THE Department of Health (DOH) said it will endorse to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) the reports on the issuance of invalid prescriptions to use the antiparasitic drug ivermectin as treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"The DOH will officially endorse the reports to the PRC to investigate the veracity of the reports and impose sanctions as deemed necessary, based on existing laws," the DOH said in a statement Friday evening, April 30, 2021.

The DOH issued the statement in the wake of reports that invalid doctors’ prescriptions were issued when Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor and Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta gave out free ivermectin tablets.

According to the DOH, a valid prescription should contain the date of prescription, and patient’s name, age and sex, as well as pertinent details about the prescribing physician, such as name, office address, professional regulation number, and professional tax receipt number (if applicable).

The DOH called on those who received the alleged invalid prescriptions to report these to the PRC.

They should also report any adverse reactions from the drug to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We urge the public to be vigilant and sufficiently assess any prescriptions provided to them, as these prescriptions will protect them and ensure accountability from the issuing professional," said the DOH.

Defensor and Marcoleta distributed free ivermectin tablets, which are not approved for use in humans in the Philippines. Ivermectin is approved in the Philippines only as antiparasitic treatment for animals.

The FDA has, however, issued a compassionate special permit to two hospitals, allowing each to secure one drug per 100 patients as potential Covid-19 treatment.

FDA also allows compounding pharmacies to make the drug based on the prescription from specific doctors from the two hospitals.

FDA Director General Eric Domingo earlier said the two hospitals are expected to closely monitor and regularly report on the status of their patients. They are also accountable for any adverse effects.

DOH Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stressed that the compassionate special permit is not the same as a a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) for drug products.

"This is not a form of registration of medicines. This means you still cannot distribute, sell, or even market these kinds of medicines (with CSP)," Vergeire had said.

On Friday, Vergeire said DOH will conduct an investigation into the distribution of ivermectin, “if deemed necessary.” (HDT / SunStar Philippines)