If you get sick with Covid-19, Dr. Alberto Santana, a leading Dominican gastroenterologist, says that of the experimental drugs being used locally, ivermectin is the one with the least side effects of drugs in use in the Dominican Republic. In a statement sent to DR1, he shared his opinion:
“There is currently no specific medication for the treatment of Covid-19. For this reason, drugs are being used that are known to attack inflammation and viral load in known diseases, for which they are approved by the United States’ FDA; not to fight the coronavirus.
“Observational studies have been done, but comparative studies with placebo and other drugs would have to be carried out to determine if these can be effective drugs against the coronavirus.
“90% of the cases of patients infected with Covid-19 resolve sporadically.
“Among the drugs used is ivermectin, an antiparasitic used in gastroenterology, which also blocks viral replication of Rotavirus enteritis.
“The only published study describing the use of ivermectin for coronavirus was conducted in Australia. It was a study with few patients and does not specify the dosage of the drug for coronavirus treatment.
“The prescribed dose for intestinal parasites is 6 mg single dose and could be repeated after 72 hours.
“For scabies (in animals) where it has been used for more than 30 years, the dose is 0.2-0.4 mg per kg subcutaneous weight for three consecutive days and repeated in three weeks.
“Ivermectin has few side effects at these doses. I do not recommend that you take preventive medicine; it should be taken only with your doctor’s permission. However, this drug is not as harmful and has fewer side effects than other drugs being used as an empirical treatment for virus eradication. Also, the cost is not as high.
“Observationally, it has worked for some doctors and further research is needed to say that it is an effective treatment for coronavirus.”
The treatment has been used at the Centro Bournigal in Puerto Plata city. Neumologist Johnny Tavarez says they have had 100% success in the recovery of patients that have been treated early on with the drug.
29 April 2020