Thread by @cnnphilippines

THREAD: Despite warnings, a congressman is standing by his plan to distribute the anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment.

But what is Ivermectin? And why are other doctors showing support?

Watch #TheSource with @iampinkywebb: bit.ly/2PyniB7

FDA chief Eric Domingo says Ivermectin can be used for animals and humans, but what’s registered in PH is for veterinary use

FDA tells @iampinkywebb: There's nothing illegal about asking for prescription for Ivermectin. Some pharmacies are licensed to do compounding.

Can Rep. Mike Defensor have a doctor prescribe Ivermectin and give it to patients?

FDA: Only pharmacies are allowed to dispense medicines. Technically it's not illegal.

CONTEXT: Rep. Defensor announced on Facebook that he will distribute the drug for free, but a prescription for it is required before receiving a supply bit.ly/3sST8a5

FDA says the value of Ivermectin against COVID-19 is not yet proven, warns there's a possibility of side effects in higher doses

FDA: We can't approve medicines not solidly backed by scientific data. It has to pass through a process.

FDA: A local pharmaceutical company wants to manufacture human-grade Ivermectin. Evaluators will give it priority once documents are completed.

FDA on possibly approving Ivermectin for COVID-19 use: Either papasa ka lang o hindi. There's not much room for pressure.

FDA on Ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment: It's irresponsible to give it to people now without knowing the possible effects. Hintayin na lang natin.

FDA on using Sinovac vaccine for senior citizens: We're just not sure if it will be as effective on senior citizens as it is on younger people. We're collating data before giving a recommendation.

Dr. Benigno Agbayani, President of the Concerned Doctors and Citizens of PH, says there are scientific studies worldwide showing that Ivermectin works to prevent COVID-19.

@WHO says the current evidence on the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients is inconclusive.

Dr. Agbayani on US stance on Ivermectin: From negative, now they are neutral

Dr. Agbayani on Ivermectin: It's an anti-parasitic drug. But since the COVID-19 pandemic, experiments found that it could kill the virus.

The company behind the drug says there is no basis in using it as a treatment for COVID-19. bit.ly/31PQiXt

Dr. Agbayani on Ivermectin for COVID-19 use: WHO didn't even want to comment on it, which is strange.

As of March 31, this is @WHO's recommendation 👇🏽 bit.ly/3t0sCve

Dr. Agbayani to his colleagues: Please, read more on Ivermectin. It's out there. There's an issue on cherry-picking but we should look at the whole picture.

Dr. Agbayani says he’s taken Ivermectin: I recommend it if you’re at high-risk or if there’s a surge. I also recommend it for the elderly, the vulnerable, and the people around them.

FDA earlier said the value of Ivermectin against COVID-19 is not yet proven.

Merck says analysis has shown that there is "no scientific basis for a potential therapeutic effect against COVID-19 from pre-clinical studies... and a concerning lack of safety data in the majority of studies."

Read more: bit.ly/3miavOO