Potential to save lives: An intensive care doctor argues for ‘compassionate use’ of ivermectin for Covid-19

Debate is raging about the use of a long-established anti-parasitic drug, ivermectin, that shows strong evidence of efficacy in the treatment of Covid-19. Although SA’s regulatory authority continues to prohibit its use, as it fulfils its legal and ethical mandate to ensure efficacy and safety of all drugs in the country, it also recognises that it is being used widely ‘off-label’.

We know that Maverick Citizen respects and protects the crucial role of the South Africa Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in ensuring efficacy and safety of medicines. However, where the need is urgent and immediate, we also think that public debate of the evidence on which its decisions are based is also important. The use of Ivermectin is a case in point.

Here, a frontline intensive care doctor explains why he thinks there are strong medical grounds to make ivermectin available for compassionate use……more

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