The Authority recently issued a Press Release warning the public against the use of conventional and traditional medicines to prevent, manage and treat COVID-19. One of the drug being reported is Ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasitic infections. It is being alleged that the drug is effective in preventing and treating COVID-19.

The public was being notified that PMRA registered Ivermectin for human use for the treatment of parasitic infections such as river blindness and not COVID-19. In view of this, PMRA would like to inform the general public that it was unsafe to use a medicinal product outside its intended use. The general public is therefore advised to desist from self-medicating with Ivermectin for prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

Regarding use of herbal and traditional medicines to prevent, manage and treat COVID-19, the general public was being notified that no herbal remedy has been found to prevent or treat COVID-19. PMRA warned the general public of the danger of herbal and traditional medicines as these may pose unspecified long-term health risks to individuals.