Karim Slams Ivermectin as 'Toxic to Humans' Despite Covid19 Claims
- Some are calling for Ivermectin to be approved for use on South African shores
- This comes after preliminary studies claimed that the medication has the potential to reduce mortality by over 80%
- However, Professor Salim Abdool Karim has dismissed the research as flawed
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Ivermectin has been sensationalized as a possible answer to the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa.
Source: Getty Images
Calls have been mounting for the South African government to approve the drug for use in the country.
Preliminary studies claimed that the medication has the potential to reduce mortality by over 80%, causing major hype across the world.
Professor Salim Abdool Karim, however, has snubbed the research as flawed due to the small sample size and a lack of clear recommended dosages.
Speaking to JacarandaFM, Karim said that the is no compelling evidence that the medication should be used to treat Covid-19.
In fact, the top government advisor that the required dosage to prevent the virus would likely kill anyone who ingests it:
“The studies are of a really poor quality. Looking at the scientific evidence, there’s no compelling case for this. The doctor who did the overall analysis has also said his evidence isn’t ‘sufficiently robust’. It has to be clearly stated that Ivermectin does not kill the virus: The amount of Ivermectin you need to kill the virus, will also kill you – it’s toxic to humans.”
While the expert understood the need for a possible treatment, this medication was in his opinion not the answer:
“It is quite important when we end up with cases rising and doctors feeling helpless, they want a miracle cure. I understand frustrations, I do, but I’m not sure why Ivermectin has been chosen. It might be that the drug works, yes, but it also may not. However, the evidence is flimsy and there is no compelling case.”
With the stakes high, Karim urged people against calling for patients to take Ivermection:
“At this time, it is irresponsible to tell people to take Ivermectin. People in our industry have a responsibility to protect the public, and ensure that any medication on the market meets the highest standards…”
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that Ramaphosa revealed the outlook for SA's economic recovery amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and explored the African Union's achievements as its current and outgoing Chairperson.
The President pleaded with these nations to release excess vaccine doses to those who need it:
"We are saying release the excess vaccines that you have hoarded. Make them available so that countries who don’t have them can have them."
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Source: Briefly News
