled Compassionate Use Programme Guideline through the authorised suppliers of such products.
Meanwhile, the entity said it has registered Soolantra cream, which is for topical treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory lesions of papulopustular rosacea or acne-like rash in adult patients.
However, it has stressed that the Soolantra cream is not for the prevention or treatment of Covid-19.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.
