Whatever You Do, Don’t Take Ivermectin
This bears repeating: don’t take ivermectin. The medication that treats parasitic infections came into Singapore’s mainstream media when a 65-year-old-retiree ingested the controlled drug. Now, there is even an online petition with over 2,200 signatures that called for ivermectin to be used as an outpatient treatment plan for Covid-19.
Across the causeway in Malaysia, there were two cases reported of acute poisoning from the antiparasitic drug: one was a 35-year-old who faced breathing difficulties for five days after ingesting one ivermectin pill. In another case, a senior citizen was found unconscious, after supposedly consuming 15 ivermectin pills in one sitting.
Malaysia’s National Poisons Centre cautioned against taking the drug as medication against Covid-19 while noting that there was illicit sales of the drugs. Singapore’s Health Science Authority (HSA) stated that “there is no scientific evidence from properly conducted clinical trials to prove that this medicine is effective against Covid-19.”
Meanwhile, America’s Food and Drug Administration had a dry response captured this writer’s exasperation: “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.” Even Merck, the drug’s manufacturer, has come out and advised against the use of ivermectin for Covid-19, all the way back in February.
You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it. https://t.co/TWb75xYEY4
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) August 21, 2021
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- Risks Outweigh Benefits: Ivermectin’s unproven COVID-19 use poses serious health risks, lacking scientific backing.
- No Miracle Cure: Despite online claims, evidence shows Ivermectin isn’t a silver bullet against the virus.
- Unregulated Dosing Dangers: Self-prescribing Ivermectin can lead to harmful overdoses, with potential life-threatening consequences.
- Vet Medicine Caution: People resorting to veterinary formulations risk severe toxicity and adverse effects on human health.
- Global Health Warnings: Health authorities worldwide emphasize against Ivermectin use for COVID-19, emphasizing its unproven efficacy.
- Promote Proven Measures: Focusing on established preventive measures and vaccines remains key in the fight against COVID-19.
Table of contents
How Ivermectin Picked Up Steam
Calls to use ivermectin picked up momentum started early on in the pandemic, before we had vaccines. Hospitals were overwhelmed, so people were looking for anything that could help treat Covid-19. Some latched on to ivermectin, while some doctors and scientists pondered on the possibility that the drug could prevent patients from getting Covid, or from experiencing the worst symptoms of the disease.
Then there were studies conducted on the use of ivermectin. There was one study in Australia that showed that ivermectin could potentially prevent the replication of the coronavirus. Though, it was used on cell culture in a laboratory setting (in vitro). The doctors and scientists had reservations to extrapolate from the studies. Because it would mean that you have to give patients ivermectin at high doses to prevent the replication of the virus, which would be extremely risky.
But remember, it was a moment where things were desperate. There were big outbreaks in settings like prisons, and you see people trying it because it was cheap, easy to source and because they thought it was a miracle cure. Then in November 2020, there was a major study from Cairo explored the use of ivermectin in humans, rather than just in cell culture in a lab. It showed that it could be potentially effective in treating Covid-19.
In the United States, groups were calling for the use of ivermectin, a Senator even joined in. One of the more prominent groups, the Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance gave the idea credence. The group was formed early on in the pandemic, by a network of doctors that looked at alternative cures. They propelled the use of steroids in Covid patients, which was actually effective, before turning their attention to ivermectin.
By September this year, there were reports of Singaporeans buying ivermectin online to treat Covid, despite expert warnings against it. Ivermectin is cheaper than paracetamol. Online, you can find ivermectin tablets for sale. Prices go around SGD 17 for 100 pills, including shipping. There were already three Telegram chat groups openly discussing the drugs, and even consolidated orders of it to be shipped in Singapore.
That same week, the HSA stated that it will take action against individuals who engage in the illegal sale and supply of ivermectin. Under the Health Products Act, individuals could be fined up to S$50,000 or jailed up to two years, or both, if convicted of the illegal sale of the drug.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Taking Ivermectin
Don’t take our word for it:
And that’s by the World Health Organisation, which released the statement back in March 2021. If you want studies closer to home, take a look at the study by a team of clinician-scientists from the National University Health System (NUHS).
The study team tested the various preventative therapies on more than 3,000 migrant workers in May last year, when the pandemic was at its peak in migrant dormitories. 617 of those migrant workers received ivermectin. They found that ivermectin was less effective than oral hydroxychloroquine and povidone-iodine throat spray. In fact, the study found no statistically significant differences in Covid-19 infection rates between those who took Vitamin C and those who had ivermectin.
Hang Tight
The science of Covid-19 vaccines and medications will keep changing; that is the nature of science itself. New data will come in, new information will be discovered. It’s all very confusing, we know.
Science is filled with a lack of consensus—but that is a feature, not a bug. Different hypotheses need to be tested, and conclusions are often full of caveats—‘approximations of the truth’—rather than truth itself.
Though we want a sense of certainty, good science will always take time. So let’s stick to the facts we have now.
Conclusion
In the wild world of COVID-19 treatments, steer clear of the Ivermectin mirage. The evidence isn’t there, the risks are real, and the health experts are waving red flags. Stick to the tried-and-true: vaccines, precautions, and professional medical advice. Your health is too precious for uncharted territory. Trust the science, not the trending myths. Tropika Club Magazine stands by promoting reliable information to keep you safe and informed. Remember, in the Ivermectin saga, the real superhero is science, not speculation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I buy Ivermectin over the counter in Singapore?
A: No, Ivermectin is a prescription-only medication in Singapore. It cannot be purchased over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.
Q: Is Ivermectin approved for COVID-19 treatment in Singapore?
A: No, as of now, Ivermectin is not approved by health authorities in Singapore for the treatment of COVID-19. Stick to approved medications and vaccines.
Q: Are there any authorized medications for COVID-19 in Singapore?
A: Yes, Singapore has authorized medications for COVID-19 treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for appropriate advice and prescriptions.
Q: Can Ivermectin be used as a preventive measure against COVID-19 in Singapore?
A: There’s no scientific evidence supporting Ivermectin as a preventive measure for COVID-19. Rely on approved preventive measures like vaccinations and health guidelines.
Q: Are there legal consequences for using veterinary Ivermectin formulations in Singapore?
A: Yes, using veterinary Ivermectin formulations for human consumption is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences in Singapore.
Q: Where can I find reliable information about COVID-19 in Singapore?
A: For reliable and updated information on COVID-19 in Singapore, refer to the official Ministry of Health (MOH) website and reputable healthcare sources.
Have an Article to Suggest?
Tropika Club is always looking for new and exciting content to feature in their magazine and they value the input of our readers. If you have any noteworthy content or articles that you believe would be a great addition to Tropika Club’s magazine, we are open to suggestions and encourage you to reach out to us via email at [email protected]. By doing so, Tropika Club values your expertise and knowledge in the matter and appreciates your willingness to help. We will review your recommendations and update our list accordingly
Meanwhile, Check Out Tropika Club’s Ecosystem of Websites
Tropika Club Magazine – Tropika Club Magazine is a Singapore-based publication that features articles on a wide range of topics with a focus on local businesses and content for the region. The magazine emphasizes supporting local businesses through its #SupportLocal initiative, which includes coverage of everything from neighborhood hawker stalls to aesthetic clinics in town. In addition to highlighting local businesses, Tropika Club Magazine also covers a variety of local content, including beauty, lifestyle, places, eats, and what’s on in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region.
Review
