Message from Group Editor Ilse Schoonraad: Nota Bene - For an expert research paper published on 26 May 2021 regarding the validity of research conducted on Ivermectin, please click here.

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - A new meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Therapeutics on Ivermectin and its effect on Sars-CoV-2 comes to the conclusion that the drug does indeed have the ability to suppress virus multiplication in Covid-19 patients.

A meta-analysis combines all earlier studies on a drug to provide enough numbers to determine the outcomes.

According to Dr Rust Theron, internal specialist at Mediclinic Durbanville, the study found shorter periods of illness and lower mortality rates in patients who take the drug in the correct dosage, formulation and according to the correct regime.

The study refers to Ivermectin formulated for humans only and not the one used in animals which is applied to the skin.

Speaking on Bok Radio, Theron said Ivermectin can be used preventatively, but caution should be exercised. He recommends this only when the Western Cape reaches a peak in the pandemic because long-term use of the drug increases the risk of side-effects. 

"We have admitted patients who misused the drug and even convulsed, because it reduces one's blood sodium levels."

The dosage is 0,2mg per kg of body weight, so a 90kg person will use an 18mg tablet. Preventatively the drug is taken on day one and day three and then once per week. Your doctor can prescribe it, but has to complete an Article 21 form that is submitted to Sahpra (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) that keeps a record of who has used it.

George Herald also spoke to a few local pharmacists on condition of anonymity who said sales in Ivermectin are very lively as doctors are increasingly prescribing it. They said they are aware of many cases where it made a difference in the recovery of patients. The local doctors approached did not want to comment.

'Ivermectin does NOT replace vaccination'

Theron stressed that Ivermectin cannot replace vaccination. Worldwide, vaccination is proving extremely effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalisation and death.

The World Health Organisation's report on the Sisonke trial in South Africa during which healthcare workers were vaccinated, shows that vaccination is 66,9% effective against symptomatic infection after 14 days while the chance of hospitalisation is 93% lower. After 28 days it is 100% effective in preventing hospitalisation.

There is a drastic difference in the figures of countries that have been vaccinated and those which have not. Theron said in the US, where over 324 million doses have been administered, the ICUs are empty of Covid patients and deaths from Covid are starting to disappear. "There is no other illness, no other medication where so many people are being treated at the same time and where their outcomes are being monitored."

In England, where infections are rising fast again, mostly because of people under 30 who have not been vaccinated, Covid deaths are far lower.

According to a Reuters report on Monday 28 June, three deaths were reported in the UK in the preceding 24 hours and 22 868 new infections in the same period.

Dr Rust Theron, internal specialist at Mediclinic Durbanville.

'A lazy sickness'

Dr Angelique Coetzee, chairperson of the South African Medical Association, said she did not want to get involved in a debate about Ivermectin. She is successfully treating and keeping Covid patients out of hospital with other medications.

Coetzee said all the vaccines offer protection against hospitalisation, also in the case of the Delta variant. She warns that people who do not get vaccinated must have a good medical aid and life insurance policy. "If you are over a certain age, are overweight and have diabetes, your chances are good to be hospitalised, maybe you have a 50% chance of not getting out again. We are in a pandemic and we are fighting to keep people alive. We are in a war zone."

She warned that patients seem to do well in the first week after diagnosis, but have to be monitored closely in the second week. Infected people should stop all activities. "I call this a lazy sickness - you have to get into bed or just sit and watch TV. Do not wash the dishes or clean the house or go outside to check on the dogs."

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