Medicines control authority warns against misuse of animal medicines

Harare (New Ziana) – The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has warned people against using animal medicines in a bid to manage the symptoms of COVID-19.

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a harsh second wave of the disease, prompting authorities to re-impose a strict 30 day lockdown which began on Monday last week.

The resurgence is blamed on complacency and non adherence to COVID-19 preventative measures.

MCAZ acting director general Richard Rukwata said the unapproved use of medicines could lead to negative health problems.

“In view of the growing number of inquiries and reports received concerning use of Veterinary Ivermectin injection for prevention or treatment of COVID-19, MCAZ is strongly advising members of the public, veterinary medicines general dealers and healthcare practitioners against the use of veterinary formulations in humans for prevention or treatment of COVID-19, or any other health condition,” he said in a statement.

“Veterinary Ivermectin is a veterinary product approved for the treatment and control of parasites in animals only. Veterinary Ivermectin is not indicated nor is it approved by MCAZ for use in humans.”

Rukwata said the law also prohibited the use of veterinary medicines for the treatment of humans.

“Any researchers interested in exploring novel therapeutics for COVID-19 can only do so under clinical trial settings or in any manner after prior authorization by MCAZ,” he said.

“The authority therefore recommends patients and healthcare providers use standard treatment guidelines and protocols approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care as guided by the World Health Organization (WHO).”

The warning by MCAZ came as COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe surged past the 20 000 mark.

This follows the infection of 839 new patients on Saturday, the majority being local transmissions.
“As of 9 January, 2021, Zimbabwe has now recorded 20 499 cases, 12 439 recoveries and 483 deaths,” the Ministry of Health and Child Care said in its daily update.
New Ziana