Singaporeans Buy Ivermectin To Treat Covid-19 Despite Inconclusive Evidence
Covid-19 has firmly gripped the world for almost 2 years now, and researchers are still endeavouring to discover a cure.
Perhaps out of desperation, some have resorted to consuming drugs that are not scientifically proven to be effective against the Covid-19 virus.
In particular, some Singapore residents have reportedly been purchasing an unproven anti-parasite drug called Ivermectin.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has since issued an advisory urging Singaporeans not to self-medicate with the drug.
Some Singaporeans buy Ivermectin for Covid-19 via Telegram
Recently, some Singaporeans have been buying a drug named Ivermectin that’s believed to treat Covid-19, reports TODAY Online.
Ivermectin is often used to treat parasite infestations. While humans can consume small doses for infestations like head lice, some animals like horses require larger doses of the drug.
Since Ivermectin cannot be bought over the counter in Singapore, some have resorted to purchasing it in bulk from other countries, such as India. They’d reportedly do so through a Telegram group chat.
Checks conducted by MS News on 8 Sep show that users were still spreading information about Ivermectin being a Covid-19 cure.
Image from Telegram groupÂ
Several have also indicated their interest to obtain Ivermectin from other countries.
Image from Telegram group
Health authorities advise against taking Ivermectin for Covid-19
In March, the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned that Ivermectin should only be used to treat Covid-19 in clinical trials.
It also said that evidence of Ivermectin’s effectiveness against Covid-19 is “inconclusive”.
Speaking to TODAY Online, HSA warned that self-medicating with the parasitical drug can be dangerous.
Consuming large doses of the drug could reportedly result in symptoms such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- hypotension
- allergic reactions
- dizziness
- ataxia
- seizures
- coma
And sometimes, even death. The authorities take a serious view of anyone selling or supplying drugs like Ivermectin in Singapore.
Beware of fake news & speculations
While the burning desire for a Covid-19 cure is understandable, we hope Singaporeans will practise caution against unproven drugs as they might cause more harm than good.
When it comes to information on Covid-19, refer to trusted sources and do not rely solely on hearsay or unverified sources.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.Â
