PETALING JAYA: The use of anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin as an early intervention tactic could help to reduce the strain on Malaysia’s health system and put the country on the fast track to recovery, a health group has claimed.
The Malaysian Alliance for Effective Covid Control said that the treatment, which is not currently approved for use to treat Covid-19, is a safe and effective way to prevent more severe cases of the disease.
Currently, the health ministry, World Health Organization and the US-based Food and Drug Administration all do not recommend the use of Ivermectin to prevent or treat Covid-19.
Clinical trials in Malaysia for the use of the drug are underway, with these involving the drug’s application in high-risk, late stage patients.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr Amir Farid Isahak, who had his clinic raided last week for offering the drug to patients, put out an urgent appeal to the government regarding the need for a different strategy that includes Ivermectin.
“Globally, many countries are dealing with the pandemic differently, and based on these experiences we have to seriously consider using Ivermectin as a prophylactic and therapeutic modality,” he said.
“We plead with the government to exercise its emergency powers to fast-track the use of Ivermectin and appropriate supplements for immune enhancements for all individuals in quarantine stations and home quarantine.”
He cited 14 clinical trials of the drug as a prophylactic which showed 85% improvement, and 23 early treatment trials that showed 78% improvement.
“Large reductions in Covid-19 deaths are possible, and using Ivermectin early could reduce numbers progressing to severe disease. We are very confident this pandemic can be terminated sooner rather than later.”
While some trials of Ivermectin have shown promising results, many have been criticised for relying on small sample sizes or displaying elements of bias.
“We urge the government to position this drug and repurpose it as early therapy in patients,” Amir said.
Article by: Free Malaysia Today
HEALTH GROUP PLEADS FOR USE OF IVERMECTIN TO TREAT COVID-19