PMRA WARNS AGAINST THE USE OF HERBALS FOR COVID-19

By Meclina Chirwa

The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority has warned Malawians against using excessive unsafe traditional and herbal medicines as remedies for Covid-19.

In a statement seen by Timveni, Director General Medson Kamala says currently there is no herbal remedy that has been proved to be effective for treating Covid-19.

"PMRA has observed that some people are frequently using Ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasite infections as a remedy for Covid-19." Said, Kamala.

He said it is unsafe to use medicinal products outside its intended purpose and advised people to desist from self-medicating with Ivermectin for as Covid-19 treatment.

Kamala hinted that although it is possible under section 62 subsection 4e of the PMRA Act to use medicines off-label in response to declared health emergency, he was quick to point out that to ensure safe use of medicines this is justifiable where the benefits out-weigh the risks as assessed by a medical doctor.

"We are keenly following on clinical research of Ivermectin on prevention of Covid-19 to find evidence supporting its use for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19." said Kamala.