Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas says ivermectin is not included in the medications recommended by the Dominican government for treatment of Covid-19 patients. Dr. Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas says that the drug that is has been used for years as a parasite has been approved for experimental use. The cost of a dose for a person in the early phase of the disease is under RD$1,000. The drug is available in pharmacies in the Dominican Republic.
“The Ministry has not issued a resolution authorizing the prescribing of the med for Covid-19,” he said.
The Centro Medico Bournigal in Puerto Plata and affiliated clinic Dr. Canelo in La Romana have prescribed the medicine for patients treated for Covid-19 in Puerto Plata and La Romana with much success. In Santo Domingo, Dr. Alberto Santana, a leading gastroenterologist, says that ivermectin has the least risk of meds used for the disease.
The government received a donation of hydroxychloroquine from the government of India for use in local patients. This drug is said to have a high risk of side effects and requires close medical supervision. Tocilizumab is on the Dominican government coronavirus protocol. Nevertheless, it is a high-cost medicine that is not readily available at most medical centers.
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FDA
Science Direct
Listin Diario
DR1 News
8 May 2020