• There is no clinical evidence to prove that antiparasitic drug, Ivermectin can treat corona virus.
• In Zambia, Ivermectin is only authorised for use in animals and not humans.
• Veterinary medicines distributors will be liable for prosecution if they misuse medicines.
Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has advised the public against self-prescribing with Ivermectin injection as there is no clinical data to support its safety and use in the fight against COVID-19 in humans.
ZAMRA Senior Public Relations Officer, Christabel Illiamupu told Money FM that currently in Zambia, Ivermectin has been registered and authorised for veterinary use only.
‘‘There is no conclusive clinical data to support the efficacy of Iverrmectin in the context of COVID-19,” she said.
Mrs. Illiamupu urged the public to refrain from self-prescribing with any unauthorised medical products as it may lead to adverse side effects, but adhere to the current Ministry of Health guidelines on prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Illiamupu cautioned importers and distributors of veterinary medicines to adhere to good distribution practices and standard treatment guidelines.
Mrs. Illiamupu said distributors that will be found misusing medicines and not adhering to the guidelines will be prosecuted in line with the provisions of the law.
‘Non adherence to the standard treatment guidelines(STGs) by the distributors will result in into prosecution,’’ she said.