The use of Ivermectin sparks debate among locals

Some Lowvelders have resolved to use the much-discussed animal antifungal drug, Ivermectin, to treat Covid-19-related illness.

This is despite the prescription, issuing and use of Ivermectin currently being under the control of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

Sam Noko (not his real name) said he had been referred to the drug by a friend who had previously used it. “I was tested positive with Covid-19 and had pains in my chest. My friend brought me the packet of tablets. After taking a few of them, all of the Covid-19 symptoms I had, disappeared. I was totally cleared of the disease,” he said.

Mpumalanga News has since learned that some shops in the region now discriminate against some potential customers when it comes to selling the drug. A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that she had fallen victim to such discrimination in one known shop in Mbombela. “I was told the drug was finished, but then it was sold to another customer after me,” she claimed.

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  SAHPRA has cautioned against its use of the drug as there are no documented studies or research to prove it is effective or useful towards the treatment of Covid-19.

A local medical practitioner, Dr Eric Khumalo, said, “Ivermectin itself as a drug was registered in 1975 to treat antifungal infections in animals. So, it is an antifungal while Covid-19 is a virus. It is a once-off dosage drug taken orally. Some countries have registered Ivermectin for use by humans and do use it. Unfortunately, in South Africa it is registered for use in animals and there is no known, effective and safe dose documented for human use”.

Khumalo added that SAHPRA had also cautiously allowed for its use (despite the lack of research and studies to prove its use and efficiency in humans), under Section 21.  

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“This means that whoever needs to use it must first apply for permission from SAHPRA using the appropriate documentation, and it can only be issued and used once permission has been granted by SAHPRA.

“Those who prescribe, dispense or use the drug without permission from SAHPRA are breaking the law,” added Khumalo.

“Right now, it is difficult to say that Ivermectin fights the Covid-19 virus, and at the same time we are not certain about its safety in human use, because it is a drug that has been used in animals to fight infections.

“My view on the matter is simple: prevention is better than cure. We already have four or five drugs or products that have been punted to fight Covid-19, but have dismally failed when put to the test,” he said.

“Having said the above, I think Ivermectin will not solve our problems towards the treatment of Covid-19,” concluded Khumalo.