SOE Minister Erick Thohir said 4 million Ivermectin would be produced per month for Covid-19 therapeutic drugs. "We have started production, and God willing, with a production capacity of 4 million (tablets) per month, this drug is expected to be a solution for Covid-19," said Erick. Strongyloidiasis and Onchocerciasis). BPOM also said this drug still requires clinical trials to be used as a treatment for Covid-19.
Need clinical trials
The head of BPOM, Penny K Lukito, emphasized that further scientific support was needed for the use of Ivermectin as a Covid-19 therapeutic drug in Indonesia. By scientific support, he meant clinical trials.
Remember, Ivermectin contains harsh chemicals that can cause various side effects. Although there are indications that it helps to heal, Ivermectin cannot yet be categorized as a Covid-19 drug. "If we say a Covid-19 drug product must go through clinical trials first, but this drug of course with a doctor's prescription can be used as one of the therapies in treating the disease. protocol for the treatment of Covid-19" said PennyBPOM in a press statement regarding the confusion over the use of Ivermectin as a Covid-19 therapeutic drug in Indonesia. Here are the facts regarding Ivermectin:
1. There is potential
BPOM said that research for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19 had stated that Ivermectin had antiviral potential in in-vitro tests in the laboratory. However, there is no more convincing scientific evidence regarding its safety, efficacy, and effectiveness as a Covid-19 drug. The scientific evidence can only be done through further clinical trials.
2. Worm medicine
So far, the circulating license for the use of the drug Ivermectin is only for indications of worm infection (Strongyloidiasis and Onchocerciasis). Ivermectin 12 mg caplet is registered with the BPOM.
This drug is given in a single dose of 150-200 mcg/kg body weight with use once a year. Ivermectin is also a strong drug that must be purchased with a doctor's prescription and its use under the supervision of a doctor.
3. Side effects
Ivermectin used without a medical indication and a doctor's prescription in the long term can cause some side effects. These side effects include muscle or joint pain, skin rash, fever, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
4. Expired
The production of Ivermectin for treatment in humans in Indonesia is still relatively new. Therefore, the POM Agency gave an expiration date of 6 months for the drug. The public is advised not to use the drug for more than 6 months from the production date stated on the packaging.
5. Don't buy online
BPOM found a lot of Ivermectin that is sold freely through online platforms. As a form of caution, BPOM asks the public not to buy Ivermectin drugs freely without a doctor's prescription, including through online platforms.
Ivermectin should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. If you get a doctor's prescription, you can buy Ivermectin at official pharmaceutical service facilities, such as pharmacies and hospitals.
Those are the facts about Ivermectin. Before using Ivermectin for Covid-19 therapeutic drugs, consult your doctor.
Meanwhile, PT Harsen Laboratories apologizes to Badam POM RI and the wider community for the circulation of excessive information (overclaim) for the Ivermectin drug under the brand Ivermax12 for the treatment of Corona. PT Harsen Laboratories also recalled this product.
This apology was conveyed directly by the President Director of PT Harsen Laboratories Haryoseno through an announcement broadcast by the mass media. Apart from apologizing, PT Harsen Laboratories clarified that Ivermac12 or Ivermectin is an anthelmintic.
"PT Harsen Laboratories apologizes to the wider community for the excessive information (overclaim) about the Ivermax12 product that we produce and distribute. We clarify here that the Marketing Permit we received from BPOM RI for Ivermax12 is for the treatment of intestinal worms and that it is true that Ivermax12 is a strong drug that must be used with a doctor's prescription," said Haryoseno in his apology addition, PT Harsen apologized to the POM Agency for the circulation of opinions from a number of people who claimed to be PT Harsen's party.
"We, the Board of Directors of PT Harsen Laboratories, apologize profusely to the POM RI, wherein various mass media Mr. Sofia Koswara, Iskandar Purnomo Hadi, and Dr. Riyo Kristian Utomo, who referred to themselves as Vice President, Director of Communications, and Director of PT Harsen Laboratories. Marketing of PT Harsen Laboratories has led public opinion to do their own COVID-19 treatment, and resulted in people buying Ivermax12 without a prescription and supervision from a doctor," he said.
"In addition, the statements of the three in various mass media have harmed the integrity and good name of the POM Agency," he continued.
PT Harsen also followed up on the findings from the Indonesian POM regarding Ivermectin. In addition, the product will be immediately withdrawn from circulation.
"We, the Board of Directors of PT Harsen, also apologize to the Indonesian POM for the critical findings that were found when the Indonesian POM Agency inspected PT Harsen Laboratories' facilities regarding the production and distribution of Ivermax12. For this matter, the Indonesian POM Agency has given action to PT Hansen Laboratories in the form of Temporary Termination of Ivermax12 Production Facility Activities," said Haryoseno.